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Eurotech Racing and Speedworks Motorsport announce plans for 2016

By MJP Media | 25 November 2015

Eurotech Racing is to field a three-car team in the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. Matt Simpson signs for Speedworks Motorsport driving a Team Dynamics prepared Honda Civic Type R.

Eurotech team boss Jeff Smith in his 2015 Honda Civic

Eurotech Racing has secured a third entry into the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship after negotiations to purchase Houseman Racing's TOCA BTCC License (TBL), car and race equipment were concluded on Friday. The deal was subsequently approved by series organiser TOCA. Eurotech Racing is progressing well with the build of three new Honda Civic Type Rs which it plans to run next season with the latest specification RML upgrades.

Discussions with suitable drivers are said to be 'gathering momentum' but any interested parties are urged to contact team boss Jeff Smith. "It has been our intention to expand the team to three cars for some time and the purchase of the TBL, Toyota Avensis and spare shell has enabled us to move the plans forward." commented Eurotech Chief Engineer Adam Tanner. He continued: "Whilst we don't intend running the Toyota we now have the options of utilising many of the TOCA parts or selling the car complete with spare shell and considerable spares as a standalone package." The team also went on record to say "Eurotech would like to thank Lea, Rob, Dave and everyone at Houseman Racing for this opportunity, it will be sad to see them leave the BTCC paddock and we wish them all the best with their future plans."

An artist's impression of the Simpson liveried Honda Civic Type R

Speedworks Motorsport has announced that multiple Quaife Intermarque and European Hot Rod Champion Matt Simpson will pilot a newly-built Honda Civic Type R for 2016. Simpson is a two-time European Hot Rod Champion, a former runner-up on the World Championship stage and more recently a double Quaife Intermarque title-winner. The 34-year-old recently tested a Honda Civic Type R at Donington Park: "BTCC cars are heavier and more powerful than what I've been accustomed to." acknowledged the West Drayton ace. "I also have to get used to dealing with front-wheel-drive so I know it will be a steep learning curve in the first year, but the BTCC is the next step and the pinnacle of saloon car racing. Obviously my aim is to be BTCC Champion one day, although that won't happen overnight, and for the time being I'm just looking forward to settling into the series and getting to grips with the famously cut-and-thrust nature of touring car racing. If we can consistently improve and edge closer to the front of the grid as the season progresses, hopefully by the end of it we can be scoring some strong finishes."

Simpson's Honda will initially run under the Simpson Race Exhausts banner alongside Speedworks Motorsport's Toyota Avensis, whose driver will be confirmed in due course. Speedworks achieved its maiden podium finishes when Tom Ingram piloted its heavily-revised machine to runner-up spoils at Rockingham and Brands Hatch. Team principal Christian Dick said "I am extremely pleased that Matt and his family are coming on-board with us, as we have known them for a while now and have been watching Matt's progress with great interest. We're sure that we can get the best out of him and deliver a solid package. Due in no small part to Team Dynamics being the most successful BTCC team in the paddock, we have entered into an agreement with them to produce for us a new NGTC Honda Civic Type R, with components used in 2015 and to the same specification as their championship-winning car. This agreement also extends to downstream technical support, and we are looking forward to working with them over the coming years and forging a strong partnership."

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