25/2/2003

Luke Hines has been signed by Barwell Motorsport to race one of their Honda Civic Type-Rs in the British Touring Car Championship's Production class this year.

Hines, last year's southern Formula Ford champion, will race one of the team's Honda Civic Type-Rs after impressing with his speed in testing in Spain.

Hoddesdon-based Hines, 20, said he was confident of challenging for the Production in his first season of racing with a roof over his head, particularly as he will be driving a Type-R - the same model of car that won last year's crown for Synchro Motorsport' James Kaye.

He also praised the Barwell squad, whose privately-run Vauxhall Astras almost won the BTCC's Independent's title last season.

Hines, the son of Zip Formula boss Martin Hines, said: "Barwell are a great team, and it certainly looks like the Honda will be the car to beat this season so I'm delighted to be driving one for them.

"I was pleased with my results in Formula Ford last season and I believe that a move to the BTCC is the best posible step to further my career."

Meanwhile, Barwell say they are not yet in a position to name a second driver, as talks with several candidates are on-going. It could be that managing director Mark Lemmer competes in a number of rounds.

After testing Hines, Lemmer said: "Not only was Luke's ultimate speed and feedback very impressive, but his sustained pace over a race distance was even more so. I am sure Luke will fit in very well with us - he's a driver born into the Barwell mould."