British Touring Car Championship outfit AmD Tuning are eager to start the 2014 season in strong fashion, as preparations heat up ahead of the season-opening round this weekend.
The team, based just 13 miles away from the scene of the season opener, Brands Hatch, believe they are ready to impress at their home event.
After four years of racing with a Volkswagen Golf, Shaun Hollamby’s team acquired an NGTC Ford Focus from Motorbase early in the off-season, as well as announcing Dave Newsham as their driver.
A busy start to 2014 preparations has allowed the squad to enjoy a strong pre-season, testing at Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Donington Park.
And Newsham, for whom 2014 will mark his fourth year in the series, believes a strong start to the campaign is in his sights.
“Pre-season testing has gone okay and we know we have good race pace as we go to Brands Hatch,” said the two-time BTCC race winner. “We had a small brake issue at Donington last week and then the rain meant we didn’t get to show our hand so we don’t really know where we stand, but the aim for me is to try and bring home a top six finish from the weekend.
“That won’t be easy given the strength of the grid, but it is certainly achievable, although our focus at this stage of the season has to be on making sure we get three finishes and points on the board.”
“I think I’ve settled into the team well so far, and its helped that I’ve worked with some of the guys before in the past when I was racing elsewhere. I’m really excited to be involved with AmDTuning.com and can’t wait for the first round to get underway.”
Team boss and owner Hollamby, who took a victory in the Jack Sears Trophy under the 2013 regulations, also believed that despite the strength of the 2014 field, his outfit can start the season strongly.
“It will be a weird feeling when we roll up at Brands Hatch and bring the Focus out of the truck after four seasons running our VW Golf, but these are exciting times for us as a team,” he said. “Pre-season testing has gone well and has allowed Dave to settle in with the team, while also giving us the opportunity to learn about the new NGTC car.
“I don’t doubt that this season will be the most competitive we have faced since joining the BTCC back in 2010, but with the package we have in the Ford and with Dave at the wheel, we are ready for the challenge that lies ahead.
“Dave has shown his pace at Brands Hatch in the past and hopefully we can put in a strong display to start our season on a high.”