Team HARD. Racing can today announce that they will be joining the Porsche Carrera Cup GB series for 2021 with 2020 Quaife Mini Challenge champion Nathan Harrison confirmed as the first driver.

The well-established Kent Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) outfit will be entering a two-car entry with the second driver signed but unannounced at this stage. Confirmed driver Harrison, will be competing for Pro-Am honours when the season commences at Snetterton on 14/15^th May.

Harrison, 24 from Oxford is no stranger to the TOCA support paddock after claiming the Quaife Mini Challenge championship last term taking the championship by 32 points thanks to three wins and three further visits to the podium.

Despite a lack of experience in rear-wheel drive machinery Harrison is upbeat about his debut Porsche Carrera Cup GB campaign. “I am so excited to start this new journey in my career with Team HARD. and starting a long term relationship. After winning the 2020 Quaife Mini Challenge championship I set my targets of stepping up into the BTCC but after struggling to raise the budget I started to open my options to other championships and Porsche was one that was top of my list. The timing all came together well with Team HARD. wanting to get back into the Porsche Carrera Cup GB grid again and me wanting to race in this championship so me and Tony had a chat and came up with a plan and within the space of a few weeks the deal was done.

It’s going to be a challenge having never driven a rear wheel drive race car before but I’m so up for the challenge and I can’t wait to get started with all of the guys and girls at the team. All I can say is a massive thank to Team HARD. in giving me this opportunity and to all of my partners for staying on board through these difficult times.”

Whilst the team will be making their debut in the series in 2021 they are no stranger to the championship as Managing Director and former racing driver Tony Gilham competed in the series in 2008, 2009 and 2010 finishing runner up in the Pro-Am category in his debut season.

He commented, “I’m delighted to be back in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, it’s a great series and one that’s been on our radar for some time now. Everything has come together for this year and I’m really excited by our driver line-up. Nathan is a BRDC rising star and a champion across multiple categories in the UK. He was the perfect candidate to spearhead our attack on this year’s championship and the whole team are looking forward to working with him this season.

For me, the Porsche Carrera Cup has always had a special place in my heart after the three years I spent in the championship. Mixing it with guys like Tim (Harvey), Michael (Meadows) and Stephen (Jelly) shows just how strong the championship is with many of it’s competitors moving into the BTCC including our very own Glynn Geddie who will be competing in our new Cupra Leon for the 2021 BTCC season.”

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB has run alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship on it’s TOCA support package since the championships inception in 2003 and has benefited from live TV coverage ever since with viewing figures reaching a cumulative total of 15.8 million viewers during the 2020 season. 2021 sees the series continue to support the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at eight of it’s ten events meaning that all Porsche Carrera Cup races will be shown on ITV4 this season.

Team HARD. Racing will announce it’s second driver over the coming weeks as it looks to start its testing programme ahead of the season opener in May.

Jack: “So, that’s it for the Volkswagen CC in the BTCC, it’s been an emotional rollercoaster that’s for sure. As for this weekend, the conditions were really varied and usually we are able to extract the maximum from these types of weekends, however this time around it wasn’t meant to be.

We bogged down at the start of the opening race in the wet conditions and dropped from P14 to P17 and with overtaking at a premium, that is where we stayed in an uneventful race. The rain went away for the second race and we decided to be bold and bolt on the slick tyres which was definitely the right call but after contact with my old teammate Michael Crees I was sent spinning to the back of the field and out of contention.

The pace in the car was good and we proved this in the final race of the season by moving up through the field to P16, narrowly missing out on taking a point home in the CC’s final BTCC event which was a real shame, it’s been a great servant to the championship.

In truth it’s been a tough season and we were hoping for more this year after a very positive test out in Spain pre-lockdown. However, whilst we are disappointed with the results we are under no illusion as to the difficulty to even complete the season in such challenging times. In that regard we have succeeded where others have faltered so a big thank you goes to my team and of course our ever faithful sponsors, without them this wouldn’t be possible.

