Mikey Doble will make his British Touring Car Championship début in 2023 when he gets behind the wheel of Power Maxed Racing’s third Vauxhall Astra.
The 24-year-old will line up alongside fellow rookie Andrew Watson and the experienced Árón Taylor-Smith in the expanded outfit.
Doble is no stranger to the TOCA paddock, having contested the Ginetta GT5 Challenge in recent seasons, culminating in his title-winning campaign in 2022 – a title awarded following an appeal in November.
Last year, he won 12 races and scored ten further podium finishes in a dominant campaign, whilst also contesting the BMW Compact Cup, in which he also ended the year as champion.
Doble began his car racing career in 2018 in the BMW Compact Cup, continuing in the category in 2019 and 2020. The following year he moved to the Ginetta GT5 Challenge, ending the year fourth overall in the standings, before lifting the title in 2022.
“To be able to announce I’ll be joining the BTCC for 2023 is an absolute dream come true,” said Doble. “I’ve watched the BTCC for more than 20 years’ and have always had my sights set on one day becoming a touring car driver.
“Since I started karting from the age of six, I’ve been able to climb up the motorsport ladder and becoming double champion last year has really been a key factor in giving me the opportunity to achieve what has been a personal long-term goal.
“I’d like to thank CarStore Power Maxed Racing for believing in me enough to give me this opportunity; joining their line-up gives me great confidence of taking on the challenge of what will be my rookie year in the BTCC.
“Stepping up into the BTCC is of course a huge jump for anyone, but with the professionalism and experience that PMR possess, I’ll be aiming to score points and challenge for the Jack Sears Trophy. I can’t wait to begin working with them!
“Finally, I would like to thank everyone that has helped me along the way on my journey to the BTCC.
“From my partners who will be announced shortly and management team at Fewkes Sport Management to of course my family, who have wanted this as much as I have – they’ve all played a huge part!
“It’s going to be a fantastic season and I’m eager to get things underway in April.”
Adam Weaver, Team Principal of Power Maxed Racing, is encouraged by a positive off-season for the Warwickshire-based team, which has seen it announce an expanded and entirely-new driver line-up for 2023.
“We’ve been used to the off-season sometimes being a dark place for us,” said Weaver. “Having to get everything agreed again for another year is nerve wracking however this year it’s been incredible.
“Having the security of a five-year deal with CarStore has allowed us to go into the winter with confidence and put our efforts in to the car and staff development.
“This has allowed us to secure a third licence [TBL] and build an additional car so that we can welcome yet another great prospect to the BTCC.
“Down the years we’ve helped two drivers go on to win the Jack Sears Trophy and in 2023 we have two fantastic racers that are eligible for the accolade.
“Mikey is a talented, focused individual and we can’t wait to realise his dreams with him. We’ve never been more excited and confident about a season; we’re looking forward to getting back to winning ways.”