Mike Bushell is set to make his return to Team HARD. Racing to replace Tom Onslow-Cole after the latter’s full-time race commitments means he fails to comply with the TOCA Coronavirus regulations.
Bushell, who was Team HARD. Racing’s top points scorer the last time he raced for the team in 2018 was set to return to the team line up full-time in 2020 before Bushell suffered from Myocarditis – an inflammation of the heart muscle on the eve of the original season start date.
Due to the delayed season start and Coronavirus complications Mike was unable to commit to the revised race calendar with Team HARD. Racing despite recovering from his illness but was able to return for selected rounds with the PMR squad in the team’s Vauxhall Astra earlier in the season.
Bushell said: “It’s good to be back with Team HARD. Racing after testing the CC at the recent tyre test at Snetterton in July. It’s been a rollercoaster year for me personally both on and off track but I’m happy to be back in the seat that I originally had nailed down before my illness and Coronavirus hit.
“I enjoyed my time in the Vauxhall at Oulton Park and Knockhill and despite coming away from those weekends pointless, I proved to everyone, including myself that my speed is still there despite everything that has happened to me recently.
Having driven the VW CC at the tyre test the team have improved the car since I last drove it during preseason for the 2019 season. I’m looking forward to teaming up with Jack and Nic to extract the maximum out of the car!”
Tony Gilham, Team HARD. Racing Managing Director added: “Firstly, I’m gutted for Tom who had a strong showing at Silverstone despite the results maybe saying otherwise. He was on the pace of Jack and the pair worked together to fine tune the cars setup.
“However, Mike is a great replacement for this weekend at Croft and I’m happy to see him back with team after such an up and down year. It wasn’t nice to see Mike driving for a rival team but his speed out of the box was proven yet again and I’m confident he can have a strong showing in the VW CC this time out and bring home his first points of the season.”
Bushell will be partnering Jack Goff in the second RCiB Insurance with Fox Transport Volkswagen CC for round 7 of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship which is broadcast live on ITV Sport.com and ITV4.