Welch adds S2000 Ford

Welch Motorsport has revealed that it will enter a Super 2000-spec Ford Focus into the 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

The team, which has run an NGTC-spec Proton for the past two seasons, will field the car for former Ford Fiesta racer David Nye, who steps into touring cars for the first time.

The 55-year-old spent last season competing in the Supercar Challenge but will now return to British shores to do battle for the Jack Sears Trophy in his debut campaign.

Nye previously competed with the Welch team in both the SEAT Leon Eurocup and Leon Supercopa Spain.

"BTCC is something I've always wanted to do, and the opportunity of working with Dan and John [Welch] in the series was just too good to pass," he told the official BTCC website. "I attended a few BTCC meetings last season and was so impressed with the whole package. Being able to compete on the same grid as the big boys will be fantastic, though I'm sure it will be a steep learning curve."

Team boss John Welch was quick to welcome Nye back into the fold and said running the older-spec Ford was the ideal way for him to get onto the grid.

"I think it is great that David has decided to join us and race for the Jack Sears Trophy," he said. "Experience comes with age, which should stand us in good stead, as it will no doubt be a hard fought competition.

"As was proved last year the S2000 cars are very quick and reliable, especially in changing conditions, which might just surprise a few NGTCs getting to grips with new technologies. David is a seasoned campaigner and has wanted to be involved with the BTCC for some time and this season is a perfect opportunity."