Team Hard have finalised their 2017 BTCC line up with the announcement of Jake Hill, who will race one of the team’s VW Ccs.
Hill will be looking to build on his first season with the team in 2016 where he impressed the paddock with some strong performances in his first full season in the BTCC.
Now with a season of experience behind him, he hopes to make further steps forward in the VW which won races last year in the hands of Aron Smith while it was run by team BKR. With the Vws returning to Team Hard, Hill will benefit from the lastest RML built NGTC parts which have been fitted to the cars over the winter.
“It’s fantastic to know I will be back with the team and continuing my journey with them,” said Hill. “I am hugely grateful to Tony [Gilham], RCIB Insurance, AutoAid Breakdown and TAG Industries for working to get me back on board for this season, and equally have some incredible support from Sportif Motor Group, Brisky Racing and are delighted to welcome our new partners Rolec Electrical and Mechanical Services.
Last season I learned a huge amount and felt we made some strong progress. We worked really well as a team, and it’s really significant having continuity with the crew and the partners. It’s great to be racing the Passat CC, with the latest RML equipment, as I think it will be strong at lots of circuits. The aim is to get points regularly, try and qualify well and be in the mix at every event. We are all hugely ambitious, and both Mike [Epps] and Will [Burns] will be quick so I’m sure we will all push each other hard all season.”
Hill will now be able to have a test session in the newly rebuilt VW and will be seen publicly with the car for the first time at the Season launch day at Donington park on March 16th
“I am working hard to make sure I am ready, and we aim to get to Donington in March in great shape and hopefully competitive from the outset,” he concluded. “It’s going to be really tough and unpredictable but this year I have 30 races under my belt and that counts for a lot. It’s my birthday next month but I feel I have got a pretty special early present! Can’t wait!”
Tony Gillham is pleased to have finalised his line up with Hill;
“Jake was really strong last year and got the absolute maximum from the car. The team worked really well with him and with the new cars I’m confident all three of our drivers will be in the mix. All of our partners are delighted to have Jake back to continue the progress with us.”
Team Hard will also be continuing their popular track days where fans can actually drive a genuine BTCC car in the form of Hill’s 2016 Toyota Avensis, as well as getting their hands on some Volkswagen Cup cars. By Marc Waller
