SPFL TITLE sponsor Ladbrokes has today announced it’s backing Scotland’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Driver Rory Butcher.

It’s yet another blue-chip brand investing in the BTCC grid and means fans will be able to place their bets on this year’s championship with the betting giant at www.ladbrokes.com.

As for Butcher, he believes he has the car, backing and insight to be a lightning fast force to be reckoned with when the BTCC roars into action at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Butcher, whose family run the Knockhill racing circuit in Fife, is heading into his second full season in the UK’s flagship motorsport series, racing for the Cobra Sport AmD with AutoAid/RCIB Insurance team.

He was fifth fastest in a test day at the legendary Kent track last week in his Honda Civic.

And Butcher, who has Ladbrokes as one of his main sponsors, is getting the perfect advice from brother-in-law Gordon Shedden who won three titles in 12 years racing in BTCC.

“I’m still learning the craft of BTCC but I feel my prospects are good,” said the 32-year-old. “It’s about piecing together a full season where you are really building towards a championship.

“A lot of things have to fall into place – you need good engineers, a good car, my driving has to be on-point and you need to stay out of trouble.

“There is a real career to be in BTCC because so many big brands are involved – like Ladbrokes – and the series is free to watch and also live on ITV4.

“I’m really looking forward to the start of the season. We’ve got a really competitive package with the people I’ve got around me in the team and the car I have beneath me,

“I feel very fit – I’ve been training hard over the winter – and all the hard work has been done in testing so we now have to do the business on the track.

“I came into the Championship halfway through the 2017 season. I was thrown into the deep end as it’s a completely different style of racing.

“It’s really cut and thrust and really difficult to score points in all 30 races – but if you can do that you have a real shot of fighting for the Championship.”

David Macdonald of Ladbrokes said: “Backing Rory was a no-brainer for us. He was voted top 10 in the UK last season and with his continued dedication and enthusiasm for the sport there is every chance he can become champion on the BTCC circuit.”