Bobby Thompson: “I’m very happy although a part of me wants more, maybe I’m greedy but really happy I could give the team three solid top 10 results today. It proves that the car does have pace whether you are in a newer build or an older build which is good to put that to bed.

“I think there is some more on the table from me, but I left it too late, and the track was more like a rallycross track at the end there with too much dust and dirt being on the circuit to really push at the end. Qualifying was the first time I’ve been on new softs, so it was a bit of an eye-opener to me.

“I’m fired up for tomorrow’s three races, we have lots of partners and fans in attendance and we will be giving it everything!”

James Gornall: “Firstly, it’s great to be back in the BTCC after a few years away. Today was really just about getting dialed in with the car and getting comfortable. We had limited running in FP1 which was not ideal due to an issue, but the team did well to sort it.

“Going into qualifying we only had five flying laps in practice, so I knew it was going to be a bit of an unknown. I didn’t maximise the soft tyre on my best run which was frustrating but overall, I’m happy to be around my team-mates for the opening race tomorrow. I reckon it will be a good day for the team.”

Bobby was disappointed with 5th but is excited for tomorrow. Photograph: Tim Glover

Dan Lloyd: “Disappointing end to what was looking like a really good day. It was a messy qualifying session and, on the lap I put it all together we got traffic at the end of the lap when I was on for a time that would have been good enough for the top 10 so yeah, just another day with bad luck thrown at us.

“We improved the car; it was good and we could have gone another step again but if you get blocked on your best lap it’s tough. We actually did our best lap on used tyres which just shows how much that hurt. We go again tomorrow.”

Michael Crees: “I really struggled today unfortunately; it just wasn’t my day. We had an issue in FP1 and I lost a bit of time but overall I just couldn’t get dialed in.

“The race pace in this car though is always really strong so I know tomorrow is going to be a much better day for me and the team.

“I’m racing in front of my home crowd so I’ll be trying to put on a show for everyone!”

Micheal is focusing on tomorrow’s race day. Photograph: Steve Akehurst

Daryl DeLeon: “It was my first time going around the Brands Hatch GP circuit in a touring car and it’s been a bit of a difficult one. We had some issues in both sessions and ended up in 23^rd in qualifying. I’m really happy with that because I think I maximized what I could.

“We need to see what we can do tomorrow; anything can happen and I will be ready to capitalize.”

Dexter Patterson: “On the old tyre run the car felt good but we just struggled to get a big jump with the new tyres. We only went one-tenth quicker on the new rubber which shouldn’t happen. We struggled to get anything out of that new tyre, but we are still in the ballpark to fight tomorrow so let’s do it.”

Daryl pushed hard during today’s qualifying session. Photograph: Tim Glover

James is no stranger to the BTCC scene, having previously competed and earned valuable points in the championship. His last appearance in the series was in 2022 when he once again stepped in for Jack. James’s familiarity with both the series and the team makes him a perfect fit for this occasion.

James’s association with Team HARD. Racing dates back to the 2021 tyre test, where he first tested the Cupra Leon. Since then, he has been closely involved with the team, and now, the stars have aligned for him to compete once again for the team at their home circuit. Brands Hatch GP is a track known for its challenges and opportunities, and it’s a venue where both the car and Team HARD. Racing have traditionally performed well. The team is confident that with James behind the wheel, they will have another highly competitive driver poised to make a strong showing in the final round of the BTCC season.

James expressed his excitement about returning to the BTCC with Team HARD. Racing: “I’m thrilled to be back in the BTCC and to be representing Team HARD. Racing once again. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I can’t wait to hit the track at Brands Hatch on the GP loop, I achieved my best finish in the BTCC on this layout. The team has been working tirelessly, and I’m confident that together, we can deliver a great performance for the fans and sponsors.”

Team HARD. Racing is equally enthusiastic about James’s return. Team Owner, Tony Gilham, said, “James is no stranger to our team, and we’re delighted to have him back with us for the final round at Brands Hatch GP. His experience and familiarity with our setup will be invaluable. We’re aiming for a strong finish to the season, and we believe that with James on board, we can achieve that.”

