After a dream start to the 2010 WTCC season, Chevrolet have announced their entry of their race winning Cruze to the British Touring Car Series in the hands of Jason Plato and newcomer Alex MacDowall.
This is an ‘official’ manufacturer-backed campaign, with 2010 expected to be one of the closest and most exciting in the race series’ history. The cars will be prepared by the Wellingborough-based RML team, which also looks after Chevrolet’s WTCC Cruzes.
“The Cruze has already shown itself to be a superb racing car in the World Touring Car Championship,” said Chevrolet Managing Director, Mark Terry. “So the decision to enter it in the most high profile series in the UK was made much easier. We’re looking forward to an exciting season, and one that will raise the profile of both the Chevrolet brand, and the style and dynamic appeal of the Cruze – a car that has already proven to be a success both on and off the track.”
As far as drivers are concerned, the Silverline Chevrolet team sports an exciting mixture of both youth and experience, with former BTCC champion and 2009 runner-up, Jason Plato, driving the first car, and 19-year old Alex MacDowall driving the second. It’s the Carlisle-based teenager’s first season in BTCC, having previously competed in the top rankings of the Renault Clio Cup.
Plato has already driven a Chevrolet in the BTCC through 2009, a privately entered Lacetti sponsored by Silverline Tools, which continues to be a major team sponsor alongside Chevrolet UK.
“I always had confidence that teaming up with RML and Chevrolet would mean wins, The Lacetti of 2009 was a formidable piece of kit,” said Plato, 42. “Now in 2010 we have manufacturer support from Chevrolet and a very exciting new car in the Cruze. We are very motivated to make this our year, the opposition had better be ready –Roll on Thruxton!”
The first race in the 2010 BTCC season – and Chevrolet’s debut as an official manufacturer-backed team – takes place on Easter Sunday, April 4, at Thruxton, Hants.
Fans can follow the progress of the Chevrolet team at their website www.chevroletbtcc.co.uk and also on Twitter at @RMLGroup.
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I liked the Cruze when it was first unveiled, but the new Focus makes it look a generation old already.
I’m only vaguely familiar with these touring car series (although having the Race07 game with WTCC helps), how similar are these with their street legal versions?
I liked the Cruze when it was first unveiled, but the new Focus makes it look a generation old already.
I’m only vaguely familiar with these touring car series (although having the Race07 game with WTCC helps), how similar are these with their street legal versions?
Mike, my first look at the Chevy Cruze was at the Autosport show a few years ago and the race car looks really awesome, better looking in my opinon than other touring cars (and much nicer than the Laceti it replaced).
Our reporter at Geneva, Kevin McGlone thought the new Focus looked dire, having lost most of the visual appeal of the present car. It will be interesting to see what Ford can do with the new shape in creating an RS version.
I’ve not driven a road-going Chevy Cruze, but it’s not likely to be anything like this touring car. The WTCC Cruze uses a highly-tuned version of the Vauxhall/Opel 2.0 16V engine that I remember owning in an Astra GTE more than 20 years ago… It’s quick though and very reliable in race tune.
Mike, my first look at the Chevy Cruze was at the Autosport show a few years ago and the race car looks really awesome, better looking in my opinon than other touring cars (and much nicer than the Laceti it replaced).
Our reporter at Geneva, Kevin McGlone thought the new Focus looked dire, having lost most of the visual appeal of the present car. It will be interesting to see what Ford can do with the new shape in creating an RS version.
I’ve not driven a road-going Chevy Cruze, but it’s not likely to be anything like this touring car. The WTCC Cruze uses a highly-tuned version of the Vauxhall/Opel 2.0 16V engine that I remember owning in an Astra GTE more than 20 years ago… It’s quick though and very reliable in race tune.
“… the new Focus looked dire, having lost most of the visual appeal of the present car.”
Do remember, Steve, this is the present car I see on the road almost everyday.
“… the new Focus looked dire, having lost most of the visual appeal of the present car.”
Do remember, Steve, this is the present car I see on the road almost everyday.