Power Maxed Racing has announced that, with Kelvin Fletcher’s wife due to give birth ahead of this weekends British Touring Car Championship triple header at Knockhill, former driver Dave Newsham is set to replace the actor behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Cruze.
Newsham, a two-time winner in the BTCC, previously competed in the series for five consecutive seasons between 2011-2015, sampling five different machines in each campaign. His career totals also include seven podium finishes, a singular pole position and two fastest laps.
The 49-year old has been plying his trade in the British Rallycross Championship with Power Maxed as a result of budgetary issues cutting short his BTCC aspirations for 2016 during the off-season.
His return will be a welcome one amongst the BTCC contingent, not least by the Scottish spectators set to enjoy their annual dose of action north of the border around the notoriously challenging 1.27 mile Knockhill circuit, where Newsham claimed his last podium finish to date in 2014.
Fletcher, who admitted it was a shame to lose some of his momentum as he chases an increase in performance from both driver and car, stated that Newsham’s record speaks for itself and it was especially pleasing for him to have another Power Maxed racer fill the vacant seat for the triple header.
“As much as I love the BTCC, and I love to race, the birth of my first child is not something I can miss, Liz is due any day now, and I just can’t be in two places at once,” said Fletcher.
“I feel like I have been making progress this year and am aware that I don’t want to lose the momentum, and the BTCC demands 100% focus, but I want to be there to support Liz,”
“It is great to see fellow PMR driver and local hero Dave step in for Knockhill, he has an excellent track record there, and I can’t think of anybody I’d rather have to keep the seat warm.”
Newsham himself admitted he was grateful for the opportunity, and duly snapped it up when it arose, and with the latest upgrades to the Chevrolet Cruze he is gunning to get back behind the wheel.
“The BTCC has always held a special place in my heart, and when Adam (Weaver) approached me to stand in for Kelvin, I couldn’t get the word yes out fast enough.”
“The team and car were great last year and with the upgrades for this year; I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel.”
“Kelvin has made significant progress in the car this year but family is family, and we’ll keep our ears open for baby news this weekend.”
Team Principal Adam Weaver conceded that a driver change had always been on the cards around the seventh meeting of the campaign and expressed his pleasure at Newsham returning to the fold.
“Kelvin has been great this year, but we always knew that the birth of his first child would be close to the round in Knockhill so that a driver change would be a possibility,” said Adam Weaver, Power Maxed Racing Team Principal.
“We’re delighted to have kept working with Dave and when we knew we had to find a stand in, there was no discussion, Dave was the man for the job.”