JACKSON DEPARTS BTCC

Surrey based racing driver and BRDC member Ollie Jackson has taken the decision to step away from the British Touring Car Championship.

After much deliberation and talks with the Motorbase Performance Team, Jackson has decided to follow his passion and take on a new challenge in the Porsche Carrera Cup Championship. Previous winner of the Porsche Carrera Cup Pro Am Championship in 2010 and points scorer in every race he has ever contested during his previous two years in the Championship, Jackson has always held fond memories of the series and was keen to make a return to experience the new era of 992 GT3 Cup car.

“I have had a great time in BTCC with Motorbase over the last 4 seasons, both with Mr Bartrum and latterly the Osborne family, achieving my lifelong dreams of standing on the BTCC podium and winning races. Motorbase are a fantastic team, I’ve made many lifelong friends and they have provided me with great cars and great opportunities, but it was time for a change. I am supportive of the introduction of electrification into the sport, but the changes brought about by the Hybrid system just haven’t suited me.”

“Additionally, alongside my racing I do have a full-time job as Chief Engineer for Controlled Braking Technology at Alcon, as well as growing responsibilities within Mountune and other Motorsport related businesses I am involved in. Racing in BTCC and the unique commitments that surround it, requires time as well as a level of intensity and focus that I was going to struggle to reconcile with what is going to be a busy year ahead at work for me.

“Midway through last season I openly discussed my need for a new challenge with Pete, we worked through some potential plans together that included a switch to a rear wheel drive car within the team or a change to endurance racing however, after considering several options, I feel the Porsche and the overall package it provides is the one that really excites me to go racing again. For me the enjoyment in racing comes from the feeling I get from the car on track and the challenge in myself, yes results are a bonus, but first and foremost it’s simply about enjoying each and every race.”

“I am incredibly lucky to have the most loyal sponsors who fully support me in my decision and who will be making the transition with me, along with a few new brands that I am delighted to have on board and be working with.”

“Pete Osborne and Motorbase have been extremely supportive of my decision, and we will continue to not only be great friends but work together closely through my role in Mountune who supply Napa Racing with the Ford EcoBoost engine. I wish Napa Racing and Mountune the very best of luck for the forthcoming season, I will certainly be cheering them on from the paddock.”

Pete Osborne, Motorbase Performance Team Owner added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Ollie over the last few years, and it’s a real shame to see him leave the team as he’s been a big part of it for so long. Ollie and his family have been with, and around, Motorbase for many years with Porsche as well as the BTCC and we’ve enjoyed some great times together. We worked on a few alternative programmes which would have kept Ollie in the Motorbase family and maybe we’ll see him return to a Motorbase car again in the near future. For now, we wish Ollie all the best in his plans back in the Porsche paddock. We will continue to enjoy his involvement in the team in his role with Mountune, who continue to supply our BTCC engines.”

Further details on Jackson’s drive in the Porsche Carrera Cup Championship will follow in due course.