Luke Davenport expressed his delight at a return to the TOCA package after the former Ginetta GT4 Supercup racer inked a deal to become Motorbase’s third driver for this season’s British Touring Car Championship.
Davenport, who will run at the Independent Teams Champions alongside series stalwart Mat Jackson and the experienced Martin Depper, finished 19th in last year’s British GT Championship at the wheel of a Tolman Motorsport Ginetta G55 GT4.
Having previously tasted success on the high-profile TOCA package in the form of a Teams Championship title in the 2014 Ginetta Supercup, Davenport explained the atmosphere at race meetings was a large draw in his decision to return.
“It’s great to be back on the TOCA package after racing GTs for the past couple of seasons.” he commented.
“I have fond memories from racing in the Ginetta Supercup in 2014 when we won the Teams’ Championship with United Autosports and there’s really nothing quite like the buzz of the BTCC. If you’re involved in British Motorsport you can’t help but keep an eye on the BTCC and the incredible reach and impact it has. I feel incredibly privileged to get the opportunity not only to race in the UK’s leading series but to also be joining a front-running team in my rookie year. There’s a great atmosphere within the Motorbase team and their results speak for themselves.
“I have to say a big thank you to Alex at DUO for helping to put this deal together;” continued Davenport. “DUO has supported me since 2014 and they’ve been essential to my development as a driver and helped me to reach the stomping ground of the BTCC. I hope to repay that support with some great results this year.”
Davenport’s status as a newcomer to the championship means he will be eligible to compete in the Jack Sears Trophy, awarded to the most successful rookie at the conclusion of each season.
His potential excites Motorbase Team Principal David Bartrum, who believes the 23-year old will be at the sharp end of proceedings from the first round at Brands Hatch in April.
“Luke is a really exciting young driver who is ready to rise to the new challenge of the BTCC;” Bartrum explained. “His pace is without question and I’m sure he will be making waves as soon as the flag drops at Brands Hatch. His approach during his initial test impressed us from the start and his driving ability and detail both in and out of the car was the best we’ve seen for a long time, so we’re really looking forward to his showing.”
Davenport’s new Ford Focus ST charger is on display at the Dunlop BTCC stand, which takes pride of place at the annual Autosport International Show at the NEC until Sunday 15th January.