Austin revving up for another Touring Car campaign with Handy Motorsport - The Evesham Observer

Austin revving up for another Touring Car campaign with Handy Motorsport

Evesham Editorial 11th Jan, 2017   0

POPULAR Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship team Handy Motorsport will retain the services of star driver Rob Austin for the 2017 season when the outfit will be targeting race wins and a sustained front-running challenge.

Austin’s confirmation behind the wheel of the squad’s Toyota Avensis for a second consecutive campaign in the UK’s biggest and best motor racing championship brings tremendous continuity for the team, off the back of its best ever season in the BTCC in 2016.

Not only did the Evesham driver take Handy Motorsport to its maiden podium finish in touring cars last year – Austin’s first ever BTCC campaign in front-wheel drive – he added two more rostrum results and also scorched to a brace of Independents Trophy wins during the second half of the season.

In further news ahead of the new BTCC campaign, the Wiltshire squad has moved its entire operation under one roof at the main headquarters in Swindon. For the past three years, Handy has worked in partnership with Speedworks Motorsport but for 2017 will be a true standalone entity.




“Firstly, I’m obviously very happy to be part of Handy Motorsport again for the new BTCC season,” said Austin.

“We always knew there would be a learning curve relating to all aspects in 2016 – driving, engineering, management and personnel. The BTCC is so competitive, all of these aspects have to be perfect to get to the front and I will admit it took longer than I expected.


“Our continuous improvement each time out through the second half of last season, though, capped off with a front row qualifying and a great podium at one of my weakest tracks to round the year off, shows that we just about got there in the end.

“There is no reason that form won’t continue, so it’s exciting to be going into the 2017 season with a car that can win and is so well supported.”

He added: “We have some exciting new partnerships in place and have retained the fantastic support from our existing partners. I can’t wait to show them off together with our exciting new livery at Autosport International.”

Hot on the heels of the fantastic news of Austin’s continuation in Handy colours, the fans’ favourite will be appearing with team principal Simon Belcher at this week’s annual Autosport International Show extravaganza at Birmingham NEC.

Regarded as the true start of the motor racing year, on the opening morning of the show on Thursday, January 12, a stunning new livery for the squad’s Toyota will be revealed on the Dunlop BTCC stand (6440, Hall 6). Additionally, a brand new high profile commercial partner will be announced on the first day with confirmation of the team’s full portfolio of key backers.

Austin will appear across all four days of Autosport International and will take part in a number of autograph sessions for fans as well as ‘meet and greet’ opportunities on the Legends Cars stand, which will be adjacent to the Dunlop BTCC stage. Austin and Belcher are ambassadors for Legends Cars, both having competed in the hugely entertaining all-action category.

“Autosport International is always the true start of the motor racing year and it’s a hugely important date on the calendar for Handy Motorsport,” commented Belcher.

“We’re obviously delighted to be a key part of the Dunlop BTCC stand once again and we’re looking forward to giving everyone the first glimpse of our stunning new livery – we think it’ll be pretty popular!

“It goes without saying, we’re absolutely elated Rob is staying with the team for a second season and we’re all aiming to build on the foundations we laid last year.

“The team got stronger and more competitive as the season progressed. Rob proved the car was quick and helped make history with our first podiums and Independents wins. We’re aiming higher still for 2017.”

Members of the public are able to visit the Autosport International show on Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.autosportinternational.com for more details.

Are you on Facebook?

Like or follow our Facebook page - facebook.com/EveshamObs to get daily news updates straight to your news feed.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Advertising

Advertise with the Evesham Observer to reach your audience

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Evesham Observer newspaper.