Now it’s time to gather our thoughts, take some time out and work towards getting back on the grid for the 2021 BTCC season. Thank you to everyone for your support this season!

Glynn: “Well that wasn’t the weekend we were hoping for and definitely not what we deserved. We were out of position in qualifying after some setup trouble but it was clear we had rectified that for race one on Sunday as I went to P24 up to P19 in the first couple of laps before I was fired off up at druids by one of the MB Motorsport Hondas.

“Race 2 was mixed conditions with half the field using the slick tyre whilst I and some others went for the wets and it looked to pay off as I climbed to P5 after the two opening laps before my driveshaft snapped and I was forced to retire. Really gutting but that’s racing. Race 3 was a recovery mission after starting last and I managed to battle through to P18 at the flag. Like I said, not the results we were hoping for but I was pleased with the overall pace of the car in it’s final outing.

“It’s been great to be back in the BTCC paddock and overall, I’m pleased with my performances. The team have been great, and I’ve settled in well, what people say about the team’s family atmosphere is completely true. It’s very welcoming.

Time to reset and evaluate my options for next year!”

Tony Gilham (Managing Director): “The years are just flying by with another year complete for Team HARD. Racing and our final with the Volkswagen CC. The weekend summed up our season really, a case of what might have been. Jack did a great job to get the car into P14 on the grid for race one but a poor start and lack of overtaking opportunities on a wet track made it hard for him to battle back.

“Glynn made a flying start in race 2 moving up to P5 in the opening laps with Jack also making progress on the slicks but then our race fell apart with Glynn’s driveshaft snapping and Jack being taken off by one of the BTC Hondas on pretty much the same lap. It was an uphill struggle after that but credit to the boys for dragging everything out of the VW CC in its last race to make progress up the field. Ultimately, we come away from Brands Hatch pointless, but the CC has served us well since we first built them in 2013.

“This winter is set to be our busiest yet with the build and development of our brand new Cupra Leon’s for the 2021 BTCC season. I’m full of buzz and enthusiasm for what lies ahead, we are growing and learning as a team every season and 2021 is set to be our best yet!”

Jack: “Wow, that was treacherous but overall, I’m very satisfied to achieve our best qualifying result of the season in the Volkswagen CC’s final outing in the BTCC. It’s not pole position but after the season we’ve had, I’ll take it. It’s been a very solid day with lots of running in both free practice this morning and in qualifying.

“Testament to the lads on my car who managed to change a drive shaft mid qualifying during one of the red flag stoppages. Their hard and efficient work meant that we only missed one minute of the session and without that we would have been way down the order.

“As for the track conditions that was wet, and I can’t remember a session with so many drivers going off for a spin or trip through the gravel. I think the time of year and the weather really added a new element to driving the car and it was tough to master.

Overall, we have to be pleased with the result yet I’m also slightly frustrated as without the final red flag which ended the session early I honestly believe we would have been knocking on the door of the top 10. Race pace feels good and if it’s wet tomorrow we are really in business!”

Nic: “I’m really chuffed with that, my best qualifying result in the BTCC to date! The weather and track condition were appalling but that’s the circumstances I love and thrive in.

“I struggled in the wet at Oulton Park earlier in the season, but we’ve found something in the car since then that has really helped with my confidence and in these conditions, confidence is key.

“A big thanks to my team who have been faultless today which has helped me to secure that grid position for tomorrow. I’m in the pack and up for the fight, bring on tomorrow!”

Jack: “Damn it, that didn’t go to plan this weekend. Firstly, I’d like to apologise to the boys and girls at Team HARD. Racing for my accident in race 2. The car was the best it’s felt in a while and I was pushing really hard to catch the points but I pushed just that little bit too hard, dipped a wheel on the wet grass and around I went, straight into the wall. I hold my hands up, I made a mistake, but we move on and kudos to the team for repairing my car for the last race.

