Youngster James Nash, driving an RML-entered Chevrolet Lacetti, will join the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship grid from Oulton Park’s fourth round onwards.
Nash, aged 23, graduates to the UK’s premier motor racing championship after a successful early career in Formula Ford single-seaters and, last year, the SEAT Leon Eurocup in which he finished fifth outright.
It has been confirmed that Nash will score points solely for RML in the outright and independent teams' championships - not for the sister Racing Silverline squad whose Chevrolets, driven by Jason Plato and Mat Jackson, are also fettled by Ray Mallock's Wellingborough-based outfit.
The Newport Pagnell driver said: “I’m extremely happy that we have finally reached this deal with RML. We’ve been looking at BTCC for some time, following a great first-season in the Eurocup last year, and I am just really excited to be working with RML. It’s a big organization with a rich history in touring cars and of course, RML runs the very successful works Chevrolet team in the World touring car championship.”
He added: “Having switched from single-seater to saloons at the beginning of last year, I have relatively little experience in comparison to other competitors in the BTCC. However, through working with RML I know this will be one of the biggest stepping stones in my career and, to date, one of the most positive moves I have made.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out there. Having raced in UK Formula Ford I am familiar with all the circuits on the calendar this year and front-wheel-drive isn’t completely new to me. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot and make the very best of this opportunity and give it my all.”
RML team manager Paul Field commented: “It’s great that we have managed to put a deal together to run James. Our BTCC team is just going from strength to strength and is growing tremendously quickly over such a short period of time.
“James has been highly competitive in every series he has raced in and I know has caught the eye of many in the industry. His enthusiasm and willingness to learn has also impressed me and we’re all looking forward to working with him and seeing how he fares in his first outing at Oulton Park.”