Dan Lloyd: “A really good day overall. Yesterday was tough, but we made some big changes to the car and the first race was amazing as we went from the pitlane to the 7^th.

We started race 2 in 10^th and did a great job collectively to make changes to the car, which saw us as one of the fastest cars on track during the race. I managed to get to 6^th before being knocked off and ultimately finishing in 9^th but importantly in the reverse grid draw.

Starting 4^th for the final race I was excited but we were struggling with some engine issues which we haven’t had all year. We have been on the same engine since round 1 and it’s starting to make some funny noises and lacking ultimate performance which made us a bit of a sitting duck.

Overall, really happy with the weekend, we had some great coverage and it was nice to spend the weekend fighting in and amongst the top 10.

Michael Crees: “Mega day, it wasn’t the ending to the weekend we wanted but it was great to pull up to pole position for the first time and just see the sheer amount of people on the grid around me. When the crowds dispersed it was a surreal feeling, I’ll tell you that!

After a poor Saturday, I couldn’t ask for much more after coming away with two 12^th places and my first pole in the reverse grid. I can’t wait for Brands Hatch.

Creesy started race 3 from pole position. Photograph: Dan Butt

Bobby Thompson: “We started the day out of position after qualifying, we knew we had the pace for somewhere around 8^th to 11^th but didn’t quite get it together. In race 1 we made the right choice with the tyres and the setup was very good which got us up to 4^th for most of the race which was really exciting. We ended up in 5^th which was a great result for me to give to the team which has worked so hard over the past three weeks.

“Race 2 was going really well and we were able to hold position until being taken out. The resulting door and window damage from the scuffle meant I had to retire which adds to the bad luck we’ve had this year.

“Race 3 didn’t go our way, we didn’t have the pace that we had earlier in the day but we know why and at Brands Hatch next time out I think we will be really strong.”

Jack Butel: “A really difficult day for me and my team. Unfortunately, we were plagued by annoying little issues with the car that really hampered our chances of making any progress throughout race day.

“I had some good battles out on track which is always fun but I was hoping for more from this weekend as I love Silverstone. Onto the next one.”

Bobby put on a batteling display on his return. Photograph: Dan Butt

Daryl De Leon: “We made the right tyre choice for race 1 by going on the scrubbed wets as the drizzle started to come down whilst we were on the grid. The pace was good, we were running as high as 8^th during the opening stages of the race but as the race wore on the slick tyres became the preferred tyre. This meant that I slipped behind those running the dry’s and dropped to 14^th but I’m still really happy as it’s my first points of the season and in the BTCC.

“In race 2 we had a bit of an issue with power which I think was a cracked intake boost pipe which really hindered us, we had to box in the end and finished at the back.

“In the final race of the day, I had a really start and was running well before the safety car. Sadly, I suffered a similar issue to race 2 but less severe which ended any chances of more points.

“Overall, happy with the weekend, I’ve taken another step in the right direction and I’m looking forward to the final round at Brands Hatch.”

Dexter Patterson: “Very unlucky today. We started on the back foot from qualifying but the race pace was good, it’s just a shame we caught up in other people’s incidents.

“I’m looking forward to Brands Hatch, I had a really strong qualifying there last year and I think the Cupra Leon will be a strong package on the GP loop.”

Dexter was unlucky through race day and wasn’t able to show his potential. Photograph: Keiren Carpenter

Dan Lloyd: “Disappointed with 21st today, 15th would have been a good effort with the package we have but we were pinged on track limits. It really wasn’t the best day, we struggled to find the sweet spot with the setup and it’s not a track where you can hustle the car to get the most out of it. You’re relying on the chassis and setup to get the performance but we are always stronger on race day so we will be pushing forward tomorrow.”

