Highlander switches BTCC teamposted in BTCC28 | 04 | 2011

INVERNESS RACER Dave Newsham has quit his British Touring Car Championship deal with Geoff Steel Racing, quoting "irreconcilable differences". Last year's Renault Clio Cup champ will now swap his BMW for a Seat Leon (pictured) prepared and run by Forton-based Special Tuning Racing. STR also runs another Leon for Tom Boardman.

Due to the lateness of the new deal, Newsham will sit-out this weekend BTCC triple-header at Thruxton but will complete a full test session in his new car ahead of the following rounds at Oulton Park on June 5.

“I'm sorry for Geoff Steel and the guys within the team, however circumstances made it impossible for us to continue with them," Newsham, who will attend the Thruxton meeting with his new team, said today. "I personally enjoyed working with them, and I wish them well in their future ventures.

“I'm very excited about the switch to STR. I met the team at their HQ in Forton and I was instantly very impressed with their set-up and car preparation. The Seat Leon looks quick in Tom’s hands and it has a strong turbo charged engine. All the ingredients are there for us to have a great remainder of the season."

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Jim McGill