Rob Austin Racing have had their second TOCA BTCC Licence (TBL) suspended, after the car of Hunter Abbott failed to take part in Sunday’s races at Knockhill due to the birth of his first child.
Abbott had worked to find a replacement driver for the event, as his wife was heavily pregnant and expected to give birth at any time. However a late deal for a stand-in fell through, resulting in Abbott electing to make the trip to Scotland in the hope that his wife would not go into labour at the weekend.
Although Abbott took part in qualifying on Saturday, putting his car 21st in the times, his wife then went into labour on Sunday and Abbott withdrew from the event to travel back to London to experience the birth of his son.
As a result of the circumstances, TOCA have suspended the team’s second licence. The car will still be allowed to run for the events in the remainder of the season.
The full statement from TOCA reads: “Due to the withdrawal from the Knockhill Championship Meeting of Car No. 54 (Exocet AlcoSense) under extenuating circumstances, the Administrator has suspended the TBL associated with that entry for the balance of the season.
“The entry remains valid for the remaining Championship Races.”