Dan unfortunately was one of a number of drivers to have his best lap time deleted. Photograph: Kieren Carpenter

Michael Crees: “We’ve been on the backfoot throughout the day due to an engine problem which really isn’t ideal, here especially with the pack being so close.

“The lads will be working hard to make sure any remaining issues are sorted and we can then move forward tomorrow.”

Dexter Patterson: “It was a tough session for all of us in the Cupra Leon. The field spread is small and the smallest lockup can knock you back a fair few places. Having said that, I just don’t think the car had it in it today to make the shootout which is a real shame.

“We won’t give up and we know our car is better on race day so I’m expecting to move up quickly and get into the points.”

Dexter is right in the mix against his fellow Cupra drivers this weekend. Photograph: Kieren Carpenter

Daryl DeLeon: “An okay session for me today. I am right behind Dan, Bobby and Dexter both in positions and laptime which I have to be happy with. Whilst we are not where we want to be, the result gives me confidence that I am getting as much out of the car as the other drivers in the team.

“We are in a good position tomorrow to stay with my teammates and move up through the field and really get stuck in. I’m excited for what tomorrow will bring.”

Bobby Thompson: “Well it was great to be back in the paddock and with the team after a few meetings away however it wasn’t the day we were hoping for. The car hasn’t really been hooked up today despite our best efforts. The field spread is so tight here and losing a tenth can drop you down eight or nine places.

“In terms of qualifying it was a messy session but on my final lap we put in a solid time, it wasn’t enough to get into the top 10 shootout but it was respectable. Annoyingly the time got deleted for track limits which is a real factor here and I got shuffled way down the order.

“A big thanks to the team for today. Tomorrow presents a new challenge and I reckon we will be able to move further towards the front and get some points.”

Bobby returned to the team after missing the previous three rounds. Photograph: Kieren Carpenter

Jack Butel: “Tough day for us all as we are chasing the setup of the car to match the other chassis here at Silverstone. We had a small issue in FP2 which wsn’t ideal as we lost a bit of time in that session but a big thanks to the crew on my car who sorted it out in time for qualifying.

“The only way is forward tomorrow in my eyes and i’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Autobrite will now be prominent on the cars of Dexter Patterson (pictured) and his team-mate Dayrl DeLeon. Photograph: Steve Akehurst

Since 2017, Autobrite Direct has been right there with us, and their commitment to our team’s success has been fantastic. Now, they’ve decided to extend their support to include two more cars, in addition to the cars of Dan Lloyd, Michael Crees and the returning Bobby Thompson, for this weekend’s Silverstone event.

This move highlights the strong bond between the team and Autobrite Direct. Their willingness to step in and help us continue our racing journey shows just how dedicated they are to the sport and our team.

We can’t thank Autobrite Direct enough for their continued support.

The decision to temporarily part ways with Bobby in July was not taken lightly, as it was made to protect the team as a whole. However, Bobby’s unwavering professionalism and dedication, both during his absence and since, have been undeniable. This makes the team exceptionally delighted to have him back in the driver’s seat.

Bobby Thompson has always been an integral part of the team, and his absence has been deeply felt despite the team’s recent on-track competitiveness with notable performances at Knockhill and Donington Park. His return injects a fresh burst of energy and expertise into the squad, elevating the team’s spirits as they prepare for the thrilling finale of the 2023 season.

Bobby will return to the wheel of the teams 6th and final Cupra Leon for the remainder of the season.

Team Owner, Tony Gilham expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Bobby’s commitment to Team HARD. Racing has been inspiring, and we have sorely missed his valuable contribution off-track since the summer break. We are delighted to have him back and believe that this reunion will propel us to even greater heights as we look to put the events of Donington behind us.

“I also can’t thank everyone who is continuing to support us enough. It has been a really challenging season off-track with some seriously bad luck on it. So, a big thank you to our partners, staff and supporters for their continued support.”

As both look ahead, Bobby and the team remain firmly dedicated to their mission of pushing towards the front of the BTCC grid not only for the remainder of this year but also in the seasons to come. Their shared determination and competitive attitude promise an exhilarating conclusion to the 2023 BTCC season.

