Tom Boardman makes BTCC return with AmDtuning.com

Tom Boardman will make a return to the BTCC for the 2018 season after being confirmed as the first driver in one of the two AmDtuning.com-run MG6 GTs.

Boardman last raced in the series back in 2011 with his family-run Special Tuning Racing team, securing a maiden win at Knockhill en-route to eleventh in the championship standings.

The 34-year-old, who won one-make SEAT championships in both the UK and Spain, hasn’t contested a full programme of racing since the 2013 WTCC, with a one-off outing in the TCR International Series at Monza back in 2015 being his last high-profile outing.

However, having spent recent months testing a range of different cars as he evaluated a return to competitive action, Boardman has now become the 16th former race winner to sign up for the BTCC’s 60th anniversary season, with his focus firmly on challenging towards the sharp end of the grid.

“I’d been looking into the possibility of a programme in TCR but when the chance came along to return to the BTCC in the MG, it was one I grabbed with both hands,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to return to the series but until now, the right deal has never come along.

“From the moment we started talking to the team, everything has just fallen into place, and I’m absolutely delighted to have signed with AmD to make a comeback. I can’t put into words how excited I am about the season ahead and can’t wait to get behind the wheel and get started.

“I’ve known the team for a good few years and team manager Rob Tickner is someone I have worked with in the past, so I’m confident that I’ll fit in well and will be right on the pace when we get to Brands Hatch for the opening rounds.

“The MG is a proven, race winning car and I see no reason why this season we can’t be challenging towards the front and fighting to bring home some trophies.”

Talks with potential drivers for the second MG are ongoing, with team boss Shaun Hollamby saying he was pleased to have a proven race winner already onboard.

“When we agreed the deal to run the MGs, we were keen to make sure we got the right drivers onboard and in Tom, we feel we have someone who can do a very good job during the season ahead,” he said.

“He has shown his ability to win races in the past, which isn’t an easy feat in this series, and has also shown he has the talent to compete at the highest level from his time in the World Touring Car Championship.

“To bring a driver with that level of experience onboard is great for us as a team, but also for AutoAid and RCIB Insurance given the support they have provided for this expanded programme.

“Work to build up the first MG is nearing completion so that Tom can get on track and start testing, but I have no doubt that when we get to Brands Hatch, he’ll be right on the pace and able to push for some strong results.”