IP Tech hand Bushell Knockhill drive

Renault Clio Cup UK driver Mike Bushell will get to race at Knockhill this weekend in the latest rounds of the 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, after being handed the chance by IP Tech Race Engineering.

Bushell tested for the team at Snetterton this week and after impressing the squad both in and out of the car, IP Tech Race Engineering team owner Andy Neate has taken the decision to put him in the hot seat.

"Competing in a touring car isn't just about what you can do on the track, its how you also apply yourself off track to put yourself there in the first instance," said Neate. "Mike's already proven he's quick in the BTCC feeder Clio series and he impressed me during his time on track at Snetterton.

"Following his test and a number of conversations with him, I wanted to give him an opportunity at the right time in his career I would have cut my arm off for in years gone by. I saw Knockhill as that ideal opportunity as he's not in his usual Clio ride at the weekend.

"I'm confident he'll be holding his own out there. But primarily it is a priceless chance for him to experience the other side of the event which is important. Working with a bigger team than he's been used to and taking on board all the feedback he'll be getting, and also the technical aspect of touring cars which is a number of levels above what he's experienced to date. It's going to test him but I'm sure he'll step up to the plate."

"IP tech have spent a lot of time developing the Cruze off track and I believe the direction we are going with the chassis makes it a very competitive car indeed," Neate added. "However Mike will still be operating with base line boost due to the regulations.

"My aim for him is to stay out of any trouble and continue the teams' 100 per cent finishing record and collect some valuable experience along the way."

Bushell will appear in the IP Tech Race Engineering car he tested at Snetterton earlier in the week competing with the #45.