Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship team Motorbase Performance, with support from NAPA Racing UK, has expanded its recently announced ‘Young Driver Programme’ by partnering with top Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship squad JTR, it is confirmed today.

Following hot on the heels of tie-ups with Assetto Motorsport and JWB Motorsport as part of the wide-ranging ladder of progression, Motorbase is also now working with Joe Tandy Racing and the Porsche squad’s driver Hugo Ellis in the UK’s fastest one-make championship.

The 20-year-old former World Karting Champion, who is making a full-time return to competition this year having been more recently focusing on educational commitments and business opportunities, will pilot a NAPA Racing UK branded Porsche for his maiden season in the category.

Making its public debut at Silverstone International Circuit in Northamptonshire this morning as part of the annual Porsche Carrera Cup GB ‘Media Day’ test, the car will provide a striking statement for the NAPA brand in the prestigious category.

Expanding NAPA Racing UK’s presence on the BTCC package, the JTR-entered Porsche joins the two Motorbase Performance-run Ford Focus ST cars which are being raced in touring cars this year by reigning Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion Dan Cammish and reigning BTCC Champion Ash Sutton.

Joe Tandy Racing, of course, was established by the eponymous late racing driver and is successfully run by his brother Nick, a Le Mans 24 Hours race winner and decorated factory driver. Adding Ellis to the Motorbase driver development programme means the team’s ladder of opportunity now ranges from Ginetta Junior through to MINI CHALLENGE, TCR UK and Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

Pete Osborne – Motorbase Performance Team Owner and Team Principal:
“I’m very proud of everything we’re doing with our new Young Driver Programme at Motorbase, and linking-up with JTR is a fantastic extension of everything we’ve already put in place. Nick Tandy and his team need no introduction, by far one of the strongest squads in Porsche Carrera Cup GB, and so we’re delighted to be supporting Hugo Ellis at JTR through our association with NAPA Racing UK.

“Providing opportunities and offering key support for drivers coming through the ranks is what our ladder of opportunity is all about. We’re sure Hugo will learn a huge amount with JTR, I’m looking forward to seeing how his debut season in Porsche progresses.”

Nick Tandy – JTR Team Principal:

“To help bring an iconic brand into British racing is something fantastic for us at JTR. I’ve long since followed the exploits of NAPA Racing in the US and it’s always associated with success. I’m sure the fans will agree a bright blue and yellow 911 looks fantastic! We start the partnership with rookie driver Hugo Ellis, similarly fresh to the UK circuit racing scene. Whilst he is a rookie he has shown excellent progression so far in pre season testing so we have high hopes for this year and the future.”

Hugo Ellis;

“I can’t wait to get started in Porsche Carrera Cup GB, the car looks, sounds and drives just awesome! JTR have been great so far, with both Nicks, Tandy and Madge, plus all their great crew, I’m sure we have everything in place to make the most of my opportunity. And having NAPA Racing UK involved with the team and myself is just the icing on the cake, I hope to do them proud.”