Tony Gilham is being backed by his new employers to turn some heads in the British Touring Car Championship after being handed a dream chance.

The Swanley racer has spent the last three years competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup and his performances there have finally earned him a shot at the big time.

Gilham (pictured) had several options on the table, after clinching 15 podium finishes out of a possible 20 last season, and has signed for Triple Eight Race Engineering.

Ian Harrison, chairman of Triple Eight, said: "I am pleased to welcome Tony to the team. We’ve been keeping an eye on a number of drivers running outside of the BTCC for a little while now and Tony was one of those. I’m sure he’ll settle into things very quickly and maybe surprise a few people, too."

Gilham was delighted to be handed the opportunity. He said: "Following discussions with my main sponsor, Phil Lavender of Collins Contractors, and my other supporting partners from last season – Morgan Forbes, Turner Lovell and Manor Car Hire – we decided to try and pursue my dream of competing in the British Touring Car Championship."

The opening round takes place at Brands Hatch over the Bank Holiday weekend at the start of April.