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Alex MacDowall still hopeful of BTCC drive

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Alex MacDowall remains hopeful of securing a BTCC drive in 2010, following his tests with Motorbase and RML before Christmas. The Renault Clio Cup Runner-Up tested both the BMW 320si and the Chevrolet Lacetti at the tail end of 2009, but like many drivers, is yet to strike a deal for a race drive in the series.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Ray MacDowall confirmed the situation: “We haven’t signed or even agreed any deals for the BTCC in 2010 for Alex.

“We have been talking to several teams about potential drives. However, I think we are still some way from making any deals but we remain hopeful that the ongoing dialogue that we have with several A-class teams will eventually lead to a drive for Alex in the BTCC in 2010.”

The 18-year-old enjoyed his maiden BTCC test with Motorbase at Brands Hatch in December, before going on to test Jason Plato’s Lacetti at Jerez later that month.

“Driving the Chevrolet Lacetti was great fun”, said the Carlisle based racer at the time, “I thoroughly enjoyed our two days at Jerez and working with everyone at RML was an absolute pleasure.

“Having now tested a rear-wheel drive BMW and the front-wheel drive Lacetti, we have plenty of food for thought for next year.

“In the meantime we’re continuing to work as hard as possible to try and attract more sponsors to our 2010 BTCC bid. I can’t thank RML enough for this fantastic opportunity to test with the team and I sincerely hope a deal can be done that will allow me to drive for them in 2010.”

Jerez (along with Barcelona) was also the scene of a pre-Christmas SEAT Leon Supercopa test for MacDowall with the experienced SUNRED Engineering team.

In addition to the BTCC, Alex is also considering options in the Supercopa or a final season in the Clio Cup ahead of a BTCC graduation in 2011.

MacDowall, who celebrates his 19th birthday on Friday has competed in the Renault Clio Cup for the past three seasons, with 2009 being his best year to date in the championship, as he finished runner up to the dominant Phil Glew with four wins to his name.