Power Maxed Racing has announced that Rob Austin will be a last-minute replacement for Mike Bushell to contest rounds 13, 14 & 15 of the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton this weekend (19/20 September).

Bushell sustained ligament damage and a dislocated shoulder during an accident at Knockhill last month, and following recent medical advice from the TOCA Medical Team, the 31-year-old has been advised to allow further time for his injuries to heal sufficiently.

In light of this development, the PMR Vauxhall Astra will now be piloted by multiple BTCC race-winner Austin. The 39-year-old is no stranger to the paddock, having joined the championship in 2011, taking three race wins and a further 15 podiums, before taking a sabbatical at the close of the 2018 campaign.

Austin will race the #10 Vauxhall at the UK’s fastest track, Thruxton, and is excited to be back in the BTCC action.

“When I got the call from Adam [Weaver, PMR Team Principal], I just couldn’t say no!” said Austin. “I’ve seen how good the car can be around Thruxton, and I love the circuit. There are some hurdles to overcome; there’s the obvious new driver ballast that I’ll have to drag around with me, but I also haven’t driven competitively for nearly two years now, so I don’t know how rusty I will be. I will be doing everything in my power to overcome these as quickly as possible, and if I do a good job then there is every potential to show well come Sunday afternoon.”   

“Obviously a last-minute drive change is less than ideal, but when it became obvious that Mike would be unable to drive this weekend, I was straight on the phone to Rob,” confirmed PMR Team Principal Adam Weaver. “We’ve had a great relationship for a while, having known each other since school and he’s known for being a fearsome driver that takes no prisoners when he’s on track. We’ve shown the pace of this car this year without question, albeit with bad luck marring results, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him get to grips with the car. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for some luck this weekend!”

Fans can catch all the action live this Sunday over on ITV2, from 1110, with Qualifying live on the ITV website here from 1515.