Series newcomer Dan Rowbottom says he is hoping to challenge for Jack Sears Trophy honours when he joins the British Touring Car Championship grid this season.

Rowbottom will make his debut with Ciceley Motorsport after making the step up from the Clio Cup UK, where he finished fourth in the standings last year.

Having spent a number of years out of action before returning to competition in 2015, the move into the BTCC this year marks the realisation of a dream for Rowbottom who said he was keen to fight for silverware at the wheel of his Mercedes A-Class.

“I’m still pinching myself to be honest,” he said after revealing his Cataclean Racing-entered car at the Autosport International Show. “I had the chance to test Adam [Morgan’s] car in December in what were horrendous conditions but I loved every minute and now my car has been revealed, I can’t wait to get out on track in it.

“I always wanted to race in the BTCC but when I spent so many years on the sidelines, it was mentally tough to get back into it again. We’ve worked hard in recent years to build up to this point and I’m exciting to get down to things properly in the coming months.

“I want to be competitive from the start but I’m under no illusions and don’t expect to go to Brands Hatch and be fighting for a win. I’d love to push for some top tens and some points, which I know will be hard, but I think that would be a good start and help with my bid for the Jack Sears Trophy. That’s what I have my eyes on.”