Power Maxed Racing has confirmed that Dave Newsham will be standing in for Kelvin Fletcher at Knockhill this weekend as Fletcher is expecting the birth of his first child.

Newsham will compete in rounds 19, 20 and 21 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship on home soil north of the border, driving Fletcher’s PMR Chevrolet Cruze ahead of the latter’s return at Rockingham at the end of August.

“As much as I love the BTCC, and I love to race, the birth of my first child is not something I can miss, Liz is due any day now, and I just can’t be in two places at once,” said Fletcher.

“I feel like I have been making progress this year and am aware that I don’t want to lose the momentum, and the BTCC demands 100% focus, but 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 said: “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. 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.”

“Kelvin has been great this year, but we always knew that the birth of his first child would be close to the round in Knockhill so that a driver change would be a possibility,” said Adam Weaver, Power Maxed Racing Team Principal.

“We’re delighted to have kept working with Dave and when we knew we had to find a stand in, there was no discussion, Dave was the man for the job.”

Tickets are still available for Knockhill circuit (13/14 August), the BTCC’s only venture north of the border. Prices start at just £37 for adult weekend tickets with discounts available for family bookings with children under 12 able to enter free of charge. For more information and to order tickets head to knockhill.co.uk or call 01383 723337.