Mat Jackson, last year's HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship runner-up, will return to the series at the Thruxton circuit in Hampshire this Sunday (26 April) in one of the RML team's privately-entered Chevrolet Lacettis.
The Lacetti, driven by former Champion Jason Plato, won two weeks ago in the BTCC's opening round at Brands Hatch - the first win for a Chevrolet-badged car in the championship for almost a quarter of a century.
After two seasons driving a BMW for his privately-entered family-run team Jacksons M-Sport, Warwickshire-based Jackson believes switching to an outfit such as RML, which has eight previous BTCC titles to its name, will provide him with even greater resources.
Jackson, aged 27 from Henley-in-Arden, said: "Firstly, RML is one of the very best teams on the grid - its history and results show that. Furthermore, it runs Chevrolet's cars in the World Touring Car series so it knows the Lacetti inside out. Hopefully, this is the start of a new and very positive chapter in my career. It's the chance to move on from a very well run but nevertheless quite small team to a bigger entity.
"On top of that, there's the potential to compare myself against someone of Jason's calibre in identical machinery. This is why I am here - to race against the best drivers and improve my own performance. It's going to be tough to jump straight in and instantly get big results - I'll be going to Thruxton with just a quick shakedown in the car.
"But the Chevrolet was clearly very quick at Brands Hatch a couple of weeks ago. It's got a stonking engine and its straightline speed was there for all to see - Thruxton is the fastest circuit on the calendar and I've won there before in the BTCC so it all points to a positive weekend."
Speaking on the latest signing, RML Chief Executive Ray Mallock commented: "I'm delighted to welcome Mat to the team and to confirm that we will be appearing at the next event. I know I speak for everyone at the factory when I say we cannot wait to see Mat in the car. He really proved his enviable abilities last year - ten podiums and a second place finish in the championship standings, competing against some far more experienced drivers just shows Mat really deserves to be on the grid in 2009. Combine this with the Lacetti favouring the high speed straights of Thruxton and it should prove to be an exciting pairing."
Thruxton's big BTCC race day this coming Sunday starts with the Pit Lane Walkabout session - when the crowds, including children, will be permitted to enter the Pit Lane and meet the stars of Britain's top motor racing championship. Three BTCC races then headline the bill of action that includes a further seven races from the supporting Ginetta, Porsche and Renault championships.
Trackside admission for children aged 15 and under is FREE and adult tickets can still be purchased for just £22.00 if booked by Wednesday 22 April from the Thruxton website .barc.net or by calling 01264 882200.
