Factory Chevrolet Cruze team confirmed for UK

BTCC: With a fine motorsport heritage, Chevrolet is one of the most evocative names on any starting grid and the company has confirmed that it will be entering the 2010 British Touring Car Championship with two factory-backed Cruzes.

Two Silverline Chevrolet Cruzes will appear on the grid for the 2010 season, expected to be one of the closest and most exciting in the series’ history. The cars will be prepared by the Wellingborough-based RML team, which also looks after Chevrolet’s WTCC Cruzes.

“The Cruze has already shown itself to be a superb racing car in the World Touring Car Championship,” said Chevrolet Managing Director, Mark Terry. “So the decision to enter it in the most high profile series in the UK was made much easier. We’re looking forward to an exciting season, and one that will raise the profile of both the Chevrolet brand, and the style and dynamic appeal of the Cruze – a car that has already proven to be a success both on and off the track.”

As far as drivers are concerned, the Silverline Chevrolet team sports an exciting mixture of both youth and experience, with former BTCC champion and 2009 runner-up, Jason Plato, driving the first car, and 19-year old Alex MacDowall driving the second. It’s the Carlisle-based teenager’s first season in BTCC, having previously competed in the top rankings of the Renault Clio Cup.

Plato has already driven a Chevrolet in the BTCC through 2009, a privately entered Lacetti sponsored by Silverline Tools, which continues to be a major team sponsor alongside Chevrolet UK.

“I always had confidence that teaming up with RML and Chevrolet would mean wins, The Lacetti of 2009 was a formidable piece of kit,” said Plato, 42. “Now in 2010 we have manufacturer support from Chevrolet and a very exciting new car in the Cruze. We are very motivated to make this our year, the opposition had better be ready –Roll on Thruxton!”

The first race in the 2010 BTCC season – and Chevrolet’s debut as an official manufacturer-backed team – takes place on Easter Sunday, April 4, at Thruxton, Hants. Fans can follow the progress of the Chevrolet team at a dedicated website –www.chevroletbtcc.co.uk