Team HARD. has today (12 March) confirmed that young talent Daryl DeLeon will remain with the Kent-based squad to contest his first full season in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

DeLeon became the youngest driver on the BTCC grid when he joined Team HARD. midway through the 2023 campaign, which he dovetailed alongside a hugely successful season in the likes of Radicals and the British Endurance Championship (BEC).

The youngster was leading the Radical Cup standings before his BTCC commitments held sway, but he did go on to win overall in BEC – driving a Porsche 911 Cup car for Team HARD.

DeLeon, who emerged as the winner of the team’s highly competitive 2023 scholarship programme, also became the first BTCC competitor from the Philippines when he made his debut at Croft.

Having previously contested the official Goodyear BTCC tyre test in July, DeLeon went on to complete the second half of the BTCC season in the Cupra – scoring points in the final two events at Silverstone and Brands Hatch to underline his progress as the campaign concluded.

This season, Daryl will be targeting overall points and top ten finishes and will be looking to challenge for the much-coveted Jack Sears Trophy.

Daryl DeLeon said: “I'm delighted to be on the grid for the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring car championship this season.

“It hasn’t been easy to put the pieces together and I want to express my appreciation to everyone who has made this opportunity possible. Without the support from my sponsors, the team, my family and Tony, I don’t think I would have been able to make it happen.

“I know Team HARD. faced many challenges last year, but as a driver I am confident that the two-car operation will provide a competitive package and we will show the potential and focus throughout the season that the six-car operation struggled with.

“I have no doubt that the BTCC is the most demanding and competitive championship in the country and that’s exactly the reason I worked hard to get on the grid. Again, I would like to thank the fans and the people that have supported and continue to support me. Roll on 2024!”

The 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship comprises 30 races over ten events with the season getting underway at Donington Park on 27/28 April.