“Away from race 2’s shenanigans we were struggling to unlock the pace of the VW CC early enough in the race. By the three-quarter stage of the race we were as quick as anyone and setting green sector times but struggled until that point which indicates that we are struggling to get the tyres into the operating window early enough. Because of this, we are already too far back to trouble the leaders which isn’t where we want to be.

“The pace was good but again our finishing positions don’t reflect that. The Brands Hatch Indy circuit which hosts the final round of the season has smaller straights which should help negate the lack of grunt we have coming out of corners so that’s a bonus and something to look forward to.

“It’s not been the best of seasons for me, but I am determined to end my second season with Team HARD. Racing on a high!”

Glynn: “I’m back in the BTCC and back in the points, a big thank you to my team for a faultless weekend, having no major mechanical problems or dramas really helps a driver to get in the groove especially when it’s their first time back in two years!

“The opening race of the weekend was a steady one with me carrying that pesky 45kg of newcomer ballast, but I was still running in front of the other ‘rookies’ before a sticking gear on the final lap pushed me back down the order by five places.

“From there it was a case of trying to steadily make my way through the field without any damage to try and sneak a couple of points in the final race of the day which I managed to do. I felt stronger in the car with every lap and in race three I had some great battles with one of the BMWs and Tom (Chilton) in the Honda Civic to fend them off and hold onto P15.

“Overall, I’ve really enjoyed being back in the BTCC this weekend and I’m looking forward to getting back in the car at Brands Hatch. The Indy layout is tight but fast and usually always cooks up fantastic racing. Bring it on!”

Tony Gilham (Managing Director): “A huge congratulations to Glynn, it’s not easy to come back into the one of the world’s most competitive race series and get straight into the points so credit to him. His pace was getting stronger and stronger throughout the weekend and was by far the strongest newcomer of the weekend which he should be proud of. I’m excited to see how he goes next time out at Brands Hatch.

“I sound like a broken record talking about Jacks weekend but again it was a case of what might have been. Jack managed to go nearly a second quicker in race 2 then he did in qualifying which is very strange. It seems that the track conditions and the car come to us the longer we run which is great for race pace but unfortunately we find ourselves out of position to start with and that massively hinders the weekend.

“We have one last outing in the VW CC and it’s at our home circuit Brands Hatch for the season finale in a couple of week’s time. We will be looking to give it everything to give the CC the send off it deserves; it’s been a great servant to the championship since we introduced it in 2014.”

Nic Hamilton: “That was another big one! The accident took me totally by surprise, Paul (Rivett) went across the grass and looked to have regained control of his car before over correcting and hitting me onto the grass. With heavy rain overnight there wasn’t a chance that I was going to stop before slamming head on into the barriers. It was a big impact and I’m okay but sadly the same can’t be said for the car which has sustained substantial front-end damage.

“It was another case of the wrong place at the wrong time which ruined my weekend, but I have to take the positives away from it. I felt a lot happier in the car this weekend, my pace is improving and I’m starting to mix it with my team-mate Jack (Goff) who has had an extra season in the car.

“It’s a shame and much like Oulton Park I can’t really apologise because I didn’t do anything wrong, I was again an innocent bystander in somebody else’s moment but that’s racing. However, it’s not nice for my family and sponsors to see me involved in a heavy crash so I apologise to them for having to see it.

“The guys back at the factory will be working overtime to get the car ready for the final race of the season at Brands Hatch and I’m looking forward to returning to the track in which I scored my first BTCC points back in August.

“A final big thanks to my team who worked tirelessly over the weekend to help make me feel comfortable in the car and change my driveshaft during qualifying in record time. Onwards and upwards to the next one!”

Tony Gilham: “Nic’s had all the luck this season and it’s all been bad. Credit to Nic he has worked hard all season and never gives up even when the going gets tough.

“This weekend was another strong showing for Nic pace wise and he is really starting to settle into the team. It’s great to see him further up the timing sheets and mixing it with some of the sports established drivers.

