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BTCC champions WSR to run under all-new team banner for 2015

By MJP Media | 23 March 2015

West Surrey Racing have announced a joint team sponsorship deal for the 2015 BTCC season which will see Sam Tordoff and Rob Collard piloting the all-conquering BMWs under the 'Team JCT600 with GardX' banner.

Rob Collard, Dick Bennetts and Sam Tordoff with their cars for 2015

The WSR outfit has far from rested on its championship winning laurels, however, having continued to test and develop its machines over the winter in preparation for a title defence with JCT600 and GardX. Both JCT600 and GardX have a long association with motorsport. JCT600 founder, Jack Tordoff, was a successful International Rally Driver in the 60's and 70's, winning the Circuit of Ireland Rally in his ubiquitous Porsche 911 Carrera RS back in 1973.

Jack's Grandson Sam is now following firmly in his footsteps from karting through to race-winning campaigns in both the UK Renault Clio Cup and Porsche Carrera Cup GB. Now making his move to the most successful team on last year's BTCC grid and with the continued support of JCT600 and GardX, Sam believes he is in the best possible position to contend for a maiden tin top title. "I am absolutely delighted to have joined WSR and to be continuing my long-term partnership with JCT600 and GardX." said Tordoff. "We have already had many great times together - including a number of victories - but this is by far our biggest and most exciting challenge yet."

The striking livery of the 'Team JCT600 with GardX' BMWs

Rob Collard meanwhile is preparing to start his sixth successive season with WSR, bringing a wealth of speed and experience that has seen the popular Hampshire driver score an impressive eight career victories so far. "The cars look absolutely stunning and it's great to welcome JCT600 and GardX to the WSR family." he said. "We have proved the WSR-run BMWs are the leading lights in the BTCC and we're keen to show we can stay out front and contend for yet more championships in 2015."

John Tordoff, JCT600 Chief Executive, explained: "JCT600 has a long and successful history in both motor retail and motor sport; for us the two go 'hand in hand'. Our joint sponsorship of the West Surrey Racing British Touring Car Team for 2015 gives us a great platform to increase our exposure as a BMW retailer whilst also being associated with a highly respected race and championship winning team."

2015 will be Rob Collard's 6th year with West Surrey Racing

Victor Coutin, GardX Managing Director, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring WSR for the 2015 season. We have been proudly sponsoring Sam Tordoff since 2010 and to be able to continue this as now a headline sponsor for his and Rob Collard's forthcoming BTCC season is a privilege, as is the association with a winning team such as WSR."

Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, concludes: "We have enjoyed a number of successful seasons in the BTCC, none more so than in 2014, and we're looking to build on that success with both JCT600 and GardX. The two brands, along with BMW and WSR, are industry leaders in their respective fields and we believe it's a perfect match for 2015 and beyond."

Pictures: West Surrey Racing

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