Seasoned BTCC driver Dave Newsham will make his rallycross debut at the Rallycross Grand Prix at Croft on 19th October in the XtremeRx championship winning Citroen Saxo Hot Hatch.

With the BTCC season finale at Brands Hatch only just over, Dave has had no time to catch his breath. Whereas most other BTCC drivers wil be planning some quiet down time, Dave will now be pitting his wits against some of the countries top rallycross drivers in the coveted Rallycross Grand Prix.

With no previous rallycross experience Dave is under no illusion as to the size of the task ahead of him; "Being a touring car driver, I can’t say that all my driving is on tarmac. We always try to make the circuit as short as possible, and sometimes that means going off track a little... I cut my teeth in schoolboy grass track on bikes and progressed to speedway, so I have a good feel for loose surfaces, and I have always been good in the wet in cars too, so I would think I should go well in rallycross. That said I have never done it before so with nil experience it is a big challenge for me to just turn up and race against seasoned campaigners. I will however be going all out to win..."

Dave will have the benefit of a great team behind him. This weekend sees the Leeds based XtremeRX team that managed to wrap up the MSA Hot hatch Championship for Owner Driver Craig Lomax with a round to spare run Newsham.

When asked about what he is most looking forward to;

"I have always been a fan of rallycross since I was a kid watching it on Grandstand. I love racing cars and bikes so want to try as many different disciplines as I can through my career, my thanks to the team for giving me this opportunity to explore Rallycross.The team contacted me early in the year asking if I would consider the drive at Croft. It didn't take me long to think about accepting the offer." says Dave.

The British Rallycross Grand Prix is taking place at Croft Circuit on 19th October.

About Dave Newsham

He didn’t compete in motorsport until 1996 when he took up Karting. He won his second meeting and went on to become club champion that same year, with several other championships and trophies won until 2003.

In 2004 he switched to cars, racing in the Scottish Legends Championship where he was rooky champion and 3rd overall.

From 2005 – 2008 he raced in the National Legends Championships, in that time he finished vice champions twice and 3rdonce.

2009 He switched to Elf Renault Clio Cup, one win and several podiums, 5th overall.

2010 Elf Renault Clio Cup Champion with 15 pole positions and 12 race wins.

2011 BTCC with STR Seat, best race finish of 4th,15th overall.

2012 BTCC with ES Racing, two wins, two 2nds and two 3rds, 9th overall.

2013 BTCC with Speedworks, best finish 4th, 10th overall.

2014 BTCC with AmD, best finish so far 2nd, 17th overall.

See all news »