Dan Lloyd: “It’s difficult to really find the words to express how I feel after the final race. It’s just devastating to be so close to victory and then lose it in that way, and I’m heartbroken for the whole team as that would have been the first victory for the Cupra, and we’d have been the first Independent team to score an overall win this season.

“For once, we actually managed to benefit from the reverse grid but we still had to work hard to make sure we were in a position to make the most of it. As a team, I think we did ourselves proud but with the win on the plate, the driveshaft snapped and it was game over. It’s a tough pill to swallow because even with the pressure Rory [Butcher] was putting me under, I was 110% confident that I’d be able to keep him behind me and bring it home.

“Even with the end result, a performance like that shows the huge progress we have made with the car since we were at Donington Park for round one, and we now just need to pick ourselves up and go again at Silverstone next time out. There are more things we have found this weekend that are going to help us over the final two rounds and we have to take the positives and try – as hard as it is – to forget the obvious negative.

“My phone was going crazy after the race with messages from people so thank you to those who reached out to get in touch, and thank you as well to all the sponsors who came along for the weekend and created such a fantastic atmosphere at the circuit. Even though we didn’t get the final reward, they all benefitted from some fantastic exposure and had an enjoyable time trackside.”

Michael Crees: “Another weekend of what could have been from my side of the garage. We were quick in qualifying but didn’t quite get the lap together to put us around the top 10 which we deserved.

“Sadly on race day, we suffered with hybrid issues in every race which really stopped any chance we had of making decent progress through the field. We nearly managed to get into the points in race 3 but with one hand tied behind our back, it was tough out there.”

Dan led every single lap of the final race of the day until a driveshaft failure on the final tour. Photograph: Alex Wood

Dexter Patterson: “A tough weekend after a really strong showing at Knockhill last time out. We struggled to really get a grip on the balance of the car which made things tricky. It was very inconsistent and that made it hard to push forward and attack with confidence.

“We did manage to bank some points in race three which I am happy with but we will be working hard to make sure that we perform as we should be at Silverstone. We are still pushing hard as a team to get back in the Jack Sears Trophy hunt but as the races go by, we are starting to need others to have problems to enable us to catch up.”

Daryl DeLeon: “My third round in the BTCC and the car felt a lot better. We changed some things coming into this weekend and I felt a lot more comfortable than in previous rounds. The weekend also ran a bit smoother than the previous events and we were fighting for some decent positions in the races which was encouraging.

“In race one we finished 22^nd after making some progress and in race two we had made a good start but early on there was some smoke coming into the car. I ignored this initially but eventually, the brakes faded massively and I went into the gravel at the final hairpin. It was a pretty scary moment but luckily there was no damage to the car.

“Race three we were really on it and made some really good progress but after some contact, the car was really pulling as the toe was knocked out. The brake pedal also went long again so I decided to bring the car in on safety grounds. It was my decision and I stand by that.

“Overall, despite the results, I’m making really good progress with the car and I’m happy with the trajectory we are on. It’s never easy going into any series halfway through, especially the most competitive championship in the UK. Big thanks to the team, we are getting there and I’m really looking forward to Silverstone in four weeks’ time.”

Dexter salvaged some points after a disappointing weekend. Photograph: Steve Akehurst

Jack Butel: “Started the weekend pretty well with some strong times in free practice, running as high as 10^th whilst on some old tyres so we came into race day full of confidence despite a disappointing qualifying session.

“On race day we struggled in the wet for race 1 as we went for a half wet, half dry setup which affected the balance when the rain really came down just before the start. In race two we had something snap right off the line which ended our race immediately. The car felt great in race three, we were really quick through the corners and could have been able to make up a lot of ground if it wasn’t for a real lack of power below 5,000 RPM which killed us coming out of the corners, the two hairpins especially.

“So not the best of weekends but we keep our heads up and focus our attention on Silverstone.”

