Team RAC have announced the continuation of their 2008 team lineup of Colin Turkington and Stephen Jelley for the 2009 BTCC campaign, in their pair of WSR-run BMW 320si cars.
Team Principal Dick Bennetts explained the decision: “I am delighted that Stephen has agreed to re-sign for Team RAC. Stephen had a steep learning curve adjusting to the hurly-burly of touring cars at the start of the 2008 season, but this was overcome as the year went on.
“The pole position secured in the final round at Brands Hatch was no mean feat and a tribute to his driving abilities. He is a promising driver, a quick learner and someone who complements Colin Turkington perfectly.”
Colin told BTCC.net he felt this was his best chance yet of the main title, after winning the Independents championship for the past two seasons: "Provided we carry over our form into the first half of 2009 then it’s probably the best chance I’ve had so far. We have continuity of team, driver and car and there’s currently a lot more movement in the driver market than normal so it will be important to take advantage at the start while they are still finding their feet................ I don’t feel the need to change my approach and I’m certainly just as hungry now as I was when I made my BTCC debut. Having had a taste of winning the Independent title the past two years I really crave the main championship.”
“Starting there [At Brands Hatch] gives us a chance to instantly get into a strong rhythm. Historically I’ve always done well there and won there with the BMW last year so we must take advantage on day one. Like I said, we then need to keep that going so we’re in a strong position when we return for Finals Day on the full Brands GP circuit later in the year.”
