Vauxhall makes BTCC return with Power Maxed Racing

Making a name down the years as one of the most successful manufacturers to compete in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Vauxhall will return to the grid in 2017 with Power Maxed Racing.

In what will be a manufacturer-backed effort which sees a commercial tie-up with Automotive Brands, parent company of PMR, the team will run a pair of latest generation Vauxhall Astras.

Featuring on the grid for more than two decades having debuted in 1989, Vauxhall became a powerhouse in the bTCC with countless titles being won before the full works team ended in 2009 having been run by Triple Eight Racing.

Since then Vauxhalls have featured on the grid in the BTCC in an Independent form with Team BMR running a pair of Insignias up until the midway point of 2014, before being parked.

Vauxhall’s return to the grid as a fully fledged manufacturer is likely to be a popular one and Power Maxed Racing chief Adam Weaver admits he is proud to bring it back into the BTCC.

“We are incredibly pleased and proud to be working with Vauxhall and to be the team that brings this iconic and highly successful brand back to the BTCC,” Weaver said.

“The all new Astra is a fantastic car and it is no surprise that it was voted 2016 European Car of the Year – it will make a show-stopping BTCC challenger.”

Work on building both cars is already underway and an extensive test programme is expected to take place before the lights go out on the opening race of the 2017 season at Brands Hatch in April.

Having been one of the cornerstones of the BTCC for such a long time, Series Director Alan Gow shared his delight in welcoming back an iconic brand to the championship.

Gow said: “It is fantastic to be welcoming Vauxhall back to the BTCC as a manufacturer entry. It’s history and pedigree is there for all to see and I have no doubt that the highly professional and experienced team at Power Maxed Racing will be great partners.”

Drivers are expected to be confirmed in the coming months.