Following recent news, that the team will run a third car alongside those of Chris Smiley and Jake Hill, Team HARD announces Michael Epps, who drove for Team HARD. in 2015, as the third driver in this young ‘dream team’.

Epps said: “It’s probably the most exciting time in my career so far, I could only really dream of a BTCC seat at one point in my career and now it’s really happening, I'm struggling to take it in!”

Last year Epps competed in the VW Racing Cup, picking up multiple wins and podiums. Moving up to BTCC with the team is an exciting prospect. He said: “I think myself and my two teammates can look forward to a challenging season with much to learn. The aim is obviously to get as high up as possible, and with the current situation of cars changing packages and lots of money being spent, you just never know. I’m optimistic and hoping to bring home points.

“There was a prospect of driving in BTCC from the very beginning of my relationship with Team HARD. and RCIB, but over the winter we have come closer and closer to actually being able to make a deal work. The opportunity presented itself and we had to grab it and work it into this. And now, here we are and I can’t wait to go blasting up to Paddock Hill on that first weekend at Brands!”

Team boss Tony Gilham and the team are working hard to bring young talent into the sport. Gilham said: “We have chosen to support young up and comping drivers once again. We’re rewriting the rule book and focusing on skill rather than just looking for drivers with big budgets. Mike is another very exciting prospect and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the Avensis. Having seen his pace last year, we are confident that he will have a very promising debut year. This is just the start of a long term plan for the team as we now look to build a solid platform on which to build on moving forwards.”

This has all come about thanks to continued support from existing partners, such as RCIB Insurance and the new partners that have come on board for the 2016 season. 

Epps added: “I want to express a huge thanks to RCIB for being behind this campaign, not forgetting Panda Racing, Adidas, Simply Race and Anytime Fitness. I’m grateful to no end for the ongoing support and this year is the time to really pay it back.”

Notes to editors

Team HARD. is a professional race team running cars in the British Touring Car Championship, VW Racing Cup, British GT and more. It is the only team to offer a clear path all the way up the motorsport ladder as well as full driver management. The team also runs hospitality, corporate track days and driving experiences.