Bobby Thompson re-signs with Team HARD
Jack Sears Trophy winner Bobby Thompson will remain with Team HARD for the 2023 British Touring Championship season.
Thompson stormed the JST title on the back of a strong 2022 campaign at the wheel of one of Team HARD’s Cupra Leon – grabbing a maiden overall podium finish at Brands Hatch en-route to the crown.
No longer eligible for the Jack Sears crown, Thompson will now hope to make an impression in the Independents’ standings having signed up for another year with Tony Gilham’s team.
“I’m excited to be remaining with Team HARD. next year,” he said. “They have provided me with the opportunities to make huge steps in my career, including my BTCC debut in 2018.
“Looking ahead to next season, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t absolutely buzzing for it! We came off the back of last season with a really strong package at Silverstone and Brands Hatch and I think we have a huge opportunity to challenge for the Independent Drivers’ Championship next year. I’m under no illusions as to the work needed to take the next step, but I believe that both myself and the team are ready.
“I’d like to thank all of my sponsors for a wonderful season in 2022 and the opportunity to continue this journey into 2023, I will be giving it everything!”
Team owner Gilham said he was delighted to keep Thompson onboard.
“We are very happy to confirm that Bobby will be back in a Cupra Leon for the 2023 season,” he said. “This announcement is testament to how far we have come as a team in that we are able to retain a driver with such ability and demand within the BTCC paddock.
“Bobby has done a fantastic job in 2022 and he has made an essential contribution to the team’s success and growth this year. It is now down to the team to ensure that our winter development programme improves the Cupra Leon further to enable Bobby to mount a serious challenge towards the front of the pack in 2023.”