Lynn driver to make his British Touring Car debut this weekend

Ryan Bensley will fulfil a lifelong ambition this weekend as he makes his debut in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Snetterton.The Lynn-based driver is stepping in for fan favourite Michael Crees at Team VERTU as he makes his bow in the popular racing seriesBensley, 40, will take the wheel of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N in front of a home crowd, joining an experienced line-up alongside Tom Ingram, Tom Chilton, and Adam Morgan.The opportunity marks a significant milestone in his racing career, having previously impressed in the Milltek Sport Civic Cup and last year’s TCR UK series.The substitution comes as Crees steps aside for the Snetterton round, despite a strong showing at Brands Hatch earlier this month, where he claimed points finishes and maintained his consistent record on the Indy layout.Crees, who returned to the BTCC this season for a partial campaign after previously winning the Jack Sears Trophy in 2020, has long been supported by Bensley’s business, Mortgage Synergy.“This season for me is all about building for the future,” said Crees. “Ryan has been a huge part of my journey, and it’s always been his dream to race in the BTCC at his home circuit. “With no championship implications for me, this was the perfect opportunity to help him make that dream a reality.”Bensley’s debut in the Millers Oils-backed car promises to be a career highlight, with all three of Sunday’s races broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX, and streamed on YouTube for international audiences outside the UK and North America.Team VERTU owner Justina Williams welcomed the move, stating: “We’re delighted to welcome Ryan into the team this weekend. “We understand that stepping into the BTCC is a major challenge, but there’s no pressure in terms of results. Our focus is on supporting Ryan and helping him gain experience at this level.”With the spotlight firmly on Snetterton this weekend, Bensley’s BTCC bow will be watched closely by local fans and the wider paddock alike, as he looks to make an impact in one of the UK’s most competitive motorsport arenas.