Power Maxed Racing will run Volkswagen Racing Cup leader Bobby Thompson in one of its Chevrolet Cruze Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship machines on the second day of testing at Snetterton on Thursday.

PMR are hopeful that its Young Driver Program, introduced this year, will act as a pathway for future touring car stars. In addition to its current VW Cup effort, a Ginetta GT5 and British Rallycross Fiesta, the Warwickshire-based team recently expanded their fleet with a pair of Volkswagen Siroccos and are sourcing two Renault Clio Cup cars for next season.

Bobby Thompson said: "It's a dream come true to be able to test a BTCC car. I have always loved the championship and can't wait to see how I stack up. This year has shown me that Power Maxed Racing build an excellent car, and I want to repay the faith and support they have given me in my career so far."

Power Maxed Racing Team Principal, Adam Weaver said: "Bobby has shone this year for us in the VW Cup, and I believe in rewarding his hard work and talent with the chance to test a BTCC car. Bobby's attitude, skill and personality are exactly what we are looking for in a driver, and we believe he will go a long way."

"We are committed to our younger drivers and are delighted to be helping Bobby move forward in his career. We are confident that Bobby can make the move next year onto the prestige of the TOCA package."

The Dunlop tyre test, 29-30 June at Snetterton, is an opportunity for the teams to experiment with a number of different tyre compounds ahead of the 2017 campaign and gain feedback as to their performance.