In 2014, BMW works driver Andy Priaulx will start a new chapter in his long career. The three times World Touring Car Champion will tackle the circuits in the USA. With BMW Team RLL, Priaulx will race a BMW Z4 GTE in the new United SportsCar Championship (USCC).
Another challenge, which the 40-year-old Englishman is really looking forward to. Priaulx has a wealth of experience and was successful in various types of racing cars, such as touring cars and GTs. After being crowned World Touring Car Champion with BMW three times in a row, he was a member of the team when the Bavarian manufacturer sucessfully returned to the German DTM in 2012. Now, after two seasons in the renowned series, the experienced BMW ace is ready for new challenges in the USCC.
“The DTM didn‘t bring me what I wanted it to bring, however, I think as a driver it has really helped me”, Priaulx reflected. “There are areas, maybe not necessarily in my driving but psychologically, where these DTM years have made me stronger. I am looking forward to the future with a big smile on my face because I am staying with BMW, it is an important championship, it is an important year for me and, most of all, I am driving a fantastic car in a great country, so I can‘t really complain.”
Despite the fact that Priaulx has been racing for over 20 years, he will now face many tracks that are still new for him. But to learn them is not a big issue for him: “I have always enjoyed new tracks. I have generally liked going to new tracks, learning them, and putting them on my cv. I think I have a fairly good process. I talk to drivers who have been there, I have a simulator set up at home , I also look at onboards and bring all that information together. But there is no better experience than driving it in reality. So to get to a track early before you race there is a really important aspect.”
On the other hand, Priaulx will return to circuits he has fond memories of: “Sebring was great as we won there, but the track I am most looking forward to is Watkins Glen. I know it is a really fast track and also has a brilliant history as I remember way back with the Grands Prixs there. I am looking forward to Watkins Glen and Laguna Seca as well. There are some great tracks this year in the championship.” Tracks, where Priaulx is keen on writing new chapters in his long success story.