Newsham set for BTCC return in place of Fletcher

Former two-time British Touring Car Championship race winner Dave Newsham will make his return to the series for Power Maxed Racing as Kelvin Fletcher's replacement for this weekend's Knockhill meeting.

Fletcher is set to return to fray in time for Rockingham but misses the BTCC's annual voyage to Scotland due to the imminent birth of his first child.

"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 is no stranger to Power Maxed Racing having driven for the Chevrolet outfit alongside MG's Josh Cook last season.

Despite losing his BTCC seat for 2016 the 49-year old has remained an integral part of the PMR fold due to his British Rallycross commitments with the squad.

Newsham achieved his best overall finish of ninth in the 2012 drivers' standings after clinching both of his BTCC wins for the ES Racing.com Vauxhall outfit during that season.

His last podium in the series ironically came at his home circuit after famously finishing second for the AmD Tuning.com squad.

"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."