CMS Motorsport has joined forces with cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Relief to take on the best of British Motorsport in the 2003 British Touring Car Championship. Team Macmillan will enter a specially branded Ford Focus Macmillan car in the championship (Production Class).

The team, headed by CMS's team principle Malcolm Cleland, will raise money by directly donating a percentage of their sponsorship to Macmillan. Through the high profile championship we intend to raise the awareness of Macmillan Cancer Relief and the great work they do, whilst establishing the charity as a household name.

The team is expected to secure the title sponsors over the next few weeks enabling us to join the championship in June at Silverstone. Although missing the start of the season is not ideal, we are looking forward to getting on with the project and establishing the team on the track.
We are currently in talks with the management team of a former F3/FIA GT driver who is interested in joining us in a second car.

Experienced European Lamborghini GTR driver Nick Leason, has signed to CMS for 2003 to spearhead its challenge in the British Touring Car Championship. His experience as a test driver is essential to the development of the car whilst his ability and race craft will be instrumental in the success of the team.
Nick explains- "It has been my Career goal to race in the BTCC. Although racing in Europe is a great experience you can't beat the British fans and their enthusiasm. Also I have the opportunity to help raise the awareness of Macmillan Cancer Relief - something I feel proud to undertake. I have worked with CMS before; I know we can achieve some great results. The team is highly motivated and this is reflected in its commitment to perfection. CMS have pulled together key personnel from within the Motorsport industry to form the foundation of the team. I am really looking forward to the 2003 season".

Who are Macmillan cancer relief? In the UK four in ten people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime and over a million people are currently living with cancer. Macmillan Cancer Relief helps to provide the expert care and practical and emotional support that make a real difference for people living with cancer.
In order to achieve this we raise funds for specialist Macmillan nurses and doctors who deliver the best in cancer care; we also build vitally needed treatment centres, give financial help to those who need it most, and provide a range of cancer information both locally and nationally.

Macmillan Cancer Relief quote - Ian Catley "The 'go racing with Macmillan' concept is fun, fast and furious - just like fundraising everywhere for Macmillan! The charity will enjoy working with the team to seek success in the British Touring Car Championship and people with cancer who will be helped by Macmillan will be the real winners".

CMS Motorsport quote - Malcolm Cleland, CMS Team principal "We have worked hard to get here and felt that it would be a great opportunity to share our experience with such an excellent charity. Our goal is to raise a substantial amount of money for Macmillan in various ways, and raising awareness of exactly what Macmillan Cancer Relief is about. I personally have never been involved in something so exciting - thrill of The British Touring Car Championship PLUS the opportunity to help such a worthwhile cause - great combination"!

02nd April 2003