2022 Debutant Callum Newsham has confirmed that he will return for his second full season in the TCR UK Touring Car Championship, making the switch to a Hyundai i30 N TCR which will be run by JH Racing.
Having driven a CUPRA TCR for Power Maxed Racing in his first year in the championship, where he scored podium finishes at both Oulton Park and Brands Hatch, 2023 will see Callum in a Hyundai i30 N TCR, a model which has taken the most wins (23 across five seasons) in TCR UK since it began in 2018.
JH Racing has been set up by James Hone, with the team making their debut in the championship this season, James having worked alongside both Callum and father Dave Newsham during the 2022 season.
As the season premiere at Snetterton over the Easter weekend in April gets closer, Callum is eager to get to grips with the change in car and team.
“I am looking forward to getting the 2023 season underway. Some big changes this year as we have purchased a Hyundai i30 N TCR and moved to a new team, JH Racing,” said Callum.
“I am confident with the new car and team we will have all we need to be very competitive and progress on what we showed last season, being as consistent as we can and aiming to be on the podium more often.”
JH Racing Team Principal James Hone is delighted to be able to make the move to TCR UK this year as a brand new team.
“Having been involved in TCR UK for several years and seeing how the championship has rapidly grown from strength to strength, we are very excited about the upcoming 2023 season,” explained James.
“We are delighted to sail into this season with Callum Newsham. Callum, in his debut season of 2022 really imprinted his mark and showed huge pace throughout in the CUPRA when everything was working for him. With him now piloting a Hyundai i30 N TCR in 2023, we have all the ingredients needed for what looks to be a very exciting and competitive season.”
Former British Touring Car race winner Dave Newsham, who is overseeing Callum’s career progression in TCR UK, is excited about the new season with JH Racing.
“It was a solid debut season from Callum last year, he was fast and consistent when the car was working for him. He was better than the car he was driving. Basically, he showed me I needed to dig deeper into my pocket and invest in a more competitive car for him. We now have a Hyundai i30 N TCR,” explained Dave.
“I worked with James last year and I was very impressed with his ability to produce a fast and reliable car. When James told me he was starting his own TCR team we quickly came to a deal. No doubt, the competition in TCR UK this year is going to be stiffer than it was last, however, I believe we have all the ingredients to be in the mix. I am really looking forward to the new season! “
The 2023 TCR UK Touring Car Championship season kicks off at Snetterton on the 300 on the 8th and 9th April, visit https://www.tcr-uk.co.uk/ for more info and how to get involved.
