Ollie Jackson Re-Signs With AMD Tuning For 2017

Ollie Jackson will remain in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship for 2017 having re-signed with AMD Tuning to once again pilot the Audi S3.

Re-joining the West Thurrock-based team this year having previously raced for them in 2012, Jackson enjoyed a solid campaign which saw him become a prominent figure in the points scoring positions towards the latter stages of the season.

Switching to the RML specification components after running GPRM parts in 2016, the Audi is set to undergo extensive work base at base before hitting the track early next year as part of a pre-season testing programme.

Keen to build on the form he showed towards the end of ’16, Jackson is optimistic of what can be achieved by the small Independent squad.

“I really enjoyed this season with the team so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to get the deal done to early to allow us to start working on 2017,” said Jackson. “I’m really excited about what next year could hold for us, and I have no doubt that this deal gives me the best chance I’ve ever had in the BTCC.

“This year we showed that we had a competitive package with the Audi, even though the fact we didn’t have the upgraded suspension worked against us at some circuits. With the upgrades that will now be carried out, and the knowledge and experience we have, I’m hopeful that we can be in a strong position when the season starts and be able to challenge for points from round one, with the ultimate goal being to push for the top ten. That won’t be easy as everyone is working on developments and improvements, but there is a huge amount of potential in the Audi that we were unlocking throughout 2016.

“The fact we’ll be able to do some proper pre-season testing is going to be key, and is something I haven’t been able to do before as my deals have always been quite last minute. Now the deal is done, I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel and get started.”

Team Principal Shaun Hollamby was also pleased to announce Jackson and he too is relishing the forthcoming season as they bid to enjoy their best year to date since debuting in 2010.

“The continuity of sticking with Ollie is something we felt was key after a strong second half of the year, and it’s great to have the deal done,” he said. “Given the way this season ended, we are keen to make sure we hit the ground running when the 2017 campaign comes around and try to build on what we achieved together this year.

“Making the move to the RML kit is something we knew we had to do for next season and those upgrades will soon be carried out before we start testing and the real work begins. Of course it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors, and we’re thankful that that ongoing support has allowed us to commit the resources required to upgrade the Audi and give us the best chance of success on track.”

On the subject of running two cars, Hollamby added: “There is still the possibility that we may be able to run a second car alongside Ollie if certain things fall into place but it is out of our hands at the moment and very much a case of wait and see.”