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Luke Davenport ‘privileged’ to get BTCC chance

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Rookie Luke Davenport says he feels ‘privileged’ at being given the opportunity to make the step into the BTCC for the 2017 season.

The 23-year-old, who previously competed on the TOCA package in the Ginetta GT Supercup, will drive a Motorbase Performance Ford Focus ST this year having spent the past two seasons racing in the British GT Championship and will partner experienced pair Mat Jackson and Martin Depper.

Davenport will go up against the likes of Ant Whorton-Eales, Will Burns and Senna Proctor in the fight for the Jack Sears Trophy and admitted his delight at joining one of the top teams on the grid for his debut campaign.

“It’s great to be back on the TOCA package after racing GTs for the past couple of seasons,” he said. “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. 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.”

Team boss David Bartrum said he was sure that Davenport would be a strong addition to the grid and would show his potential on track when the season begins at Brands Hatch.

“Luke is a really exciting young driver who is ready to rise to the new challenge of the BTCC;” he said. “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.”