Newsham switches teams after 'differences'
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The new car Inverness driver Dave Newsham will be competing in during the British Touring Car Championship following his switch from Geoff Steel Racing to Special Tuning Racing.
DAVE Newsham has parted company with Geoff Steel Racing after just two rounds of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason behind the split.
The 43-year-old Inverness driver would not go into details as to what exactly happened, but confirmed he would now make the switch to Special Tuning Racing.
Newsham only joined the British Touring Car set-up this year, but had previously stated his desire to challenge at the top end of the field.
In the opening round of the season, Newsham, competing in a BMW 320si, was encouraged by a 10th and two 11th place finishes, but he could not improve on these positions next time out at Donington Park. He slipped down to 15th in one race, while he was not classified for the other two.
It was soon after that Newsham opted to make the move to Special Tuning Racing where he will compete in a SEAT Leon alongside Tom Boardman, who, in the last event at Thruxton,
achieved a podium finish in the final race.
"I am sorry for Geoff Steel and the guys within the team," said Newsham. "However, circumstances made it impossible for us to continue with them. I personally enjoyed working with them, and I wish them well in their future ventures.
"I am now very excited about the change to STR. I have met the team at their HQ in Forton and was 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".
Due to the lateness of the deal being put together, Newsham missed round three at Thruxton as there was not enough time for his new team to prepare a car. He did, however, attend the race meeting to study more closely how the team worked, while also getting to know them better.
Plans are now in place for Newsham to test the car prior to round four of the championship at Oulton Park on Sunday 5th June.
