Joe Girling confirmed for BTCC with Chevrolet Cruze

Joe Girling is going to drive a S2000 specification Chevrolet Cruze for M247 Racing in this year’s British Touring Car Championship.
“It’s quite daunting to be honest but it’s obviously very exciting too. To be racing in the same events as the likes of Matt Neal and Jason Plato is a little surreal, but I’ll be aiming to keep my head down and produce some decent results,” said Girling to btcc.net.

M247 Racing, also known as Finesse Motorsport, is a former Renault Clio Cup team that has joined forces with Tech-Speed Motorsport.
“Working with Finesse makes sense for us as a one car team. We believe the Cruze is still a very capable car, and are confident that Joe will soon settle in and find good results amongst the Jack Sears runners,” said Team Manager Marving Humphries.

The team is preparing for the first official BTCC test of 2013, as well as private testing ahead of the season premiere.
“We’re hoping to squeeze a day or so in after the official test at Donington Park. I did have a run in the car at Donington prior to Christmas but it was minus four degrees and to be honest it was hard to get a feel for the car. Hopefully, however, that will come with our test programme, so we’ll be ready for the opening round of the season,” said Girling.

Girling has previously raced in Britcar and the Clio Cup winter series, as well as the BARC Production Touring Car Trophy.
“I am not one to make bold claims and I’m sure it will take me a little while to acclimatise to it all, but I am confident in my own ability and the Cruze is also a very capable car,” said Girling.