Ant Whorton-Eales will return to the British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton this weekend, racing the second AmD Tuning MG6 alongside Rory Butcher, after Tom Boardman was dropped from the team.
Whorton-Eales made his BTCC début in 2017 with the West Thurrock-based team, taking a best result of sixth in the latter stages of the season at Silverstone.
Initially unable to secure a BTCC drive for 2018, Whorton-Eales switched his focus to the MINI Challenge, where he has immediately impressed, currently leading the standings after three wins to-date.
The 24-year-old Renault Clio Cup champion will drive one of the team’s MG6 cars, which became available after Tom Boardman was dropped by the Essex team during the mid-season break.
Whorton-Eales is looking forward to his return to the championship on a unique weekend for the BTCC, which will see an additional qualifying session before the final race of the weekend followed by a double-length sprint with no success ballast for the majority of the field and double points awarded.
However, Whorton-Eales will have to carry 45 kg of ballast this weekend, due to being a new entrant to the championship in 2018.
“I was really interested in taking part in the Snetterton weekend with the special Diamond Double race, and it’s great that we’ve been able to do a deal with Shaun to race the MG,” said Whorton-Eales.
“It’s a bit of a last minute thing and I know that it will be a huge challenge, but I’m really looking forward to it and I have to say thanks to Shaun and to both AutoAid and RCIB Insurance for the opportunity.
“I’ve never even sat in the MG and having got used to racing the MINI this season, it will take me a bit of time to get back up to speed in a touring car but I’m hopeful we can have a decent weekend on track.
“It’s hard to make any predictions in terms of what to expect results wise, so I’m just going to go out there, enjoy myself and see what happens. If I can get somewhere close to Rory then I think it’ll be a job well done.”
Team Principal Shaun Hollamby is pleased to be working with Whorton-Eales again after a positive first season last year.
“We’ve had a busy summer period after the changes we decided to make to the MG programme and we’re delighted to be able to welcome Ant back into the AmD fold this weekend,” added Hollamby.
“We know what he is capable of from our time working together last season and even though he will be driving the MG for the first time, we are confident he can do a good job on track.
“We’re sure that Ant and Rory will work well together as a team and we head back to Snetterton after the recent test in confident mood.
“The double points race means there is a good opportunity to put a big score on the board this weekend and there is no reason why both drivers can’t be right in the mix for a points finish.”