Dave Newsham calls time on BTCC career

Dave Newsham has announced that he is to bring the curtain down on his time in the BTCC to focus on aiding his son in his racing career.

The 50-year-old moved into the BTCC back in 2011 as the Clio Cup UK champion and would spend seven seasons competing in the series, taking two wins during the 2012 season whilst competing with the ES Racing team.

That same season would also see Newsham take his best finish in the championship; finishing ninth overall and sixth in the Independents’ title race.

Newsham also secured the Jack Sears Trophy during 2014 driving AmDTuning.com’s Ford Focus, with his second place at Knockhill being the team’s only podium finish to date.

Having been unable to secure a full-time drive in 2016, Newsham had been set to bring the curtain down on his BTCC career before a two round stint with Power Maxed Racing helped him to earn a return with the new BTC Norlin outfit last year.

Newsham would help to bring the team up to speed as he led at Donington Park and then secured a podium finish at Silverstone in the penultimate meeting of the year.

Despite being tipped to remain with the team this season when it switches to the Honda Civic Type-R, Newsham will instead leave the series to help young son Callum as he prepares to make the move up from karting into car racing.

“It is with great sadness that I have decided to call time on my BTCC career after competing in seven consecutive seasons,” he said. “I can only feel pride in what I have achieved during my time in BTCC, with eight podium finishes including two race wins. Scoring BTC Norlin’s first ever podium in the penultimate round of the 2017 championship means I’m leaving on a high.

“I was almost ready to retire from BTCC at the end of 2016 when out of the blue I was handed a lifeline from BTC Norlin. We achieved some great results together last year and I have to say it was my most enjoyable season so far. I hope I played my part in helping to make this team one of the best in the paddock and wish everyone involved success in the future.

“My focus now turns to my son Callum’s racing career. He has performed very well during his first two seasons in Karting and is now clearly ready to make the jump to car racing. I am looking forward to passing on my wisdom and who knows, the Newsham name may well be back in the TOCA paddock before too long.

“I still love racing cars and have not turned my back on racing completely. I may still drive the odd race when the opportunity comes along in 2018.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fabulous fanbase for their unbelievable support. I would also like to wish everyone competing a safe and enjoyable 2018 season. I will be glued to the TV on BTCC weekends as it is the best motorsport show on earth!”