Eager Leason sticks with Astra

Nick Leason has announced his plans to contest a full BTCC season in 2007, at the wheel of NJL Racing with Daniels Motorsport’s Vauxhall Astra Coupe in which he debuted in last year’ final two race meetings.

Leason hopes that by sticking with the older BTC-spec Astra Coupe he can steal a march on teams switching to the new FIA Super 2000 in the opening stages of the season. S2000 is the BTCC’s new premier technical formula as BTC machinery – used since 2001 – is gradually phased out.

The 38-year-old Northampton-based driver said: “We finally made the decision to stick with the same package as last year, as we hope to be strong especially at the beginning of the season among the other BTC-spec cars, and when some teams will have new (S2000) cars and will still be getting to grips with them.

“The Astra is a great car to drive, we know it’s reliable and that’s what you need. Our plan is to run the BTC-spec car for this year as we know it’s a proven package and then decide the best S2000 car for 2008. I believe it was the right decision to go out last year, just to learn the ropes and get some mileage in the car ready for the 2007 season. It was good for me and good for the team to learn more about the car to improve and develop ready for this year.”

Even with just two outings last year, Leason was able to attract support from the BTCC’s huge fan base – even in times of crisis. As he pulled up to the starting grid for the start of the final race of 2006 a wheel fell off his car and, although unsuccessful, his team’s efforts to replace it in time drew huge applause from a 33,000-strong crowd.

Leason added: “I just want to get out there now and do the best job for the team and the fans who have supported me. It has been the best choice to race in the BTCC as it’s just a great package which I am lucky to be part of. We have some great new sponsors who will be announced shortly and will now start testing in the weeks to come.”