Tom Oliphant with new Mercedes and livery at Donington - pic by Jakob Ebrey Photography

Tarpoley racing driver Tom Oliphant has officially launched his 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

Oliphant has announced his sponsors for the new campaign which begins this weekend at Brands Hatch.

The 27-year-old will embark on his maiden BTCC season with backing for a third consecutive season from Philips automotive lighting.

Other businesses supporting his campaign include Horizon Specialities and Chester-based digital marketing agency eJIGSAW.

They came together to see the new chrome green livery for Oliphant’s Ciceley Motorsport Mercedes A-Class unveiled at Donington Park last week.

Oliphant, a brand ambassador for the Marchand Watch Company, was able to test in a range of track conditions as a wet circuit dried.

Tom Oliphant test drives Mercedes ahead of BTCC debut - pic by Jakob Ebrey Photography
pic by Jakob Ebrey Photography

He said: “To join the British Touring Car Championship grid in the 60th anniversary season is a dream come true and it couldn’t have been possible without the continued support of my loyal sponsors.

“I’m incredibly pleased to be partnering with Philips automotive lighting and Horizon Specialities again, and welcoming on-board eJIGSAW and Marchand Watches.

“I feel our car is going to really stand out on track this season and I’m delighted by the reaction we got to the livery.

“With our positive pre-season behind us, our attention is now firmly on the opening rounds next weekend and I’m fully focused on starting strongly, scoring points and gaining valuable experience for the rest of the season.”

Oliphant unveils new Mercedes car ahead of BTCC debut - pic by Jakob Ebrey Photography
pic by Jakob Ebrey Photography

Richard Armstrong, sales director at Philips Automotive Lumileds UK, said: “He is a talented and intelligent driver and it should come as no surprise that we wanted to make the step up with Tom into the BTCC.”

Richard Newman, of Horizon Specialities, added: “At Horizon we strive for success and believe we have the passion and drive to achieve it, and in Tom we see the same attributes as he enters his first BTCC season.”

And Chris Percival, eJIGSAW CEO, said: “I have known Tom personally for many years and when he told me he was joining the BTCC grid in 2018, we felt it was a great opportunity to offer support.”

He will make his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship debut in Rounds One, Two and Three at the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit next weekend, April 7-8.

Practice and Qualifying takes place on Saturday, with races on Sunday live on ITV4.

(Pics courtesy of Jakob Ebrey Photography and Simon Maurice)

Tom Oliphant in new Mercedes car test drive at Donington - pic by Jakob Ebrey Photography
pic by Jakob Ebrey Photography
Oliphant and sponsor Richard Armstrong - pic by Simon Maurice
pic by Simon Maurice

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