Photo: Jakob Ebrey

Bobby Thompson to debut with Team HARD

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Volkswagen Racing Cup champion Bobby Thompson will graduate to the BTCC for the 2018 season after being confirmed as the first driver with Team HARD.

Thompson won the VW Cup driving a Team HARD-run Golf this year, taking six wins amongst ten podiums en-route to the title.

Having also driven for Tony Gilham’s team in 2015, Thompson will enter a third season with the squad and team boss Gilham said he was delighted to keep the youngster onboard.

“Bobby is an outstanding young talent and we’re excited to see how he fares against the top touring car drivers in the country,” he said. “We have a very strong package and we are improving all the time as a team.

“He has already proven to us that he has what it takes to compete at the very top and it is great to have got this deal done very early to give us the maximum amount of time to prepare over the winter. It is a big step up but one that we believe he is more than ready for and have no doubt that he will do us proud.”

Thompson’s only previous experience of BTCC machinery came at Snetterton last year when he drove one of the Power Maxed Racing Chevrolets and the 20-year-old admitted he couldn’t wait to get started.

“I have had a fantastic year after winning the VW Racing Cup and now Team HARD has given me the opportunity to step up to the BTCC,” he said. “I’m absolutely over the moon, it’s been my dream for as long as I can remember.

“I never had any intentions on trying to get to Formula 1 or anything like that, it’s always been touring cars and it’s always been the BTCC.

“It’ll be a big step up, I’m sure of that, but I think we’re ready for it – we know what to expect. We had a test last year at Snetterton and it was amazing how much more grip there was available than in the VW Cup car. It’s more demanding and I’m already working on my fitness.

“I’ve had three years with Tony really, starting back in 2015 in the VW Cup. I had a good year, finishing seventh or so in my first season then I topped it off last year coming into the BTCC as a champion. I’m so grateful to the team for making it possible and helping us to get on the grid and I’m pleased to have the chance to stay loyal. I can’t wait to get underway!”

Although the official entry list won’t be revealed until Media Day in March, Thompson becomes the third driver to be confirmed on the grid for 2018 after HMS Racing’s Rob Austin and WSR’s Andrew Jordan.