Senna Proctor has become the first driver to be announced as racing for the works Power Maxed Racing-run Vauxhall team in the 2017 British Touring Car Championship.
Proctor, 18, graduates from the Renault Clio Cup, which he took part in for the first time in 2016. Proctor took a brace of podiums in the season, finishing third in the Graduate Cup and eighth overall in the drivers’ championship.
Before that, Proctor took part in the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2015, where he scored four race wins and took 13 podium finishes out of 20 races.
Now the Bridlington racer has his sights set on securing the Jack Sears’ Trophy for the best rookie driver in the 2017 campaign.
“The realisation that I will be lining up on the BTCC grid has not sunk in yet, let alone that I will be racing for a manufacturer,” said Proctor. “For that manufacturer to be Vauxhall is almost too good to be true. I really cannot wait to get behind the wheel of the Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra to perfect my craft in the top flight of British motor sport.
“This move has probably come a year earlier than planned, but when you are offered an opportunity like this then of course you don’t turn it down. I know I will have to work very hard to gain the respect of my fellow competitors, some of whom are the best touring car drivers in the world.
“I am under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead and will approach it with the seriousness it deserves. I have always admired what Power Maxed Racing have achieved, and their technical skill and teamwork fill me with confidence that this will be a long and fruitful partnership.”
Power Maxed Racing Team Principal Adam Weaver believes that the team could build a long-term relationship with Proctor, as it continues to promote young talent in the championship.
“I’m so excited to have Senna on-board,” said Weaver. “He caught my attention back in 2015 in Ginetta Juniors. I was impressed by how he excelled against very tough competition, and it’s great to be helping him to realise both his dream and his potential of racing in the BTCC.
“It’s fantastic to once again be supporting and developing young talent, as we did with Josh Cook in 2015. I think Senna will cope with the added pressure this drive brings as he seems to have a very old head on young shoulders. In Senna, I think we have signed a driver who we can build a long-term relationship with and turn into a future champion.
“Senna will inject a healthy dose of youth and enthusiasm into the team, and I’m sure both he and our other driver – who will be a more experienced, household name – will keep each other on their toes and continually spur each other on.”