Handy Motorsport planning two-car entry in 2016 BTCC

Handy Motorsport are working on plans to expand to a two-car entry for the 2016 BTCC season and plan to field a “proven front-running driver” in a newly built Toyota Avensis, the team have announced.

Team principal Simon Belcher says the Swindon-based squad is in extended talks with a number of drivers and has already started building a new Avensis, complete with the new RML Group chassis and components.

The team’s aim is for both the car and new driver to be unveiled at the Autosport International Show in January.

“These are very exciting times for Handy Motorsport”, said Belcher. “We’ve been working on our plans for 2016 and beyond for quite a while now and we’re obviously delighted to confirm the build of a brand new Avensis is already underway. The new RML spec car is an improved design over the existing car and significantly lighter too and the aim is to have the car on display at the Autosport Show in January.

“We have a strong desire to run two cars in 2016, that’s the main plan, and we want to field a front-running BTCC driver in at least one car next year. Discussions are currently taking place where that’s concerned and we’re actively pursuing sponsorship opportunities to help make it happen.”

On his chances at Brands Hatch this weekend, Belcher added: “We have to try and nail qualifying, that’s been a bit of an Achilles heel to be honest as our race pace has been good. I definitely feel I’ve improved as a touring car driver this year and would love to try and break back into the top 15 on the final weekend of the season.”