Photo: PSP Images

Multiple TCR champion Josh Files joins Snetterton grid

Four-time TCR title winner Josh Files will make his debut in the UK series this weekend after being confirmed as part of the Area Motorsport line-up for the Snetterton season opener.

A championship winner in the German, Middle East and European series, Files will be at the wheel of a Hyundai Elantra N TCR for the opening meeting of the campaign with the deal making him the first driver to race the car in the UK.

Files has previous experience with the Elantra having raced the car in TCR Europe last season, where he finished third in the standings.

His outing at Snetterton comes ahead of Luke Sargeant stepping into the car from round two onwards, having shared driving duties in the Elantra during the season launch at Donington Park last week.

“I’m delighted to be able to announce my entry for Snetterton in TCR UK,” he said. “I’ve watched the championship since its inception back in 2018 and its growth in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal. Having raced so successfully in TCR championships across Europe and Asia, it’s great to be able to race in front of my fans in the UK!



“I’ve known both Rob Baker and Richard Humphrey since the beginning of Area Motorsport over ten years ago and I came on board in 2022 to assist the team and their drivers in TCR UK. To be a part of the driving line-up is a huge privilege and I owe many thanks to Rob and Richard, as well as to Luke Sargeant at RS Vehicle Sales for letting me take out the Elantra.

“My thanks also go to Hyundai and both Stewart and Nicki Lines for all the hard work put in to get me on the grid for this weekend.”

Area Motorsport team principal Rob Baker said he was excited to welcome Files in for the weekend.

“We’re extremely excited to have Josh with us for round one of this season in the Elantra,” he said. “Having worked with Josh through Clio Euro Cup and Clio Cup UK before Area Motorsport started ten years ago, we know the talent he possesses – which he has gone on to display in multiple TCR championships across Europe and Asia.



“Since the midpoint of 2022, Josh has become an extremely valuable team member at Area Motorsport on race weekends helping our drivers reach their maximum potential and we’re looking forward to him showing what the Hyundai Elantra is capable of.

“We have to say a huge thank you to Luke at RS Vehicle Sales who will join the team from round two onwards and Hyundai as without them this wouldn’t be possible.”