Rockingham Circuit in Northamptonshire is racing into the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) calendar by sponsoring a local driver in 2007.

Northamptonshire-based Nick Leason made his BTCC debut in 2006 and is poised to enter his first full season for BTC Racing in a Lexus IS200.

Rockingham is backing Leason with sponsorship and is offering both Nick and his new team mate, Chris Stockton, vital track time at its extensive facility before the series-opening race on 1 April.

The opportunity to sponsor local saloon car driving talent is a natural fit for Rockingham, which welcomes the return of the high–octane BTCC championship for the first time in four years when it holds rounds four, five and six on 22 April.

Rockingham’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Charlotte Bushby, is delighted to support both local competitors and British motorsport: “Establishing a career in any form of motorsport, let alone the UK’s premier saloon car racing series, can be very challenging, and we’re thrilled to be able to nurture local talent in this way.
“BTCC always offers a lot of drama on the track and we’re hoping that Nick will be in the thick of the action throughout the season.”

Nick Leason is also proud to be working with the Northamptonshire circuit: “Rockingham’s fantastic support has helped to attract other sponsors and so progress my racing career to the next level. It’s great to be working with such an excellent circuit that is not only local to me, but is also one of the UK’s best facilities.”

The 38-year-old started his racing career with the Ford Fiesta Challenge in 1996 and has also competed in the SEAT Cupra Championship and the European Lamborghini GTR Super Trophy.