BTCC: Senna Proctor named as first Excelr8 BTCC driver

BTCC race winner Senna Proctor will make the switch from the BMR team to Excelr8 Motorsport in 2020.

The 21-year-old will be entering into his fourth BTCC season after previous campaigns with BMR’s rear-wheel drive Subaru Levorg and Power Maxed Racing’s front-wheel drive Vauxhall Astra.

Proctor has just one win to his name, claimed in the chaotic second race of the 2018 season which saw changing weather conditions help him storm to victory from 27th on the grid.

Excelr8 had a promising debut season as they quickly adapted to the demands of modern BTCC machinery, with both of their drivers (Rob Smith and Sam Osborne) able to score points before the season’s close.

2020 sees the team running brand new cars to the BTCC, as Hyundai enter with the i30 Fastback N Performance. Proctor’s signing is a credit to his talent and attitude behind the wheel as a leading driver to develop new cars in the championship.

Three-time podium finisher Proctor said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining Excelr8 Motorsport and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the new Hyundai BTCC car.

“When Excelr8 contacted me back in September about the possibility of leading a new car development for them I have to say I was honoured.

“Having met the team at Excelr8 it was clear that they share the same ambitions as me of one day lifting the BTCC crown and with my past experience of FWD we can grow together and make this become a reality over the next few seasons.

“But it’s one step at a time and we are under no illusion that there will be a lot of hard work ahead for 2020, it will be as many top 10 finishes and possibly podiums to get the ball rolling.

“I am heading into my fourth season in the BTCC and along with the expertise of Excelr8 Motorsport I think we could be a force to be reckoned with in 2020 and beyond.”

The news is equally well received at Excelr8, where founder and Team Owner Justina Williams said: “WOW, we are delighted to have attracted Senna to our team, he is proven in BTCC and will now help lead our new Hyundai i30 development. This will ensure that we continue on our journey towards the sharp end of the BTCC grid and in the longer term to be challenging for BTCC titles together.” 

Team Principal Oliver Shepherd followed up: “2019 was a learning year for Excelr8 in BTCC, whereas 2020 is the year where as a team we will show that we are not just in BTCC to make up the numbers. Senna joining the team is a massive step towards this aim and we are certain that his raw speed and his experience in BTCC will be key ingredients in helping us to make this step forward. We are looking forward to working together with Senna to take the fight to the established teams, bring it on!”

Excelr8 have one more brand new Hyundai i30 Fastback that needs filling, but the team looks in great shape going into the 2020 season.