Power Maxed & Dave Newsham can rallycross campaign to focus on 2017 BTCC

Power Maxed Racing and Dave Newsham have brought an end to their programme in the British Rallycross Championship in order to focus on returning to the grid together in 2017.

The move comes after a successful return to the BTCC for Newsham at Knockhill, qualifying and finishing in the top ten in Race 1 while filling in for Kelvin Fletcher in the #71 Chevrolet Cruze.

The team and Newsham concluded that the budget which was to be spent competing in the remaining three rounds of the championship at Lydden Hill, Pembrey and Croft, would be better allocated towards a 2017 BTCC campaign.

“The response before I got to the track was overwhelming on social media and after I arrived, well it went to another level,” said Newsham. “I didn’t think anyone would really miss me, but I couldn’t have been more wrong, thankfully.

“It’s a shame as Rallycross is so much fun and the car is very competitive now, I’ve taken heat wins, seconds and thirds. With the early teething issues ironed out now, it is in the perfect place for somebody with the right budget to challenge for the championship. It simply needs a new livery and you’ll have virtually a brand new car.”

Power Maxed Racing team principal Adam Weaver added:

“It’s a shame to withdraw from British Rallycross as it is such a strong championship but I completely understand Dave’s decision as we too are massively subsiding the Rallycross drive. The cars are extremely expensive to run; they’re like works rally cars! We have invested close to £50,000 in car developments, £30,000 on engine upgrades, new wiring loom, ECU, dash then plenty of labour on top.”