Andrew Jordan begins BTCC career

Andrew Jordan’s career as a British Touring Car Championship driver began today (Friday) when he had his first drive in the second Honda Integra that he will race for the Eurotech/John Guest team in 2008.

Jordan, son of BTCC favourite Mike Jordan, was in action at the Silverstone circuit in his ex-Team Dynamics/Gordon Shedden Integra. The 18-year-old will partner his father in a two-car Eurotech/John Guest-Speedfit squad in next year’s BTCC.

This weekend, Jordan Jnr will be in action at Croft where he could become the youngest ever MSA British Rallycross champion. He has also this season enjoyed a successful first season of circuit racing in the BTCC’s supporting Renault Clio Cup.

The youngster, from Lichfield, told BTCC.net: “The day’s gone really well. I was extremely excited and a bit anxious leaving the pit lane for the first time but I soon got into it and our pace has been good. This is a pure race car and lovely to drive. The biggest thing I’ve noticed is that the brakes are awesome – I think that’s where a lot of the time will come.”

Jordan will become one of the youngest drivers in history to race in the BTCC when he lines up on the grid for next year’s opening rounds at Brands Hatch on 30 March.

He added: “I guess today is where it’s all started for me in the BTCC. Now I can’t wait for those opening rounds next year. I’m taking a holiday after this weekend and then we’ve got four or five days’ testing planned before Christmas.

“I don’t think I’m too young for the BTCC – I’ve done four years of racing now (having started in junior rallycross) and if you can drive, you can drive. Look at Tom Chilton, he started in the BTCC at 16! But it is going to be about learning and gaining respect. By mid-season I’d like to be pushing on a bit. Having my father as a team-mate will be invaluable because of all his experience with set-up and so on.”