Team RAC to enter Colin Turkington in WTCC at Brands Hatch

Team RAC has announced that they are to enter driver Colin Turkington as a wild card entry in Rounds 17 and 18 of the FIA World Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch on 23 September.

Turkington, who currently stands fifth in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, has been very impressive at the Kent circuit this season, securing pole position on both occasions the BTCC has been held there, along with two second placed finishes in April and a victory last month.

The Ulsterman will race Team RAC’s BMW 320si E90 at Brands Hatch – the same model which helped Andy Priaulx win the WTCC driver’s championship last year, and currently being used by the top 3 drivers in this year’s championship standings.

Colin Turkington said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and I’m grateful to everyone at Team RAC for giving me the chance to race against the best Touring Car drivers in the world. I’m determined to put on a good show for Team RAC and certainly won’t be there to make up the numbers. I’ve got a good record at Brands Hatch and the performance of the car has been very quick at recent rounds so I’m confident of being right in the thick of the action.”

Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, added: “We’re very excited about testing ourselves in the World Touring Car Championship and believe we can make a big impression. We have a proven car in the WTCC with the BMW 320si E90 and an outstanding young driver behind the wheel.

“Colin has proven credentials at Brands Hatch and has learnt a great deal about the Team RAC BMW this season, which will make him very competitive in the two races. It’s a great opportunity for everyone involved with Team RAC and we’re determined to make the most of it.”

Shaun Meadows, Marketing Director, commented: “RAC are delighted that Colin will line up in the WTCC later this month. It’s a natural extension for RAC to look to test our car and driver in the WTCC after our two seasons in BTCC, and we’ll be able to build on those credentials.

“RAC are committed to supporting young British motorsport talent and see this as a superb opportunity for Colin to continue developing his talent by testing himself against the best in the world.

“It will also allow RAC the chance to showcase our motoring expertise to a new audience and we’re looking forward to working with the World Touring Car Championship, its fans and followers.”