Jack was unable to show his try place due to issues. Photograph: Steve Akehurst

Dan Lloyd: “I’m really disappointed with qualifying, I thought we had a good chance of having a good result today. In general, the car was a little bit loose and I made a couple of mistakes as well. There was definitely more performance to get out of the Cupra but when you combine the mistakes with how tight the field spread, you’re always going to drop down the order. Improving by three tenths would have put me well inside the top 10.

Overall, just a bad qualifying session to not nail the lap. We will 100% be better tomorrow but disappointed with today as I think we had a lot more in it and tomorrow is now much harder.

Michael Crees: “Overall I’m really happy with how the car handled today and my crew did a great job. When we put our best three sectors together, we would have been in the top 12. I was unintentionally blocked on my fastest lap which cost me some time on my quickest lap.

“Tomorrow is a new day and I’m buzzing to get going, I think we have the race pace to really move through the field.”

Dan will line up in 17th with Michael in 19th for the opening race.

Dexter Patterson: “Not the day I was after when just two weeks ago at Knockhill we had a really strong weekend and finish to the weekend. The car characteristics changed throughout the lap and that kills a driver’s confidence. During the start of the lap in sector one the car felt mega but as the lap progressed it became more and more unstable.

“It is what it is and there is no point on dwelling on it. We will have a good look through the data tonight and I know tomorrow we will come out fighting with a stronger package.”

Daryl DeLeon: “Today was okay. It was nice to visit a track I know well and where I’ve driven the Cupra before. In FP1 we were 18^th which was a step in the right direction. FP2 had very tricky conditions after rain fell just before the start of the session. I felt like the car was good in those conditions however we were really unlucky to have a wheel issue which halted our session and put us on the back foot going into qualifying.

“It was really hard to know where we were compared to the rest of the grid with such limited running and I think the whole team finished the day feeling disappointed. But, it’s important to keep our head up and keep pushing to improve the car and have a good race day tomorrow.”

Dexter and Daryl will line up in 21st and 24th respectively.

Jack Butel: “Tricky day in the car today as I think all of the drivers experienced. In both practice sessions, the car actually felt okay, we just needed to build some consistency throughout the lap so we could progress up the field but sadly for us, that didn’t come in qualifying.

“I’ll be working with the boys and girls tonight to pour through the data to seek some solutions so we can really attack tomorrow and get in the mix for some points.

“A big thanks to the team on my car, they did a great job.”

Jack pushed hard and will start tomorrow in 22nd for the opening race of the day.

Tommy, no stranger to the racing scene, has been progressing on his Motorsport path in the VW Cup this season, securing multiple victories and consistently running at the front of the pack. Now, he’s taking on a new challenge by joining the Mini Challenge Trophy lineup, ready to prove his skills on a larger stage.

This exciting opportunity has been made possible by the invaluable support of the team’s partners. Major thanks go out to PMSE (Property Management South East), Autobrite Direct, De’Jon Pier’e, A-Star Maintenance, and Go-Fix for their instrumental role in creating this chance for Tommy to shine.

Tony Gilham, a popular figure in motorsport circles and Tommy’s proud father, shared his excitement about Tommy’s upcoming debut. “Seeing Tommy step onto the Mini Challenge Trophy platform is a moment of immense pride for our family and the entire team. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners for their unwavering support”.

Tommy’s appearance on the TOCA package marks a significant milestone in his journey. While the road ahead is yet to be mapped out, this weekend’s event signifies a crucial juncture for Tommy’s career, promising gripping racing action and memorable moments.

Dan Lloyd: “I’m really pleased with the weekend. It was strong for us in all conditions, including the chaotic wet-dry conditions we faced in race 1. We demonstrated strong pace and performance in all sessions this weekend, so I’m very happy. Me and the team now have a good understanding of the car, and we’re at a point where we’re fine-tuning things, which is crucial in touring cars to maximise our performance over a weekend.

