Team HARD is wasting no time this off-season in assembling its line-up for 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, with the signing of double Renault UK Clio Cup champion Mike Bushell today (8 December) complementing the additions of Bobby Thompson and renowned engineer Geoff Kingston to the fold.
Bushell sealed his second Clio Cup UK title this season and the Kent racer is set to return to Britain's premier motor racing championship with Team HARD and Brisky Racing as part of the joint-operation's expanded four-car stable for the upcoming campaign.
"I am ecstatic to be returning to the BTCC having notched a second UK Renault Clio Cup title," said Bushell. "On top of that, I am excited to be making my return with Team HARD and Brisky Racing as they have been going from strength to strength.
"With the new technical input from Geoff Kingston, coupled with an already proven race-winning car in the Volkswagen CC, I firmly believe that a strong challenge can be made for the Independent Drivers' title next year.
"However, the partnership extends beyond the on-track potential and into the infrastructure the outfit has at hand to help me forge a long career in the BTCC.
"I am itching to get out on track and in the car for our first test and build a strong relationship with everyone. The team has pulled out all stops to help me return to the BTCC grid and I look to reward them with some great results."
"We are really looking forward to working with Mike next year," added Team HARD Team Principal Tony Gilham. "We have a very competitive package for 2018 and have been in discussions to secure talented drivers.
"We now have the ability to fight with the best on the grid, so we're looking to secure only those that have shown outstanding race craft. Between myself and Richard (Wheeler) we have put a great package in place to bring Mike back to the BTCC at a time when we can mount a strong challenge."
"I've wanted to work with Mike for a while, he's clearly shown his talent, taking two championship wins in the Renault UK Clio Cup," said Brisky Racing chief Wheeler. "I'm really pleased to have put the final pieces into place with Tony that Mike required to make his BTCC return. The team has a very exciting year ahead."
