Bedfordshire-based Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship newcomer Chris James has revealed how the 2011 puzzle is piecing together for him and the Team ES Racing squad who are set to run the #78 Chevrolet Lacetti.
Having recently taken delivery of the car from Sweden the team then handed it over to Ray Mallock Limited who gave the Lacetti a full service.
“The car has been to RML to have a full check-up and overhaul.” says James. “As it came from Nika Racing in Sweden it was in very good condition anyway. We have just had to have a general service on items such as the lift jacks, steering rack etc. The engine is being supplied by RML, which we are excited about as this is a quality proven lump.”
Talking about the formation of Team ES Racing, James says that although it hasn’t been an easy task everything is falling in to place.
“It has been an interesting challenge pulling the team together, but having close links with good mechanical and electronic engineers have proven invaluable. We have a couple of very nice pit girls, Natalie (Harry Vaulkard’s grid girl in 2009) and Kirsty.”
Next on the to-do list for Chris was sorting out the logistics, this was solved by 2010 BTCC team Forster MotorSport. “We have done a deal with Arthur Forster of Forster MotorSport to buy his transporter & a ‘Turnkey’ operation. We are also close to signing a deal with an experienced Team Manager for the season; once this is done every position is covered.”
James remains realistic in his hopes for the 2011 season: “We view it as a massive achievement in itself just getting to the grid. Our goal is to score points in the first season and accept that we won’t be challenging the likes of Jason Plato and Matt Neal, although this doesn’t mean that we don’t want to!”
“We are looking to embrace the public & gain as many supporters as possible. The English love an underdog and that is what we will be for sure!”
Team ES Racing are set to test at Donington Park next week to shakedown the car ahead of the first official test session and media day at Silverstone on 24 March. The team will then test at Brands Hatch ahead of the first round which takes place at Brands Hatch in Kent.
