Team HARD. Racing has today (14 December) announced that multiple race-winner and fan favourite Jack Goff will be remaining with the squad until at least the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship driver Goff, who made his debut with the team in 2013 and took the Kent-based outfit’s maiden win in 2019, will be spearheading the development of the new Cupra Leons, which were confirmed to be replacing the Volkswagen CCs back in September.
“I’m delighted to be remaining with Team HARD. Racing for another two seasons,” said Goff. “The previous seasons have been tricky on track but an absolute delight off it. I can’t fault the team’s commitment to winning and family ethics; for me, that is something really important. There is always a great vibe around the place which lifts your confidence as a driver.
“Now, we’re well underway with the build of the brand new Cupra Leons and I'm super excited to be playing a major part in the car’s development. If they go as well as they look then we will be contenders for sure.
“After the nail-biting scenario I found myself in on the eve of the 2019 campaign, with it looking likely I’d miss the season, I can’t thank Tony [Gilham], the team and of course my sponsors enough for this opportunity to finalise a two-year deal as we race into the hybrid era. Securing a drive always takes a lot of time and planning, so to have this sorted means I can focus on getting myself and the team back to winning ways over the next two seasons.”
The team announced in September that they would be bringing the Cupra brand to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for the first time in 2021, with the all-new Cupra Leon, which is due to be released into the UK market in early 2021 as the marque operates as a standalone brand for the first time.
Tony Gilham, Managing Director at Team HARD. Racing, believes that continuity with his drivers will only benefit the team’s progression up the field.
“Jack is back for years four and five with the team, having made his debut with us back in 2013. With new machinery for 2021 it was vital that we secured a driver who can extract the maximum from our new Cupra, and what better than to remain with one of the highest-rated drivers on the grid.
“A new car for next year, with an extensive test programme, will help move us forward on outright pace. Jack's qualifying record is unquestionable, and he’s the right man to ensure that we get our new car as far up the grid as possible to get to the front of the pack.
“During this current global situation, working with partners away from the track is more important than ever and Jack is a great ambassador for all concerned. This news has delighted our current partners as we start to gear up for the 2021 BTCC season.
“It’s already the busiest winter in the team’s history with new cars amongst a host of other shake-ups behind the scenes; it’s lining up to be the year that we can really earn our BTCC stripes.”
Goff will be kept busy over the winter working alongside the team’s engineering department to design and develop the brand new Cupra Leon for the 2021 season. Furthermore, the 29-year-old will be present at the team’s RCiB Insurance scholarship programme to offer media tuition and training to its entrants.
