Dave Newsham will drive AMD Tuning’s newly-acquired NGTC Ford Focus in the 2014 British Touring Car Championship after signing a deal with Shaun Hollamby’s outfit.
The 46-year-old had signed a deal with the squad earlier in the month, but was scheduled to reveal the news at the Autosport International Show in January before bringing the announcement forward to today (Tuesday 10th December).
The move means that Newsham will leave Speedworks after just one season with the team, the Scot having endured a testing year despite showing plenty of potential in the Toyota Avensis.
Newsham admitted that the experience of his new team boss played a big part in his decision to switch teams for 2014, and was keen to be able to get his hands on podium-finishing machinery.
“It’s two announcements here, first the announcement that I am moving on from Speedworks, with whom I have enjoyed working during the 2013 season. I wish them well for the future,” said Newsham.
“Looking ahead, I can hardly wait to get started with my new team AmD, and there are many reasons why AmD was top of my list for 2014. Shaun Hollamby, team principle of AmD is a former BTCC driver; he knows exactly what it is like to be in my shoes. I respect him highly, and he runs a very professional operation with very experienced personnel, some of whom I have worked with before.
“We will be running an ex-Motorbase (Airwaves) NGTC Ford Focus. The car is very developed, and was seen regularly on the podium towards the end of the 2013 season. So in essence, the whole package should be a marriage made in heaven.”
Hollamby was also thrilled to announce the signature of one of the series’ most consistent performers, who he believes can take the Focus to the front of the field.
“AmDtuning.com is delighted to have Dave Newsham in the driving seat of our Ford Focus in the 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship,” said Hollamby. “The level of competition on the grid means that every element of the team has to be at a very high level to succeed and Dave has shown race winning speed and race craft since entering the BTCC. AmDtuning.com is looking forward to providing him with the tools to be a regular podium contender.”
AMD Tuning announced their plans to run a Motorbase-built NGTC Ford Focus in the series next year on Friday.