Kerry shows off diesel powered BMW

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Thu 8th March 2007 Rick Kerry has unveiled the BMW 1 Series with which he will contest the 2007 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

The BMW, which Kerry will run under the AFM Racing banner, will be the first diesel powered car to be entered in the BTCC. The 35 year-old newcomer to the championship has built the car from a BMW supplied kit over the past few weeks. The 120d will make its first public outing at the BTCC’s media launch, next Tuesday, March 13th.

Kerry commented, "We're very much entering unchartered waters here, so there are a lot of unknowns and we certainly expect a few tears along the way. But it's also a very exciting project with which to be involved. We are all very determined to make this work."

“We anticipate we’ll have a bit less power than the petrol and bio-ethanol cars but much more torque away from the grid and out of corners – whether that will be a big enough gain to overcome the power deficiency remains to be seen.

“Green fuels are very much a part of motor sport’s agenda and will play a major part in the sport’s future. Diesel engines have progressed so far in road cars and in racing circles this is technology still in its early phases of development as opposed to being at the end of its development.”

This diesel entry reinforces the BTCC’s position of embracing alternative fuels, following on from a 2006 season which saw bio-ethanol grow in popularity among the series’ racers.

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow commented: “Any fan of the BTCC should applaud this project and we all very much look forward to seeing the car make its debut in the BTCC. I’m sure it will enjoy a considerable following amongst our crowds and TV audiences.

“It was only a matter of time before someone took advantage of the championship’s profile to showcase diesel technology, just as several teams did to their great advantage with bio-ethanol in 2006. We wish Rick’s team the very best of luck.”

Photos: Peter Still (www.stillphotography.co.uk)