“However, I’m a bit disappointed with race three. It didn’t go as we hoped. Something seemed missing in the second half of the race. I’m not sure if I picked up some damage, but the front tyres suddenly lost grip. Despite that, we scored valuable points and garnered significant TV coverage for our sponsors. This was by far the most challenging race weekend of the year, so I’m grateful. A big thank you to the team for making the right calls on tires and strategy this weekend; they were fantastic.”

Michael Crees: “It was a tough weekend up at Knockhill. It could have turned out differently after running in 5th place in race one, as we stayed out on slicks despite the worsening weather. It seemed like the right call until a second wave of rain flooded the track within seconds. This put us at the back for race two, which was disappointing. Despite this setback, we managed to move forward in races two and three before retirement in the final race of the day.

“Ultimately, we ended the weekend feeling disappointed, as it easily could have gone the other way. A big thank you to the team and the support I received this weekend; it was amazing. I can’t wait for Donington Park in a few weeks.”

Dan enjoyed his strongest race weekend of the season. Photograph – Gavin Proc Photography

Dexter Patterson: “Overall, it was a really good Sunday. Qualifying didn’t go as planned, but we did an excellent job of recovering on Sunday, starting with race one, where we gained nine places amidst the chaos of the rain to finish in the top 12. In the dry conditions, the car remained competitive, allowing us to hold our position in the mid-pack. This set us up to attack in the final race of the day. In the last race, rain arrived while on the grid and after a short delay, we got going. The car’s pace was strong, and we steadily moved forward, ultimately finishing 6th and secured my best result in the BTCC to date. It was a fantastic Sunday on home soil, and I’m looking forward to carrying this momentum into the rest of the season.”

Daryl DeLeon: “Race day at Knockhill was quite challenging, to be honest. The track was entirely new to me, and I had never been here before. Learning a new track in the conditions we faced was not the easiest task. Unfortunately, we encountered issues in all of the races, which was far from ideal. With the unpredictable weather, it was somewhat of a lottery.

“Despite the difficulties, we’ll take this as a learning experience and work towards improvement for Donington Park. I’ve already driven the Cupra Leon at Donington Park during the official tire test, and we performed well during that session. So, I’m feeling excited heading into the next weekend.”

Dexter had a brilliant race day and claimed his best finish in the BTCC to date. Photograph – Patrician Media

Rob Huff: “I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend with the team and being back in the BTCC. My partner and I were warmly welcomed into the team, and it was lovely to be so involved from the start. Unfortunately, from a racing standpoint, we spent nearly the entire weekend grappling with an engine issue. This meant we lacked power throughout the weekend, which is disappointing as it prevented us from achieving the position we aimed for to make it a successful weekend. It’s frustrating to think about the potential we had, as by the end of the weekend, we seemed to have matched the car’s pace, but we were always missing that extra half a second due to the engine problem.

“Despite leaving Knockhill with a sense of frustration, I genuinely enjoyed working with the team for the weekend and being back in the BTCC. It was wonderful to reconnect with many familiar faces.”

Jack Butel: “We learned on Saturday evening that one of the dampers had failed during qualifying. Despite this setback, we entered Sunday with a positive outlook. However, the weekend started to unravel just before race one when a driveshaft snapped on the grid. This forced us to return to the garage for a replacement. The team did an exceptional job getting the car ready in time for race one, I can’t thank them enough. During that race, we unfortunetly made a pit stop for wets at the wrong moment. Due to the rules, we lost a significant amount of time as we had to wait to be serviced as our team mate was already in the pits.

“In race two, we had a good performance, and our pace was strong. Yet, a few setup issues hindered our progress. The final race of the day turned out to be one of the craziest experiences I’ve had in touring cars. The weather shifted from completely dry to a monsoon within seconds. Despite the unpredictability, I really enjoyed the race, and I’m reallt looking forward to Donington Park.”

Rob battled hard despite an ongoing engine issue throughout the weekend. Photograph – Patrician Media