TEAM boss Joe Bradley is still celebrating after signing Matt Allison to pilot his second car in this year’s British Touring Car Championship. Allison will join Newcastle’s Harry Vaulkhard behind the wheel of the stunning blue Chevrolet Lancetti’s in the 2008 championship. The Norwich-based driver entered the championship for the first time in 2007, and ended the season in a respectable 12th place, following a string of top-10 finishes. A protégé of 1992 BTCC champion-turned- commentator Tim Harvey, Allison is delighted to have signed with Robertshaw Racing. “The team may be still new to BTCC but there were a number of things that really stood out for me about its set-up,” he revealed. “It is the sole representative of Chevrolet, the specification of the car is very impressive and almost identical to the RML-prepared cars in WTCC. “Furthermore, the engineering team Robertshaw has put in place is top notch, so it really wasn’t that difficult a decision to make.” And manager Joe last night admitted that Matt had been top of the list of potential drivers for some time. “We first spoke to his people way back before Christmas, they knew what we were planning and had seemed as impressed at our set-up as we were with the idea of running Matt. “We had a few days last week of negotiations, and by Wednesday it was all signed and done. Matt is joining Harry and we’re all thrilled.” Joe believes Allison will be the perfect team-mate for Vaulkhard, who will be making his BTCC debut this season. “I can’t believe you could find a better team if I’m honest,” said Joe. “We’ve got a very fast driver in Harry, and then we’ve got Matt who made a big impression last year. “We wanted someone with some experience, and we’ve got him. I’m convinced he and Harry will work brilliantly together, and I think we’ve got ourselves a fantastic team, one which will make us all very proud.” SEVEN-times British Truck Racing Champ Stuart Oliver ditched the mighty MAN machine for something smaller when he took his first spin in his new touring car last week. The Hexham-based driver, who is moving into car racing for the first time in his career this year, got behind the wheel of his BTC Racing Lexus at Oulton Park last week. And, it seems, he still hasn’t made his mind up as to whether cars are better than trucks. “It’s a bit of a radical switch from trucks to touring cars but I’ve had a very positive first test,” said Stuart. “I am really buzzing. It’s definitely a steep learning curve as this is not only my first time in a touring car, but also my first time here at Oulton. There is a lot to take in and the differences are like night and day. “But I’m quietly confident I’ve made the right move. The first rounds of both the truck and touring car season are back to back at Brands Hatch so that will be tough. My aim is to stay open minded.” | 