“The incident in race 2 was incredibly frustrating as Nic was looking dangerous and fighting with the Vauxhall and Mercedes before being taken out of the race and the weekend.

“The guys and girls back at the factory are already working flat out to get Nic’s car ready for the season finale at Brands Hatch. I’m looking forward to seeing how Nic handles the Indy circuit at Brands, he was very impressive in 2019 on the tighter configuration track.”

Newly crowned GT Cup champion, Simon Orange said: “GT Cup and GTA class champions! Wow! We have had a really good season but no doubt with a few ups and downs. We were knocked down once or twice and were hit with a few spells of bad luck, but that’s racing, and it all went well in the end. We are really happy!

Fellow GT Cup champion Joshua Jackson added: “Just emphasising on what Simon said, we’ve had a really great year. It was such a shame to miss out on the win last year although we tried our best and had a good battle, but it made us more determined to come back this year ready to fight. We put everything into it, and we got there, we did it! We are very grateful to the team who have been epic all season!”

Sam Randon, one half of the Porsche GTB team said: “After the sprint race on Sunday, the GTB title was secured and Ben and I were over the moon to have that one in the bag. However, the task we had set ourselves was to bag P2 overall which was looking like it was going to be out of reach.

“It was like somebody was watching over us on Sunday as luckily, the car we were battling for championship position with didn’t make it to the grid for the final race which meant that we didn’t even have to start the race to secure that P2 position. Of course, we went out for the last race anyway and had our last bit of fun in what has been such an amazing car to drive. P2 felt like a win after knowing how much of a tall order it was coming into the weekend!

“I just want to say a massive thank you to the team for providing us with a winning car, Tony (Gilham) for the opportunity and all the sponsors and my family for making it possible”.

His team-mate Ben Clayden added: “We’ve had a fantastic year at the GT Cup, and we couldn’t be happier with the final result! Finishing in P2 overall amongst the cars we were in competition with was incredible and we were very lucky that the Porsche gave us such a good run.

“Before the final race had begun, we knew we had bagged P2 overall in the championship because the car we were in competition with pulled out and we had already received the award for GTB champions. We were thrilled and went out for the final race just to give the car one more run which was great fun.

“It was my first year ever in a car and I couldn’t have asked for more. A special thanks needs to be said to Tony (Gilham) for giving me this opportunity and of course to my sponsors too for all their help. We are chuffed”.

Managing director, Tony Gilham commented: “What an incredible effort from everyone at the GT Cup this weekend, from the staff and the mechanics to the drivers and all our supporters. The outstanding effort that everyone has put into every single round has got the team to this point.

“Of course, we go into every race wanting to win but this year we exceeded all standards which allowed us to score both first and second place in the overall championship, first place in the GTB class and first and second place in the GTA class as well as receiving the award for teams’ champions too. This is a fantastic achievement that the team and I are very proud off; to win all of the titles on offer to us is incredible!”

The GT Cup championship will be back in April next year for the 2021 season.

Sam Randon: “Today has been very positive. In FP1 and qualifying I had a little issue with the car but we still managed to bag P1. Race 1 was pretty plain sailing and was just about keeping the car on the track, and again we scored P1 in class. Race 2 however was a little more interesting with the weather and we weren’t sure if the race was even going to go ahead at one point.

“Whilst we were driving behind the safety car it was tough because it wasn’t going fast enough for us to really work our tyres and we couldn’t get a feel for what the track was actually like. It’s safe to say it was sketchy! However, the ferrari and lamborghini in front came together and the ferrari took himself off so I ended up leading the race overall which was quite a nice feeling, especially in the car that technically shouldn’t have been leading the race. The conditions were really tricky but it was all about bringing it home and fortunately, Ben did the same in his stint and we are very close to bagging the class championship so we are over the moon!”

Joshua Jackson: “Today has been really good. Qualifying went well, we got pole and gained our extra point keeping us in the championship. The sprint race was nice and dry and was just about maintaining our position. We got held up in some traffic but were not taking any risks to protect the championship so we finished second but got first place points, which was great”.

