Andrew Watson to make British Touring Car Championship debut with Bidford-based Power Maxed Racing
ANDREW Watson is looking to “surprise a few people” as he prepares to make his British Touring Car Championship debut with Power Maxed Racing.
The 27-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the Bidford-based team having competed in the likes of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, GT World Challenge Europe and the British GT Championship since 2015.
The Northern Irishman, who will drive one of PMR’s Vauxhall Astras in during the 2023 season, has also competed in some of the world’s major endurance races, such as the Daytona and Spa 24-hour events.
He also had class podiums at the 6 Hours of Monza, 8 Hours of Bahrain and the Bathurst 12 Hour.
Now looking forward to the challenge of competing in Britain’s most competitive motorsport series, Watson said: “Getting the opportunity to compete in the BTCC is really exciting. The championship itself is highly competitive and offers a challenge which I am eager to tackle.
“From 2012 to 2014 I raced as part of the support package through the Ginetta ladder and I’ve always loved following the championship. It’s a big change for me in a lot of aspects but the team’s knowledge and professionalism will help me on that journey.
“They have a background in forging the achievements of some of the current grid’s top drivers and that gave me every indication that this was the right match for myself and I can’t wait to get out on track.”
He added: “I’d really like to thank everyone at Power Maxed Racing for this opportunity, which I’m very grateful for and I am looking forward to representing them out on track. It is going to be a completely different challenge and skill-set for me but I’m going into it with my eyes wide open and fully committed to the task ahead.
“The challenge of front-wheel drive will be an interesting one, but I’m looking forward to tackling it and I have no doubt that with an experienced team around me, we will be able to surprise a few people this year.”
PMR team principal Adam Weaver said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Andrew into the team for our 2023 BTCC campaign.
“He brings with him plenty of knowledge and racing ability, and this will be crucial in our push for more success this upcoming season.”
Watson will be represented by MB Parnters this season. CEO Mark Blundell – a former F1 racing driver for Brabham, Ligier, Tyrrell and McLaren – said the move was a “great opportunity” for Watson to immerse himself in one of the most competitive championships.
He added: “He has great experience in a range of machinery at the highest level and he’s typically always been fast no matter what he has jumped in over the years – he is aware of the challenges he will be facing in his debut season, but we have no doubt he will do a fantastic job.”
