THE Newport-based broker, Vansdirect, is sponsoring two drivers in this season’s British Touring Car Championships, which runs from May until October.
Vansdirect branding will appear on the helmets of Tom Ingram (pictured above left) and Chris Smiley (right) as well as their cars and race suits.
Tom Ingram joins the EXCELR8 Trade Price Cars line-up for the 2021 BTCC season following a multi-year deal with the Hyundai team.
This will be Ingram’s eighth year in the championship and his first with the new team. In the last seven years he has secured 16 race wins, 41 podium finishes, four pole positions and 13 fastest laps.
Northern Irish racer Chris Smiley raced for the EXCELR8 team last season as the team embarked on its exciting programme with the Hyundai i30 N Fastback, playing a key role in the development of the racer during the campaign.
Despite limited testing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris produced an astonishing performance at Donington Park’s opening round of the 2020 season, where he took the Hyundai to a podium finish on its first weekend in the series.
This is a fantastic opportunity to raise brand awareness of Vansdirect. Chris and Tom are high profile drivers who are both tipped to enjoy an excellent season. We’re proud to be supporting them in their quest for glory!
Paul Cox, sales director, Vansdirect
Justina Williams, team owner at ExcelR8 Motorsport, added:
“We are delighted to welcome Vansdirect as an EXCELR8 Trade Price Cars Team Partner for our third BTCC season. Our relationship with Vansdirect parent company Vertu Motors started in 2019 via Bristol Street Motors, so to widen our relationship with Vertu Motors is a very proud moment: 2021 is shaping up to be a very strong season for the team.”
Automotive and fleet writer for Broker News