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Dave Newsham to make return at Knockhill

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Dave Newsham is to make a return to the British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill after agreeing a deal to compete in his home event with Power Maxed Racing.

The Inverness-based driver exited the championship at the start of the season after failing to secure the budget needed to remain with the Chevrolet team, and has instead spent this season competing in the British Rallycross Championship in PMR’s Ford Fiesta Supercar.

Newsham, who currently sits tenth in the rallycross standings after a challenging season to date, will replace Kelvin Fletcher for the Knockhill meeting, with the Emmerdale actor stepping down for the weekend due to the impending arrival of his first child.

“As much as I love the BTCC, and I love to race, the birth of my first child is not something I can miss,” Fletcher said. “Liz is due any day now, and I just can’t be in two places at once. I feel like I have been making progress this year and am aware that I don’t want to lose the momentum, but the BTCC demands 100 per cent focus and I want to be there to support Liz.

“It is great to see fellow PMR Driver and local hero Dave step in for Knockhill, he has an excellent track record there, and I can’t think of anybody I’d rather have to keep the seat warm.”

Newsham has a strong track record at the Knockhill circuit, having taken his second career BTCC win at the circuit back in 2012 with ES Racing and then securing a surprise podium for AmDTuning.com in 2014.

“I’ve loved racing in British Rallycross this season but the BTCC has always held a special place in my heart, and when Adam [Weaver] approached me to stand in for Kelvin, I couldn’t get the word yes out fast enough,” he said. “The team and car were great last year and with the upgrades for this year; I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel.

“Kelvin has made significant progress in the car this year but family is family, and we’ll keep our ears open for baby news this weekend.”