Dave Newsham joins Team ES Racing

2010 Renault Clio Cup UK champion Dave Newsham will join Bedfordshire-based Team ES Racing for his sophomore season in the British Touring Car Championship, as the team expands to run at least two cars this season.

The team have yet to confirm what package they’ll be running in 2012. In 2011, also the team’s debut year with team owner/driver Chris James, they ran with an ex-RML Chevrolet Lacetti in full S2000 specification.

The team have said they will be running a turbo-equipped car for this season, which is due to be announced later this month.

“Chris is a passionate guy, I saw that from last year, racing with him and talking to him in the paddock. He’s very ambitious and wants to see his cars at the front,” said Newsham.

“I think with having a year’s BTCC experience under my belt I’ve learnt a lot last year and I feel that I can put that to good use this year. Having a quick car is going to help, and if all things go well we should get some podiums and maybe sneak a win or two.”

Team ES Racing will be the third team that the 44-year-old Newsham has competed for in his short BTCC career, starting 2011 with Geoff Steel Racing in the BMW 320si, before joining Special Tuning Racing in their second turbocharged SEAT León from the fourth round at Oulton Park.

Team owner and driver Chris James added:
“2011 was a tough year for us with one of the oldest cars on the grid, but moving forward we are pleased to confirm Dave Newsham for the team along with two turbo race winning pedigree cars.”

“We’ve been in talks with Dave for some time now and we’re glad we can finally announce that he will be driving for us in 2012. It makes sense for us to double our chances of podiums and points by bringing him in to the team.”