Kent’s Team HARD. Racing has welcomed back driver Bobby Thompson to the British Touring Car Championship.
Bobby first joined the team in 2017 when he championed in the VW Cup before graduating to the British Touring Car Championship for 2018.
Here, Bobby scored points in his debut season, proving to be valuable talent in the reputable championship. Continuing with Team HARD, Bobby competed in the 2019 BTCC with ‘GKR Scaffolding with Autobrite Direct’, and again in 2020 under the ‘GKR with Trade Price Cars Racing’ banner.
Following a big crash at Croft in 2020, Bobby took a year out of racing in 2021 and focused on his career off-track. For 2022, he is now back and ready to hit the ground running having already tested the Cupra Leon at Brands Hatch last month.
“It’s really good to be back in the BTCC with the team I started my journey with. I’ve come a long way since I was last with Team HARD, and I’ve only been back a few days but can already see the lads are clearly putting in a massive effort to get these cars ready to be fighting at the front for the upcoming season.
“I’ve had great history with the team previously, having won the 2017 VW Cup Championship which got me on the map. So, it’s great to be back and hopefully we can continue great success and challenge for the Jack Sears title this year.
“It’s always tough to miss out on a season, which came after I had a nasty crash at Croft in 2020 which put me out for the remainder. I wanted to get back last year, but unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. I took that time, however, to reflect upon my racing career and it only made me more motivated than ever to get back to the front of the field in the most competitive series in the UK.
“I’d like to thank my partners who are helping me to get back onto the grid, and to Tony also. I can’t wait to get going at the test day in a few weeks. Bring it on!”
Racing under the ‘Autobrite Direct with Team HARD. Racing’ banner, Bobby partners Jack Goff in bringing the Team HARD. Cupra to the sharp end of the grid this season.
Managing Director at Team HARD. Racing commented, “Really good news to have Bobby Thompson back in one of our BTCC cars. We have a long history together, which started way back in the VW Cup where, of course, he secured the championship with us in 2017.
“In 2020 while competing in the Audi for Trade Price Cars, Bobby started to show the consistency required to be a top level touring car driver. Unfortunately his accident in 2020 took him out of the remaining season and for 2021. However, after a recent test, Bobby looks like he is fit and ready to attack the BTCC head on in one of our Cupra Leons.
“Bobby has built up a great reputation within the BTCC paddock over the last few years and it’s great to be able to welcome him back into the team with open arms. I’m sure he’s going to prove to be one of the fan favourites this season. We can’t wait to get going!”