Lea Wood to enter British Pickup Truck series with Morris Lubricants

Lea Wood will be back behind the wheel in 2016 after confirming he will make a full time switch to the hotly contested Pickup Truck Racing series for 2016, bringing with him long time title-sponsors Morris Lubricants.

Having made a name for himself in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship where he most notably secured the bragging rights in the Jack Sears Trophy in 2013, the Hereford-born competitor will campaign for a full season after impressing on a one-off appearance at Thruxton earlier in 2015.

Teaming up with Dave Longhurst, Wood’s engineer in the BTCC, the 31-year-old is relishing the opportunity to test himself in a completely different discipline of racing, as well as getting to grips with new machinery.

Commenting on the deal, Wood said: “I’m really looking forward to this new challenge; this is a great series and one that I have a great connection with including the main co-ordinator. When I knew that the opportunities in the BTCC weren’t there for me this was always a strong option and it made sense to embark on this journey with Dave [Longhurst].

“As always it is never possible to go racing without our sponsors and i have some great people on board. This move to the series works well for Morris Lubricants as they feature heavily in other Truck championships; everything has really fallen into place and it is exciting to see how we as a team get on against some real established stars.”

Making the jump from the UK’s premier race series to the Pickup championship, Wood has his sights set on being competitive but is adamant it will be an education of sorts when getting to grips with the high-speed bowl of Rockingham Motor Speedway.

Wood continued: “I’m quite confident going into the circuit rounds as they are tracks I have competed at before but I would say I am even more excited to be racing around the Rockingham oval. We’ve got four events on that layout so it will be important to gain an understanding quickly and get on top of the car around there.”

Craig Bastable, Morris Marketing Manager, continued: “We are really delighted to be supporting Lea in 2016. He has been a first rate ambassador for Morris Lubricants from the start of our sponsorship activity in the BTCC 2013 season. We have high hopes for Lea and the team in the British Pick Up Championship. Being a talented and focused individual there is no doubt that he will be challenging at the front of the pack.”

With a bumper calendar visiting no less than six different circuits in the UK, Series Director Sonny Howard has voiced his delight at welcoming a driver of Wood’s calibre to the championship.

He stated: “We are honoured to welcome Lea on board who needs no introduction after proving himself in such a high profile series. He brings with him a brand name synonymous with motorsport and the motoring industry as a whole. We’re all looking forward to working with Lea and the team for a full season, they’ll bring a fierce challenge to the championship.”

Joining Wood along with Morris Lubricants as he embarks on this next stage of his career will also be Central Roofing, S&P Crossways Garage,Wheelheaven and Houseman Dry Lining. Wood begins his quest for the top step of the rostrum at Brands Hatch on the 27/28th March 2016.