Sponsor boost for Jackson ahead of home event

Thu 14th May 2009 Warwickshire motor racing star Mat Jackson heads into his home British Touring Car Championship event at Donington Park this weekend on a high, having secured a raft of sponsorship that will allow him to compete for the title.

Mat, the 2008 BTCC season runner-up, lost his major backer just before Christmas and was forced to sit out the first round of the championship. A last-minute deal with Chevrolet privateers RML meant he took to the grid for round two, held at Thruxton in April, where he shocked the field by claiming victory on his debut in the Lacetti. The sensational performance has brought several new sponsors on board and he will now compete under the Racing Silverline banner alongside former BTCC champion Jason Plato. Auto Windscreens, Pinnacle Transport and long-time sponsor Paul Castle Consultancy (PCC) will also appear on the 27 year-old’s car.

“After the last-gasp deal to race at Thruxton it’s great to get things sorted for Donington with a bit more time to spare,” said Mat, who is from Henley-In-Arden. “Taking that first win meant the monkey is off my back and I’m confident we’ll be fighting at the front for my home round. RML has so much experience and both Jason and myself have proved that the Lacetti is a winning car.

“Given the state of the economy, it is fantastic to see companies putting their name to the team and I hope we can reward them with further success at Donington. However, we are still looking for more sponsors as I’m determined to go one better than last season and take the BTCC crown this year.”

Mat scored an impressive 22 points in his last outing, despite having only conducted a brief shakedown of the car, and says the boost of racing in front of a home crowd this weekend should help him repeat the performance. “Donington Park is a great circuit and I’m really looking forward to seeing all the fans from the Midlands,” he said.