Team RAC gearing up for new season

Team RAC and it’s drivers Colin Turkington and Stephen Jelley have been putting the final touches to preparations ahead of the first rounds of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season at Brands Hatch on Sunday (30 March).

Team RAC tested at Brands Hatch with Turkington finishing just 8/100’s of a second off fastest. Stephen Jelley continued his solid start to life at Team RAC, and only 3/10’s off his his team-mate on
his first visit to Brands in a Touring car.

WSR Team Principal, Dick Bennetts, said: “We are quietly confident of a good run in this year’s championship. Close season preparations and testing have gone smoothly, with the team working well together while Stephen has settled into his new environment.

“Colin has recorded some very encouraging times in testing and is happy with the car, while Stephen is impressing with every test. It’s going to be a very tough season, but Team RAC are excited and justifiably so.”

Colin Turkington, in his third year with Team RAC, said: “Testing has gone well and I think it’s fair to say we are much further down the road than this time last year. There are plenty of reasons for Team RAC fans to be optimistic and I share those same thoughts.

“It’s my second year in the BMW 320si so hopefully I can put last year’s experiences to good use.”

Stephen Jelley joins Team RAC after three seasons competing in the British Formula 3 Series. The 25-year old started his motorsport career in the Avon Junior Formula Ford Zetec Championship in 2002 before moving into the F3 Scholarship Class the following year.

Jelley said: “I can’t wait to get onto the grid next to some of the great British Touring Car drivers. Team RAC have given me the opportunity to drive in the championship and I intend to make the most of the opportunity. The team have given me fantastic support since my arrival so I am pretty confident.”

Colin Turkington finished the 2007 BTCC season as Independents’ champion, while Stephen Jelley ended the F3 season in 3rd place.

Caroline Mayers, RAC Marketing Manager, commented: “Everybody at RAC is looking forward to the new season at Brands Hatch. I know the team have been working hard over the winter months so hopefully it all points towards a successful 2008 season.”