Speedworks Motorsport will give tests to Richard Hawken, Chris Jones and Ian Loggie at the forthcoming two day Dunlop tyre test at Snetterton.
With the teams’ regular driver, Dave Newsham, unavailable for the two day Dunlop tyre test, the team has taken the opportunity to give three potential future drivers’ a chance to show what they can do.
“These guys are all potential future drivers, and this is a great opportunity to get them in a car,” said team Principal Christian Dick.
“We don’t intend to burden them with pressure in terms of workload or expectation of how quick they should be – it’s purely a chance for each of them to gain experience.
“It’s a case of getting our heads down and keeping the blinkers on to achieve what we set out to.”
Hawken was in contention for a drive with the team in the 2013 British Touring Car Championship after talking to the team during the off season and he feels he is ready to make the jump into the BTCC.
“I’m ready to make the jump, although I acknowledge it’s a big one,” said the 41 year old, a three times Champion at the wheel of an ex-David Leslie Nissan Primera.
Having tested for the team before the start of the season and had talks to join the team, Hawken’s aim to join the BTCC is undimmed.
“The meeting I had with Christian was the best one of a lot,” explained the Walton-on-Thames based racer.
“When he asked if I wanted some seat time at Snetterton, it was an easy decision to make.
“I want badly to have a crack at this, and the chance to have a taste of NGTC machinery takes me a step closer to what I’m working towards, which is to be a part of this great championship in the future.”
Joining Hawken at Snetterton are current class leaders in the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship, Chris Jones and Ian Loggie. They race a Team Parker Racing prepared Porsche 911.
Both drivers spent time testing the Toyota Avensis at Donington Park earlier in the year.
“I’ve loved the BTCC since I was small, so to be out testing with the likes of Jason Plato and Matt Neal is exciting as they were heroes to me as a youngster,” said Jones.
“It will be a bit like the first day at school for us, and one with lots of people watching, but I plan to learn as much as possible about the car.
“If I can help Speedworks collect some useful data along the way, then that would be the best way to say thank you.”
Loggie, 50, only made his racing debut two years ago in the BRSCC Porsche Boxster Championship and made the move into Britcar for the 2013 campaign.
“I’m looking for a challenge, and that’s what the BTCC presents,” explains the Co-owner of Logson Group.
“It captures my interest for the high number of quality drivers on the grid, and inspires me to improve so that I might one day join them.”
Ollie Jackson in the sister car will be present over the two days in Norfolk ahead of rounds 16, 17 and 18 of the season over the 3rd/4th August.