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Hunter Abbott joins Power Maxed Racing for the 2016 BTCC season

By MJP Media | 29 February 2016

In the latest pre-season news from the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Power Maxed Racing has announced that Hunter Abbott will pilot a Chevrolet Cruze as part of their 2016 BTCC campaign.

Dave Newsham and Josh Cook with their 2015 Power Maxed Racing Chevrolets

Power Maxed Racing has recruited Hunter Abbott to drive a Chevrolet Cruze in the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. Following the change of ownership to Power Maxed and the appointment of Martin Broadhurst as Technical Director, the squad made significant gains in every element of its racing programme in 2015 with Dave Newsham and Josh Cook.

Hunter Abbott has a long and distinguished racing career and this will be his third season in the BTCC. His CV is full of accolades, including the runner-up spoils in the 2008 British GT4 Championship and 2013 Benelux Porsche Carrera Cup, whilst in evidence of his pace and versatility, he has held lap records at circuits as varied as Zolder, Spa-Francorchamps, Donington Park and Brands Hatch Indy.

Hunter Abbott in his 2015 Exocet AlcoSense Audi A4

Power Maxed Racing Team Principal Adam Weaver commented: "I have had my eye on Hunter for a while now and am looking forward to giving him a chance to shine and show his true potential. I have been a good judge of motor sport talent in the past and I see something in Hunter." He continued: "We have several options for our final seat. We are talking to some familiar faces, a multiple BTCC champion and one or two new drivers. All of them would make a great pairing with Hunter, but you know what this part of the season is like for speculation and rumour, so you will just have to wait and see."

"I am very much looking forward to the new opportunities presented by PMR." echoed Abbott. "I want to show the paddock what I can achieve and repay Adam's faith in my abilities. I have had two good years in the BTCC and I can't wait to get out in the Chevrolet. It will also be great to try my hand at front-wheel drive, especially as the Cruze has enjoyed such a high level of development."

Tom Ingram scored his 1st BTCC podium in 2015 with Speedworks Motorsport

Meanwhile, five Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship teams have been on a three-day test at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal, finishing yesterday as they ramp up their pre-season preparations. Motorbase Performance has made the trip to Portimão with its two Ford Focuses for former champion Andrew Jordan and team stalwart Mat Jackson. They have been joined by Mercedes Benz A-Class duo Adam Morgan (WIX Racing) and Aiden Moffat (Laser Tools Racing), both of whom are fielded by Ciceley Motorsport. Tom Ingram is giving his 2016 Speedworks Motorsport Toyota Avensis its maiden run, alongside the similar car of fans favourite Rob Austin, who has switched to the Avensis of Simon Belcher's Handy Motorsport for the forthcoming campaign.

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