Brutal Fish Racing Team is delighted to announce that Spanish teenager Isido Callejas has completed its TCR Europe line-up and will become the youngest driver in series history when he makes his debut.
The 16-year-old from Cordoba will partner Jack Young and Martin Ryba in the Slovak team’s trio of Honda Civic Type R TCRs.
After a successful karting career in Spain, Isidro made his car-racing debut in his national Renault Clio Cup last year. One win, two further podium finishes and one pole position helped him to a highly impressive runner-up spot in the series.
A Junior Cup win in a one-off appearance in the French series as it visited Barcelona was yet further proof of his exceptional talent, and a podium finish on his touring car debut at Jerez a few weeks later in TCR Iberico set him on the path towards Brutal Fish.
The signings of Isidro and Jack - both of whom are under 20 - is indicative of Brutal Fish’s new focus on youth development as it aims to give talented youngsters an opportunity to prove themselves in the intensely competitive world of touring-car racing.
Isidro, who is eligible for the TCR Europe Junior Trophy as well as the overall prize, will have his first test in the Honda at the team’s home circuit, the Slovakiaring, this month, and will be mentored by Pepe Oriola - a race winner in the series for Brutal Fish last year.
His pre-season programme will continue after that and incorporate several more TCR Europe venues ahead of the season start - also at Slovakiaring - in May.
Martin Ryba, Team Principal, said: “It’s pretty unbelievable what teenagers are capable of today; something I felt immeidiately when I saw Isidro driving the first time. Our main aim with him will be to fight for the Junior Trophy, for which he is eligible. He has a huge amount to learn, but if he is patient and listens well, I’m sure he can be competitive very quickly. I still find it amazing to think that Jack and Isidro have a combined age of 35 and I’m 44! I am also super-happy to have Pepe Oriola remaining with the team as Isidro’s mentor, which will not only give Isidro a great person to learn from, but will also allow communication in Spanish over the in-car radio. Pepe is a true member of the Brutal Fish family and I’m tremendously grateful to have him and Daniel Lloyd in management positions during what I’m sure will be a busy season of racing for both men.”
Isidro Callejas said: “Im really happy to work with Brutal Fish Racing Team and the Honda Civic Type R, but being associated with such a recognised brand in motor racing brings a lot of responsibility. I know I will have plenty to learn this season and that TCR Europe has lots of really good drivers, which will make it a big challenge. But we will work very hard to learn everything we can and I’ll always fight for every position on the track. I’m really looking forward to getting the season started.”
