Motorbase Performance have confirmed that they will run a third Ford Focus ST for Michael Caine at Rockingham.
Caine, 42, steps up from racing for the team in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB where has has competed for the past five years. In 2008 and 2010 he finished runner up in the series, whilst this season he has had a mixed season in the series and recently missed that last round at Knockhill – leading to rumours he was about to make the step up to the BTCC with the team.
Caine, who will race with the number 6 on his car, is looking forward to making his debut in the BTCC this weekend.
“It’s an opportunity that I thought would never ever arise and I’m delighted,” said Caine, from Newmarket. “I just hope that I can wear the Airwaves brand with pride and represent Motorbase and the sponsors in the correct manner to deliver the results that the team deserve and support Mat and Liam with their challenge for the Championship, and in my little way, hopefully enjoy it!”
Team Principal David Bartrum believes that Caine is the ideal team-mate to both Mat Jackson and Liam Griffin and that he can help the team to success in the championship.
“Michael Caine is the longest serving Motorbase Performance driver so we know him as good as we will ever know any other driver,” said Bartrum. “Michael does everything he can for the team; he’s a Motorbase team player through and through and is the perfect team-mate to drive alongside Mat and Liam.
“The team and Michael are under no illusions that he’s taking on a particularly tough task at the hardest point of the season but with his personality he will be a great addition to the BTCC. I know a lot of people want to see him have this chance so I hope that all the fans will give him the support he rightly deserves.”
Caine’s entry into the championship for the final three meetings of the season marks the second time that the Motorbase team has fielded three cars in the BTCC, after the team ran a third car for Ben Collins at last year’s season finale. This is despite the team having had three Focus’ in their possession all season long – the deal is reported to have come about after certain key sponsors injected more money to help the team to overall championship honours this season.