By Mick Palmer

TCR UK racer Callum Newsham hopes to add to his 2022 podiums as he returns to the championship with with JH Racing in a Hyundai i30 N for this year.

The former Mini Challenge racer made the shift to the series last term racing a Cupra Leon with Power Maxed Racing, and scored third places at Oulton Park and Brands Hatch.

“I am looking forward to getting the 2023 season underway. (There are) some big changes this year as we have purchased a Hyundai i30 N TCR and moved to a new team,” Newsham stated. “I am confident with the new car and team we will have all we need to be very competitive and progress on what we showed last season, being consistent as we can and aiming to be on the podium more often.”

After working with Newsham in the championship last season James Hone made the decision to form his own outfit for this season. The team views the shift to the Hyundai as a step forward. “Callum, in his debut season of 2022really imprinted his mark and showed huge pace throughout in the CUPRA when everything was working for him,” he said. ”With him now piloting a Hyundai i30 N TCR in 2023, we have all the ingredients needed for what looks to be a very exciting and competitive season.” 

Newsham is managed by his Father Dave who scored wins in the BTCC in 2012, and he considers the plans they’ve laid out for the upcoming campaign as a strong basis for furthering his career. “It was a solid debut season from Callum last year, he was fast and consistent when the car was working for him,” he said. “He was better than the car he was driving. Basically, he showed me I needed to dig deeper into my pocket and invest in a more competitive car for him. We now have a Hyundai i30 N TCR.

“I worked with James last year and I was very impressed with his ability to produce a fast and reliable car. When James told me he was starting his own TCR team we quickly came to a deal. No doubt, the competition in TCR UK this year is going to be stiffer than it was last, however, I believe we have all the ingredients to be in the mix. I am really looking forward to the new season! “