Photo: PSP Images

Aron Taylor-Smith extends Team HARD stay

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Team HARD has confirmed that Aron Taylor-Smith will remain part of its BTCC line-up for the 2022 season after the Irish racer put pen-to-paper on a new ‘multi-year’ deal.

Taylor-Smith returned to the series this season at the wheel of one of the all new Cupra Leons being run by Tony Gilham’s team, with the 31-year-old taking a best finish of eleventh so far.

The new deal for 2022 and beyond will see Taylor-Smith remain alongside Jack Goff, who signed his own multi-year deal ahead of the launch of the Cupra.

“I have never felt more at home in a team than I do at Team HARD, and that has been one of the main contributing factors to remaining here,” he said. “The work that they are doing behind the scenes is second to none and I am 100% confident that we can make the Cupra a force to be reckoned with in the BTCC.

“To have the security of knowing that I will be on the grid for years to come is amazing. I firmly believe that continuity breeds success, both on track with the development and progression of the Cupra, but also off track with my partners. I really feel as though this is only the beginning of what is to come.

“I always knew that the first year would be about the development of the Cupra and weaning out any potential weaknesses. I’m positive that we will see a significant jump in performance in the remainder of this season and into 2022 – the possibilities in the future are endless!”

Team boss Gilham said he was delighted to be able to retain Taylor-Smith alongside Goff for another season.

“The results may not have fallen Aron’s way so far this season, but he has always shown strong pace and with a little more luck he will be back fighting at the sharp end,” he said. “He has the talent and we are working hard to provide Aron with a consistent car that will allow us to sustain a challenge at the very front of the field in 2022.

“Having secured the services of both Aron and Jack for next season is testament to how far this team has come in a short space of time. They are two of the very best talents in British motorsport and being able to have that continuity with our driver line-up puts us in a strong position for next season.”