Simon Orange: “I did the endurance race and I have to say, I’ve never had a 6 lap safety car before! I was on the radio all the time and knew I was miles in the lead so was being careful as not to push the car yet still nearly lost it half a dozen times. It was a death trap out there but we have had two wins so we’re nearly there!”

We continue with the final day of the GT Cup championship tomorrow where overall class, teams and championship winners will be announced.

Jack: “It wasn’t an ideal start to the weekend after the clutch failed on the opening lap of free practice. Practice was essential this weekend with the amended running meaning we only got one session, so we went into qualifying blind and because of that I have to be happy with the result.

“The car did feel good through mid-corner however we are lacking on the exit of the slow speed. The traction is good compared to the cars around us however I think we are missing out on some torque which then hinders our top end speed which isn’t ideal.

“However, we were sitting P13 for much of the session and knocking on the door of the top 10 going into the final run of qualifying which is positive. The nature of the qualifying release order means that we are last to leave the garage and therefore lose well over a minute of each session. It doesn’t sound much but that minute was the difference between us getting one more flying lap with the car at it’s peak.

“Obviously, we aren’t where we want to be but I’m positive that we can fight in the points tomorrow as we always have a better race car then qualifying, bring it on!”

Glynn: “It’s great to be back in the BTCC and I’ve had a really enjoyable day in the car. Since I last drove a front-wheel drive car all I have raced is rear-wheel drive GT cars which have lots of aero and lots of grip so it’s taken some getting used to-to say the least.

“Free practice was solid and was just about me finding my feet with the car and the team and despite some problems with oversteer, it’s something that I can work with. I could really have done with the usual Saturday format to maximise track time as the qualifying session was also shorter than normal. Naturally, I’m frustrated with qualifying after crossing the line in P24 but to some degree I have to be happy after finishing above another newcomers this weekend.

“The race pace in the car is strong and I’m looking forward to getting mixed in tomorrow and making up ground. Race 1 will be a case of staying out of trouble and shifting this 45kg of ballast, from there we can fight and try to take a couple of points away from the weekend.”

New official channel will offer fans exclusive content and access to huge video archive.

 London, 21 October 2020: The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) has launched a dedicated channel on Motorsport.tv, the OTT platform from Motorsport Network.

BTCC will utilise Motorsport Network’s global production and distribution service Motorsport Studios, taking advantage of its extensive archive of BTCC video and image content to create new content for fans. One of the first to be produced will be a series where current star drivers look back on the most iconic moments of the past and reveal the heroes that inspired them.

This year, the channel will host highlights and ‘Story of the Day’ videos from each of the last two race weekends of the championship, with an increased output of content coming in 2021. BTCC is the second race series to host its own channel on the OTT platform, growing the value of Motorsport.tv for any fan of motor racing and will see the BTCC extend its reach into new geographies utilising Motorsport Network’s 56 million-strong monthly audience.

Motorsport Network already has a partnership with BTCC through its Motorsport Games division, working to launch the official BTCC video game and Esports series together in 2022. The game will be developed for new generation consoles and PC, with an option to develop a mobile version, using market-leading technology.

The recent announcements of multiple new dedicated channels arriving on Motorsport.tv from brands like NASCAR, Audi Sport, Mercedes as well as many top car influencers displays the additional benefit to brands using Motorsport Network’s vast digital audiences and for fans to see Motorsport Network as the place to go for all automotive and motorsport content.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive said: “We have already formed a strong partnership with Motorsport Network working on our official video game and Esports series and are thrilled to be able to now deliver exciting and exclusive content to our fans. Having access to Motorsport Studios is a massive advantage for BTCC, enabling us to tell our story in a new way for our fans and relive the history of the series with the vast historic archive of race footage.”

