Team HARD. Racing has today (15 December) confirmed that 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship rookie, Dexter Patterson will race for the squad in 2023.
After a successful test in the team’s Cupra Leon in November, Patterson, who contested the Laser Tools Racing Infiniti Q50 last year, is looking forward to his sophomore campaign in new machinery.
The Cupra switch will in fact see the 19-year-old tackle his first season in front-wheel drive machinery, after competing in International F4 championships and the British F3 series before moving up to the UK’s premier Motorsport series in 2022.
The 2017 Junior World Karting champion is looking to build on his debut campaign, which included three points finishes and a best qualifying of seventh during Brands Hatch’s season finale, and mounting a serious challenge on the Jack Sears Trophy which was most recently won by team-mate Bobby Thompson.
“I am really happy to be remaining in the BTCC for the 2023 season,” said Patterson. “I loved every second of last year and felt that my performances towards the end of the season showed everybody what I am capable of.
“Switching to the Cupra Leon was a no-brainer for me after the test I completed in November; the car felt really positive and provided me with a baseline that I can work with over the winter to move up the field and challenge for the Jack Sears Trophy. Joining Bobby, who has previous experience in the car, is going to really help me settle into front-wheel drive machinery for the first time and I can’t wait to get out there and get more miles under my belt.
“A big thanks to Tony [Gilham, Team Owner] and everyone at Team HARD. Racing for believing in me. I’m looking forward to being integrated into the team and seeing what we can achieve together.”
“What a delightful signing this is for the team,” added Gilham. “We worked with Dexter last season during his time in the Infiniti and he is such a down-to-earth and calm character but shows real speed and determination whilst at the wheel of a race car. He really took the fight to the more established drivers last season and we as a team really admired that.
“Dexter had a great test with us at Donington Park last month and despite his lack of experience in front-wheel drive machinery was on the pace from the off and really got to grips with the Cupra Leon. One of the many eye-catching moments on that day was his ability to quickly adapt to an unfamiliar car in tricky conditions to go quicker than he did earlier in the season at the wheel of the Infiniti.
“We are really starting to bring together a great driver line-up for 2023 which has a mix of experience and youth. I'm excited for the season ahead and I’m really pleased Dexter has chosen to join us on our journey.”
