Team RAC has announced Stephen Jelley as its second driver for the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship.
Jelley joins Team RAC after three seasons competing in the British Formula 3 Series. The 25-year old started his motorsport career in the Avon Junior Formula Ford Zetec Championship in 2002 before moving into Scholarship Class the following year.
Driving for Raikonnen Robertson Racing for the past two seasons in Formula 3, Jelley finished third in the Championship Class standings in 2007.
Jelley joins Colin Turkington at Team RAC, who will be looking to build on a successful 2007 BTCC season in which he finished Independent Drivers’ Champion. The new pairing will both be behind the wheel of a BMW320si E90.
Leicester-born Jelley said: "This was simply an opportunity too good to turn down. I am very excited to be joining Team RAC in 2008 and am grateful for the chance to compete against some of the best drivers Britain has to offer.
"I intend to make the most of this opportunity and forge a good relationship with Colin and the rest of the team. I’ll be doing my best to help Team RAC challenge for the championship."
Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, commented: "Drivers as talented, intelligent and as willing to learn as Stephen are few and far between. We believe this is a coup for Team RAC and I am looking forward to working with Stephen in the months ahead. With Colin set to build on an impressive 2007 there's no reason why Team RAC can't be serious outright contenders in 2008.
Caroline Mayers, RAC Marketing Manager, said: "RAC are thrilled to have Stephen on the team. Finishing third in Formula 3 last season is no mean feat. With Stephen's talent and experience we can only be confident about the forthcoming season. Alongside Colin, we feel that Team RAC has a formidable duo to compete in the BTCC."
Profile:Name: Stephen JelleyDOB: 12 May 1982Lives: LeicesterHeight: 6’
Other facts: Stephen attended the Wimbledon School of Art has a BA Hons in Fine Art Favourite Track: Oulton Park Best Race: Thruxton 2007 - British Formula Three Championship Motorsport Hero: Michael Schumacher
Stephen Jelley Racing History
2008. (Winter) Gp2 Asia championship ART, (Main) BTCC Team RAC
2007. British Formula Three Championship, Raikkonen Robertson Racing, 3rd Place.2 wins 2 pole positions 4 Fastest Laps, 10 Podium Finishes.
2006. British Formula Three Championship, Raikkonen Robertson Racing, 7th Place.6 Podium Finishes, 4 Fastest Laps.
2005. British Formula Three Championship, Menu Motorsport.
2004. British Formula Three Scholarship Class, Performance Racing, Runner up, 3 Wins 14 Podium finishes 6 Fastest Laps.
2003. British Formula Ford Scholarship Class, Medina Sport, Runner up, 1 Win
2002. British Formula Ford Junior, Medina Sport
2001. BRDC Formula Ford.
2000 BRDC Formula Ford.
