Rapid up-and-coming driver Michael Doyle has announced plans to form his own Scottish-based team In-Tune Racing for his debut season in the HiQ MSA British Touring car Championship.

Doyle, from Gartochan, near Loch Lomond in West Dunbartonshire, will race a BTC-spec Honda Civic Type R carrying title sponsorship from family business In-Tune Garage Services. The car will be overseen by highly-respected BTCC race team engineer Andy Scott who most recently led the privateer Synchro Honda team.

The 20-year-old is expected to be one of the top rookies in 2008 – he has been among the top names in the BTCC’s supporting Renault Clio Cup and the Civic Type R has proven race-winning credentials in the BTCC, most recently with Tom Chilton in 2005.

Doyle said: “Obviously it’s a huge step up from the Clio Cup but I feel, as a driver, the only way to get better is to race the best. We have assembled a superb group of engineers and technicians with a wealth of touring car experience between them and we’re all looking forward to the challenge ahead of us.

“I have full confidence in my own ability and the team. There are no doubts in my mind we can perform consistently and learn from the big guns and I’m extremely fortunate to have the huge support of my family and friends to compete in, what is, my dream. Ever since I first sat in a kart when I was 12 years old I’ve held the dream of racing in touring cars and this season it all comes true! It’s incredible and I can’t wait for the season to start.”