Photo: PSP Images

Major rebuild sees AmD Tuning prepared for Oulton Park return

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Mike Bushell and the AmD Tuning squad will return to action at Oulton Park after a major rebuilding project saw the Ford Focus repaired after Thruxton’s incident.

Bushell never made it passed qualifying following an incident with Speedworks Motorsport’s Simon Belcher left the Ford with extensive damage and its driver with severe ligament driver.

However, thanks to a crowdfunding effort from the BTCC fanbase, who helped raise over £10,000 in less than 24 hours, the car has been repaired and will be back on track at Oulton Park this weekend.

“This is a big weekend for me and I have to thank the team for the hard work they’ve put in to fix the car, and of course the fans who have supported me,” said Bushell. “It’s one thing for people to say they will back you when something happens like the accident at Thruxton, but I didn’t expect so many to then actually do it.”

“Without doubt, the crowdfunding idea that Mike had was absolutely key in us pulling everything together for Oulton Park,” added team boss Shaun Hollamby. “The response was overwhelming and we’re looking forward to thanking each and every person who got involved in the coming weeks and months.”

Bushell’s recovery from ligament damage also included concerns over a previous heart condition, but neither were enough to keep the Tunbridge Wells driver away from the BTCC grid. The AmD driver will also have to start from the back of the grid for the first race, having received a verbal warning for the incident with Belcher, his third reprimand of the year.

“I’d say I probably feel like I’m about 95% fit as I still have some discomfort, but I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel this weekend,” he said. “The last two meetings just didn’t go to plan and for me, Oulton Park is where my season really starts.

“I don’t think I’ve had chance to display what I’m capable of in the BTCC yet this year, and I want show why I won the Clio title last year. I’m not going into the weekend to just make up the numbers despite my penalty, as I feel we’ll have a quick car that will allow me to set a good lap time in race one – which will then decide my starting slot for race two. If we can get into the top 15 on the grid, then we can aim for more in race three.”