Team Hard. Racing has today (4 March) revealed that Rick Parfitt Jr will be piloting an Infiniti Q50 in the 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, with the 47-year-old confirming his sights are firmly set on Jack Sears Trophy honours for the upcoming campaign.
The two-time British GT Champion made his series debut last year behind the wheel of a Hyundai i30 N, and having narrowly missed out on scoring his first championship points on a number of occasions, is determined to break into the points-paying positions in his sophomore season.
Returning to the grid in more familiar rear-wheel drive machinery, Parfitt is confident that the culture of the Kent-based squad will enable him to perform well and move up the grid under the Upton Steel with Team Hard. Racing banner.
“I couldn’t be happier to have signed with Upton Steel with Team Hard. Racing,” said Parfitt. “The team clearly shares my passion for putting on a show, but at the same time is hugely focussed on delivering consistent results.
“The return to rear-wheel drive will be a quick re-learning process for me, but I was lucky enough to drive the car a few weeks ago and I felt comfortable immediately.
“The team has a real energy and enthusiasm about it and I hope that I can reward them, my sponsors and supporters with a strong haul of points across the season, but most of all I’m really looking forward to seeing all the BTCC fans again!”
“It’s fantastic to have Rick join our ranks for the 2022 season driving our third and final Infiniti Q50,” added Team HARD. Racing Team Owner, Tony Gilham. “Rick had a solid debut campaign last season in machinery completely new to him. This year, he moves back into a rear-wheel drive car and what better car than a championship-winning one.
“The BTCC is one of the most competitive championships in the world and Rick has now experienced that first-hand. His British GT Championships highlight his potential to mix it with the best this series has to offer, and I have no doubt he will be fighting further up the field in this campaign.
“Rick brings so much more to the table than just his on-track capabilities, together we are pushing for success both on and off circuit. Rick really put on a show for the fans in 2021 and having him in our team, which historically devotes plenty of resources to fan engagement across the season, is going to be really exciting for everyone who enjoys watching the sport.
“Here’s to the start of a long and fruitful partnership together.”
