BIDFORD-based Power Maxed Racing has signed its first driver for the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, with young talent Senna Proctor set to pilot one of the manufacturer outfit’s new Vauxhall Astras.

Eighteen-years-old Proctor of Bridlington, East Yorkshire has enjoyed a very strong racing career to date, coming through the TOCA package from Ginetta Juniors when in 2015 he took four race victories and 13 out of 20 podiums, more than any other driver. In 2016, Proctor moved to the highly competitive UK Clio Cup, taking a brace of podiums and finishing third in the Graduate Cup.

Now he is set to become the youngest manufacturer driver in the BTCC's 59-year history, and he has his sights firmly fixed on the Jack Sears Trophy in his rookie campaign.

He said: "The realisation that I will be lining up on the BTCC grid has not sunk in yet, let alone that I will be racing for a manufacturer. For that manufacturer to be Vauxhall is almost too good to be true. I really cannot wait to get behind the wheel of the Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra to perfect my craft in the top flight of British motor sport. This move has probably come a year earlier than planned, but when you are offered an opportunity like this then of course you don’t turn it down. I know I will have to work very hard to gain the respect of my fellow competitors, some of whom are the best touring car drivers in the world."

Power Maxed Racing team principal Adam Weaver added: "I’m so excited to have Senna on-board. He caught my attention back in 2015 in Ginetta Juniors. I was impressed by how he excelled against very tough competition, and it’s great to be helping him to realise both his dream and his potential of racing in the BTCC. I think Senna will cope with the added pressure this drive brings as he seems to have a very old head on young shoulders. In Senna, I think we have signed a driver who we can build a long-term relationship with and turn into a future champion."