Lestrup Racing Team signs Andreas Bäckman for 2022 STCC campaign

Lestrup Racing Team has signed Andreas Bäckman for the 2022 STCC TCR Scandinavia season.

“It feels awesome to join Lestrup Racing Team, a young and progressive team, and my ambition is to win the championship together with them this year,” said Bäckman.

Bäckman made a one-off STCC appearance at Mantorp Park last year for Brink Motorsport, beating champion Robert Dahlgren to pole position.

“I think the entire STCC paddock was impressed by Andreas’ performance at Mantorp Park last year and we are delighted to have him onboard in our goal to reclaim the STCC titles this year,” said Fredrik Lestrup, co-owner of Lestrup Racing Team.

“We’ve had our eyes on Andreas for a while now and he has taken big steps forwards over the last couple of seasons. We have plenty of work ahead of us to get ready for what is to come and I have no doubt that he can deliver.”

The 26-year-old drove for Target Competition in the WTCR last year before calling time on the programme after the Hungaroring weekend.

The Swede returns to the STCC, having driven his last full season in the championship in 2018, with high ambitions.

“We have set the goal high, but I know that I have the speed and I know that the team can deliver. It is going to be tough as we will face a lot of experienced drivers, but I do feel confident and can’t wait to get going,” said Bäckman.

Lestrup Racing Team also confirmed that it will switch manufacturer for 2022, having run Volkswagen Golfs for four seasons.

“Andreas is our first piece of the puzzle for the 2022 season and we are going to reveal further details over the coming weeks,” said Fredrik Lestrup.

“I can say as much, we are going to have a thoroughly competitive package for this season and our goal is firmly set on bringing the STCC titles back to where they belong at Lestrup Racing Team.”