Infiniti unleashes BTCC challenger

New team running a pair of Infiniti Q50 cars to enter Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in 2015.

Known as ‘Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing’, the not-for-profit team will enter the BTCC with the specific aim of helping to help raise both awareness and funds for ‘Support Our Paras’ – the official charity of The Parachute Regiment.

Overseen by Team Principal Derek Palmer, the team will consist of a number of injured Paratroopers who will work on the cars to prepare them not only for race weekends, but also maintain their maximum efficiency throughout the season.

The long-term goal is to develop, train and ensure an injured paratrooper graduates through the racing ranks to pilot an ‘Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing car’ in the future.

“We’ve set ourselves a number of significant, but achievable targets,” said Palmer.

“Of course we are aware of the challenges ahead of us, but with the united forces of The Paras and Infiniti, we believe we have the power to deliver results in the BTCC.”

Infiniti team drivers

The two NGTC Infiniti Q50 race cars will be driven by Richard Hawken, who has won three championships at club level and tested for Speedworks in 2013, and Derek Palmer Jnr. Both drivers have raced successfully in Super Touring Cars in recent years.

“I’m extremely proud to be associated with the Parachute Regiment, honoured to work with, and be associated with, the guys and to be part of the team entering the BTCC,” said Palmer, who has race experience in Dutch Touring Cars, Historic Touring Cars, as well as FIA GT, British GT and European GT Championships.

He added: “Infiniti’s aspirations perfectly align with those of the team.”

Alan Gow of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship said: “It’s fantastic to welcome a new manufacturer to the BTCC and particularly a premium brand such as Infiniti. There’s a great initiative behind the team too, with the ‘Support Our Paras’ charity being such a worthwhile cause.”