The British Rallycross Championship have this morning announced that BTTC driver Dave Newsham will contest its 2016 series with an ex-FIA European Rallycross Championship Ford Fiesta Mk6 Supercar.
Newsham will switch from a Chevrolet Cruze which he raced for the Power Maxed Racing squad in the 2015 British Touring Car Championship for a Ford Fiesta Mk6 Supercar, previously used by Polish Rallycross champion Marcin Wicik.
On his 2016 move, Newsham said:
“I’m really looking forward to a great season in British Rallycross. I love watching the action on TV, its one of the most exciting forms of motorsport there is. I had the pleasure of sampling it for myself at the 2014 Grand Prix – that got me hooked. I really enjoyed working with PMR last year and I am delighted to be remaining part of the family and looking forward to a long future with the team. Their professionalism and skill will stand us in good stead in British Rallycross.”
Newsham is not completely new to RX. The 48-year-old who will remain with the Power Maxed Racing team, made his Rallycross debut at the MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix in 2014, driving an Extreme Motorsport Super1600 Citroën Saxo, finishing 13th overall.
“Rallycross will take a bit of getting used to as I’ve spent the last few seasons trying to avoid the gravel but getting behind the wheel of a 600BHP monster is going to be fantastic, I can’t wait,” he continued.
Power Maxed Racing team principal Adam Weaver raced in the Swift Sport British Rallycross category in 2015 and is excited to have Newsham in the team’s Supercar this season.
“It is great news for the team that Dave has agreed to take a sabbatical from the BTCC to help PMR in our development year in British Rallycross,” said Weaver. “British Rallycross has long been on my radar and I’m really pleased to be entering this year. I’m incredibly passionate about Rallycross. We are taking a phased approach into the championship, this year we will be entering a proven car from 2015 before going on to build our own cars for 2017.”
The first round of the MSA British Rallycross Championship takes place at Croft Circuit on March 6. Full story on RallycrossBRX.com
Here pictured in 2012, Newsham will switch from a Chevrolet Cruze to a Ford Fiesta Mk6 Supercar in 2016 © Wikipedia/Robk23oxf/ERC24
Newsham pictured driving during the 2012 BTTC season. © Wikipedia/Robk23oxf/ERC24
Top Photo: Newsham will drive a Fiesta Mk6 as used by Marcin Wicik, here pictured in 2013. © Michał Kondrowski/ERC24