Airwaves Racing was back on track at Norfolk’s Snetterton 300 circuit (October 29) testing three young champions in one of the squad’s Mountune-powered NGTC (next generation touring car) Ford Focus ST’s as part of a Dunlop Tyres initiative.
24 year-old Dunlop MSA Formula Ford champion Dan Cammish, 17 year-old vice-champion Harrison Scott and 22 year-old Clio Cup Champion Josh Files were all rewarded the sponsored test run by Dunlop Tyres as part of the tyre manufacturer’s on-going commitment to supporting young drivers’ progress through the BTCC support package.
Cammish, Scott and Files each got the opportunity to sample the Motorbase-built and designed race winning Focus ST with expert advice on hand in the form of Airwaves Racing driver and BTCC star Tom Onslow-Cole alongside the Motorbase support crew and Dunlop technicians who were also in attendance.
Following an initial seat fitting and short morning run to get to grips with the Focus; each of the trio then got the chance of a full race run out on the 300 circuit with all three impressing Airwaves Racing Team Principal David Bartrum and Team Manager Oly Collins.
Dunlop Tyres Sales and Product Manager Michael Butler said:“All three drivers performed extremely well – as you would expect from front runners in two of the UK’s most competitive racing championships.
“Dunlop’s commitment to motorsport has always involved giving young talent the opportunity to perform a higher level”
Airwaves Racing Team Principal David Bartrum said:“For me, it was a good test. Having two champions and one runner up we expected a high level of ability based on where they’ve all come from; but to be thrown straight in at the deep end and step into the Focus NGTC showing the speed and ability they did, away from their areas of expertise, just shows where their talents lie. All three drivers did very well and impressed the whole team.“The day was great testament to Dunlop tyres and another show of the level of support and commitment that they show to the BTCC package as a whole; and Airwaves Racing is very proud to have been a part of it.”Airwaves Racing team manager Oly Collins said:“The Snetterton test has been a very positive day all round. All three of the drivers were extremely impressive throughout the day; and we thoroughly enjoyed working with each of them.“All credit and thanks are due to Dunlop for the opportunity; the test has been a fantastic reward for the drivers for their outstanding achievements this year and we’d like to wish them all the very best of luck with their future racing careers.”Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Champion Dan Cammish said: “Today has been brilliant. We managed to get 5 or 6 laps in during the morning before getting a race run in the afternoon and it was exactly how I imagined it to be honest! I felt really comfortable in the car by the end of the run and the speed was there too which was encouraging.“I enjoyed the whole experience immensely from driving the Focus ST NGTC to working with the Airwaves Racing crew and I’m very grateful to Dunlop for this fantastic opportunity and also to David Bartrum and Airwaves Racing for hosting the day. It’s been great to be able to spend time with the team and it’s just focused my mind even more now on where I want to be next season – and that’s 100% driving in the BTCC.”Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Runner-up Harrison Scott said: “Driving the Motorbase-run Airwaves Racing Ford Focus was a fantastic experience. From the minute I arrived the team made me very welcome and guided me through the day. It didn't take me long to feel at home in the car and adapt my single seater skills to a BTCC touring car.
“My main aim was to enjoy the day and not push the car to the maximum limit but I would love the opportunity to do so in the future. A big thank you must go to David Bartrum and all the Motorbase team, Airwaves racing, Dunlop tyres and Ford Motorsport for this great opportunity.”Michelin Clio Cup Champion Josh Files said: “I think the test went very well and it was great fun. The Airwaves Racing Ford Focus ST was really interesting and, although it felt a lot bigger and faster than the Clio Cup cars I’m used to racing, I had a good feel for the car at the end of the day.”
“Motorbase Performance is a great team that consists of amazing people and it somehow manages to strike a perfect balance between fun and professionalism. The individuals I worked with were all very friendly, helpful and encouraging and I can’t thank them enough. It’s a dream to race in the BTCC and yesterday’s test only served to heighten my determination and desire to race to make a career in motorsport.”