James Allen, Motorsport Network’s President said: “We are delighted to be working with BTCC to expand the digital reach of the race series and its behind the scenes content to brand new audiences. And with our extensive archive of BTCC historic content over three decades in Duke Video, the possibilities for delivering interesting, exclusive content for BTCC fans on this channel are endless. The channel will be a destination for fans of BTCC and a great place for others to discover the race series.”

Click here to view the channel

For more information, please contact:

Ravi Pankhania, Motorsport Network – Ravi.Pankhania@motorsport.com

About Motorsport Network

Every month over 56 million dedicated users visit a Motorsport Network digital property, to buy, to learn, to be entertained, or simply to feed their passion for cars and racing.

We sit at the heart of the Racing and Automotive industries and provide authoritative thought leadership as well as unique experiences to our customers. We take them on a customer journey that encompasses news and insights, events, tickets, games and esports, so we leverage the network effect to add value to their experience.  We use our in-house technology and modern data tools to continuously test, learn and improve. Our processes, content creation and products are constantly evolving to better serve our audience.

To read all Motorsport Network announcements, please click here

Andy Wilmot and Howard Fuller raced in the final round of the VW Cup Championship this weekend at Donington Park with Andy taking home the trophy after having competed in the championships previous rounds with Maximum Motorsport.

Andy secured his fourth silverware of the year and the overall crown this weekend, finishing with a total of 228 points; 20 more than his closest rival. Andy came into the weekend trailing Richard Gilbert by 10 points.

Andy

“Without a doubt, this has been a mega weekend at Donington Park. This is my first weekend with Team HARD. Racing and in every way, shape and form it’s been great, right from when I got here for testing on Friday.

“The car has been really good. The guys have done nothing but help me and put up with me being ridiculously hyper-active. I’ve had my highs and my lows and have been feeling as if the weight of the world is on my shoulders because of the pressure. However, the car was great, everyone in the team has been great and we’ve won the championship, so I am very thankful and humbled!”

Howard

“What an eventful weekend that was. Firstly, a huge thank you to all the Team HARD. Racing guys and girls for all their hard work over the weekend and of course a big congratulations to Andy for wrapping up the championship.

“The team run like clock-work, I was so impressed and am grateful for the opportunity, even the boss himself Tony Gilham made an appearance! Qualifying was relatively positive, I was leading the group the entire session in mixed conditions but then lost out on pole on the dry final lap which was a shame, however started P3 for race 1 and P2 for race 3.

“In Race 1 we unfortunately had to pit immediately with a gear box issue which meant us missing the start of the race but dramas on track brought us time to fix the issue. We managed to drive our way to the front and lead for a few laps but then a significant tyre failure meant we slowly dropped back to 4^th. On the final lap, I let my team mate pass for precious points in the championship. What a guy…

“Race 2 from the front row was just a battle from the word go and was exciting, close racing. We finished in P3 which gave us some silverware. Unfortunately, in race 3, I was out in front but with the slipstream and a few extra pony’s in the stable I was caught, the gap closed and with only 7 minutes to go at the exit of Coppice, I was turned around and sent into the barriers at high speed head on. A disappointing end to a positive day.

“Overall, it was fantastic to be back in a race car competing after so many years and to be comfortably at the front in contention for victory, but I seem to have the worst luck in the game! Again, huge thank you to everyone involved. We’ll be back.”

Tony Gilham- Managing Director

“Firstly, a huge congratulations to Andy for winning the championship and bringing home the trophy. His driving was fantastic, and he deserved the win. It was great for the team to be back in the VW Cup for another weekend and this year’s pairing of Andy and Howard was incredibly strong.

“We have a proven track record in the series and Andy has allowed us to keep that title. We came to Donington to win and the boys worked well together as a team to ensure that happened. They are both incredibly strong drivers with immense talent and skill out on the track which is why we are in the position we are in now.

“Unfortunately, Howard’s car has got some extensive damage to it after his crash into the barrier during race 3 but the main thing is that he is ok and was able to get back out on the track this weekend and get some great driving in”.