General News

Mini champ to test ES Vectra

Mini racing champion Chris Knox is to test ES Racing.com’s Vauxhall Vectra which won twice in this year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Knox, from Renfrewshire and who won the 2011 Mini Challenge title, will sample the S2000-spec Vectra on Silverstone's short National circuit this Thursday.

In the same session at the Northamptonshire track, Renault Clio Cup champ Jack Goff will also be having his first taste of a BTCC machine – Team HARD.’s Vauxhall Insignia.

"The test is a massive opportunity and I can't wait to get out in the car," said Knox, who will test alongside ES team boss Chris James. "I have known Chris since Minis in 2010 and we have kept in touch.

"He sent me a text to say that there was a great opportunity if I wanted a test. I wasn't about to say ‘no’."

Knox has also raced in the American Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge this past season.

"I drove the left-hand-drive Chevrolet Camaro at Daytona, but I have not driven anything like this before and I have never driven with a sequential gearbox so I will have to get used to that," he added.

"This test will obviously raise my profile and it is a win-win situation for me. I am determined to launch my career in the States, but touring cars have been a dream since I was very small."

James said: "We have looked at a number of drivers and Chris fitted the bill. He is a proven race winner and has international experience so we are delighted to have him in the car. We are looking forward to seeing how he works with the team."