Media Release: Hines Considering All Options For 2011
Harlow, Essex (UK) – Tuesday, December 14, 2010; British sportscar ace Luke Hines will be taking time out of his international schedule to catch up with fans and share his plans for the 2011 season at the forthcoming Autosport International show, held at the NEC Birmingham from January 13-16.
A stunning GTC class debut in the American Le Mans Series earned Hines suitable recognition as one of Europe’s leading sportscar drivers in 2010. Only joining the Series battle from round three with Paul Miller Racing, Hines led the GTC field in his Porsche 911 the following round and every subsequent race until a massive accident at the Mosport International Raceway penultimate season outing ruined his class race winning chances. A rare racing talent, Hines boasts a winning pedigree in every category he’s ever competed, claiming championship titles, race wins and podiums from the karting ranks to single-seaters, the BTCC, and across the sportscar categories of GT1 and GT2. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the 28 year-old is currently considering a number of options for the 2011 season. Hines commented: “I’m not under contract for 2011 so I’m on the market and considering various opportunities. I’m pretty open and optimistic that I’ll be able to find a good deal. “I have made no secret of the fact that I’ve loved racing in the ALMS. Contesting GTC certainly turned out to be a career highlight. The Series has a distinct spirit and I felt quite at home. Everyone was amazingly supportive after my Mosport accident and did everything they could to get us back on-track. It was a shame it happened – it was certainly the biggest shunt of my career – but I made a lot of friends as a result and even attracted sponsor interest. “My main aim for 2011 is to be racing in America but I have to keep my options open. In an ideal world I’d love to be racing GT2, where there are some big teams and manufacturers, not to mention a great grid of drivers. That would be my main career aim at this stage, but I’d be very happy to return to the GTC class to claim the race wins I deserved this year. “We’ve been chatting to various teams and we are already negotiating a few opportunities, not just in the USA but in FIA GT and the wider sportscar arena.” As well as his building sportscar calibre, Hines boasts an impressive BTCC record. He took the Production Car title in 2003 in his inaugural tin-top season and went on to help VX Racing to the Manufacturers title the following year. His last BTCC outing with SEAT Sport in 2005, however, left unfinished business for the Essex racer. “Although my 2011 focus is firmly on sportscars, the BTCC has always been and remains to be of interest,” continued Hines. “I’ve been approached for deals in recent years but for whatever reason they haven’t been quite the right drive for me. There are a few new options on the touring car table for next season and it wouldn’t be a problem for me to juggle both a BTCC and sportscar commitment, so nothing is out of the question. “I can’t say too much at the moment but I hope to be able to talk more about my 2011 plans at the Autosport International show in January.” Hines will be at the NEC Birmingham throughout all four days of Autosport International and available to chat to fans and sign autographs from the Grand Prix Racewear stand. -Ends- Notes to Editors Luke Hines will be attending Autosport International on January 13-16, 2011. To arrange a media interview please contact emma.spearing@hazelpr.com For further ticket information and to keep up to date with all Autosport International news and information, visit www.autosportinternational.com. Media Contact Emma Spearing, Hazel PR: Mobile: +44 (0)7736 341828 E-mail: emma.spearing@hazelpr.com
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