MBP are delighted to announce that Andrew Watson is set to embark on his debut British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) campaign, joining forces with CarStore Power Maxed Racing behind the wheel of their Vauxhall Astra for the 2023 season.
Andrew brings a wealth of racing expertise to the team having competed in 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 Andrew 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.
As the flagship series of British motorsport, the BTCC has kept millions of viewers entertained across the years offering them unrivalled access to one of the most, if not the most, competitive championships in motorsport. Visiting a host of the UK’s premier motorsport venues and broadcast live across ITV, it represents a unique opportunity for Andrew and one he looks to grasp with both hands.
Supporting Andrew on his voyage into the BTCC, Power Maxed Racing have been an ever constant in the series since 2014, and have developed a reputation for helping some of the series’ most successful drivers kickstart their BTCC careers. This, partnered with Andrew’s racing resume, will form an exciting partnership both on and off the track.
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, 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.”
Adam Weaver, CarStore Power Maxed Racing Team Principal, sees Andrew’s experience at the highest level internationally as a big asset to the team in 2023.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Andrew into the team for our 2023 BTCC campaign, he brings with him plenty of knowledge and racing ability and this will be crucial in our push for more success this upcoming season.”
Mark Blundell, CEO of MB Partners, added:
“This is a great opportunity for Andrew to immerse himself in one of the most competitive and intense Championships in racing. 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.”
Andrew’s season will kickstart at Donington Park for the opening round of the season on the 22/23 April, before embarking on the traditional thirty race calendar for the remainder of the year, visiting seven of the UK’s finest racing venues which culminates at Brands Hatch in October 2023.