Photo: PSP Images

Andrew Watson proud of Jack Sears crown

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Andrew Watson said he was proud to secure the Jack Sears Trophy in his rookie season in the BTCC after emerging at the head of a five-way title fight at Brands Hatch.

The Power Maxed Racing driver went into the weekend embroiled in battle with team-mate Mikey Doble, with Sam Osborne, Dexter Patterson and Ronan Pearson all still in contention.

A solid result in race one – and a DNF for Doble – left Watson only needing to finish race two to secure the title and he duly became the third driver after Josh Cook and Senna Proctor to take Jack Sears honours with the team.

“It might not be the overall title but it feels like we had to work just as hard as Ash [Sutton] and NAPA did,” he said. “Everyone commented on how tight it was going to be in the Jack Sears Trophy at the start of the season, and ultimately that was correct with five drivers still in the fight when we got to Brands Hatch.

“To be honest, I’m glad the season is over now because I’m absolutely wrecked! There were a lot of nerves coming into the weekend when the pressure was on, so to get the job done is great. It was the goal from day one and to deliver against some really tough competition is incredible.”

As well as scoring the Jack Sears win, Watson picked up two outright podium finishes in what proved to be a strong campaign for the PMR team – with Doble picking up the only non-NAPA Racing pole of the season and Aron Taylor-Smith scoring a brace of podium finishes to just miss out on the top ten overall.

“The racing this season has been a lot different to what I did before and if you’re off your game in the BTCC, you get eaten alive!” Watson added. “There are times that I know I’ve been off the pace a bit, but there are also times I’ve been right at the front and delivered some results that I’m very proud of.

“As a team, PMR really upped its game this season after a tough year, and four podiums, Independent wins, a pole position and the Jack Sears Trophy is a fantastic performance.

“The whole team is so passionate and puts a huge amount of effort in, and there are times this season when the Astra has been the quickest car on the grid. We’ve shown there is life in the old girl yet!”