Reid joins Team RAC to boost title bid

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Mon 24th August 2009 Team RAC has called on the services of BTCC veteran Anthony Reid to bolster its chances of taking the 2009 title.

Reid, 52, will drive a third BMW 320si for Team RAC at the Silverstone event this weekend, alongside Stephen Jelly and championship leader Colin Turkington.

WSR Team Principal Dick Bennetts said: “It’s great to have Anthony back and with all his experience I am sure he is going to be a great help to the team.

“Our hand has been forced by Vauxhall instituting team orders at Knockhill with Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan giving points and positions to Fabrizio [Giovanardi].

“There is nothing wrong in them doing that. In fact, it shows what good team players they both are. However, three against two isn’t a fair fight, so that is why we have brought in Anthony to assist Colin and Stephen.”

Bennetts added: “It is going to be tough for Anthony, never having driven the car before and having to carry maximum ballast (45kg), but we expect him to be quickly up to speed and right up there in the races.

“Finally, we would like to thank BMW for their support in making this late entry possible.”

Reid last raced in the BTCC for WSR in 2004, taking the Independent driver’s title.

Anthony Reid said: “Driving for Team RAC is a fantastic opportunity and one I just couldn’t turn down. It’s great to be re-united with the crew at WSR again and I already feel right at home. It is especially good for me having Colin as a team-mate again and I will be doing all I can to help him and Team RAC win the Championship.

“I am really looking forward to driving the BMW 320si too. It is an impressive race car. It has won a lot of races in the BTCC and WTCC and I hope I can add to that tally.

“It’s also going to be fun locking horns with fellow ‘old boys’ Jason Plato and Matt Neal. We have had some great battles over the years and no doubt we will have some more this weekend!

“I have been keeping my Touring Car skills honed by racing in the Argentinean Touring Car Championship - TC 2000 - over the last five years. I finished second two weeks ago in the Buenos Aires 200kms and won last year, beating Menu and Huff.”