CarStore Power Maxed Racing and MB Partners have today (18 January) announced that Andrew Watson will embark on his rookie campaign in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at the wheel of one of the squad’s Vauxhall Astras in 2023.
Watson brings a wealth of racing expertise to the team having contested high-level GT machinery since 2015, competing in the likes of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans, GT World Challenge Europe and British GT
The Northern Irishman’s resume also includes experience driving in major endurance events such as the Daytona 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours, and Watson has enjoyed further success on the world stage in the FIA WEC with class podiums at the 6 Hours of Monza and 8 Hours of Bahrain alongside a class podium at the Bathurst 12 Hour.
Now taking the step into Britain’s premier motorsport series, Watson joins Warwickshire-based CarStore Power Maxed Racing for his maiden BTCC campaign and the 27-year-old will be hoping that his extensive racing CV paired with PMR’s reputation for helping some of the series’ most successful drivers kickstart their BTCC careers will provide the formula for a strong debut.
Delighted with the opportunity to make his debut in the BTCC, Andrew sees the team as a great fit for him in 2023.
“Getting the opportunity to compete in the BTCC is really exciting,” buoyed Watson. 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!
“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 skillset 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.”
“We are looking forward to welcoming Andrew into the team for our 2023 BTCC campaign,” added Team Principal Adam Weaver. “He brings with him plenty of knowledge and racing ability and this will be crucial in our push for more success this upcoming season.”
“This is a great opportunity for Andrew to immerse himself in one of the most competitive and intense Championships in racing,” concluded Mark Blundell, CEO of MB Partners. “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.”
