Team HARD. Racing has today (22 June) confirmed that BTCC returnee Carl Boardley will step in for Rick Parfitt for this weekend’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship event at Croft.

Prior commitments delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic for Parfitt have resulted in the #62 racer stepping down for Rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the campaign.

Having competed in the Infiniti Q50 just last year, Boardley will make his series return this weekend, racing under the Uptonsteel with Euro Car Parts banner.

“I am gutted to not be at Croft this weekend for the latest instalment of the BTCC season,” confessed Parfitt. “Unfortunately, this is a consequence of my life away from racing and I’ll be playing three festival gigs that were originally booked in and moved multiple times because of COVID-19.

“Equally gutting is that Croft is arguably the best circuit for the car and, after race three at Oulton Park, I was feeling really confident that the results we were aiming for would be achievable in North Yorkshire.

“I’m delighted to welcome super-sub Carl Boardley back to the fold for this weekend. I couldn’t think of a better-equipped driver to take my place, after all, it was Carl’s Infiniti Q50 last season. I’m positive that he will do really well this weekend and put the Rock and Race Infiniti in the pack.

“A big thanks to all the fans for their support this year. Croft attendees: I’m sorry I won’t be there, but you bet I’ll be back at Knockhill more motivated than ever!”

Boardley, who secured two points finishes on his last visit to Croft and collected the Jack Sears Trophy for the weekend is looking forward to returning to the championship.

“After deciding on a sabbatical from the Championship for 2022 for various reasons, being asked to fill in for Rick at Croft was a carrot dangled that I just couldn’t say no to,” admitted Boardley. “Having seen the Championship from the sofa so far has been strange but I am looking forward to the Croft rounds with the sole aim of trying to enjoy it. Obviously, I have ties with the team so seeing some familiar faces will be good and fitting in will be seamless.

“Whilst I aim to have a smile on my face throughout the weekend, we’ll be looking to move the car in the right direction and come the racing on Sunday be well in the pack and competing for points finishes.”