CarStore Power Maxed Racing driver Michael Crees made a strong and competitive return to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship during the opening event of the 2022 season at Donington Park (23/24 April), after accumulating a trio of points finishes in the Independent Drivers’ Standings. 
 
Heading into the opening event of the BTCC campaign after a 12-month break from Britain’s premier motorsport series, the 38-year-old wasn’t unsettled in the slightest and rose to the challenge impressively on his maiden race weekend at the wheel of the #777 Vauxhall Astra. 
 
Following a qualifying result of 18th, the opening encounter saw the Kent driver make progress following an early Safety Car period, concluding the race in 15th position and sixth in class after a last-lap puncture for Jason Plato, although a post-race penalty for podium finisher Jake Hill would promote Crees to 14th.  
 
Despite making progress in the opening tour of race two, the Astra driver was shuffled back to 16th a few laps later, recovering to 15th at the flag and clinching seventh amongst the Independent drivers'.
 
In round three, Crees was up into 14th on the third lap before battling to remain in the points. Lap 13 saw Crees drop back to 17th in the tightly-matched and fierce midfield pack, but the Broadstairs racer advanced to 16th before the conclusion, also securing his second Independents top six of the day.  

“It’s been a solid start to the campaign for us,” said Crees. “It’s amazing to be part of a BTCC weekend again – there’s no atmosphere like it in motorsport. I worked really well with the team on making the car quicker and we definitely made some good progress, which is really encouraging for everyone. There’s still a bit of work to do with the engine, and some adapting to the new hybrid system, but I’m really looking forward to Brands now in a few weeks. It’s going to be awesome being back racing in front of my home crowd there.”