Photo: BTCC

Dexter Patterson makes Team HARD move

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Dexter Patterson will return to the BTCC for a second season in 2023 after agreeing a deal to join Team HARD.

The Scot made his series debut in a Laser Tools Racing-run Infiniti Q50 this year, but will switch to Team HARD’s Cupra Leon after a successful test in the car last month.

It will mean a switch to front-wheel drive for the teenager, who moved into touring cars after previously competing in karting and single-seaters.


“I am really happy to be remaining in the BTCC for the 2023 season,” he said. “I loved every second of last year and felt that my performances towards the end of the season showed everybody what I am capable of.

“Switching to the Cupra Leon was a no-brainer for me after the test I completed in November; the car felt really positive and provided me with a baseline that I can work with over the winter to move up the field and challenge for the Jack Sears Trophy.

“Joining Bobby [Thompson], who has previous experience in the car, is going to really help me settle into front-wheel drive machinery for the first time and I can’t wait to get out there and get more miles under my belt.

“A big thanks to Tony [Gilham, Team Owner] and everyone at Team HARD. Racing for believing in me. I’m looking forward to being integrated into the team and seeing what we can achieve together.”

Gilham himself said he was pleased to bring Patterson onboard.

“We worked with Dexter last season during his time in the Infiniti and he is such a down-to-earth and calm character but shows real speed and determination whilst at the wheel of a race car,” he said. “He really took the fight to the more established drivers last season and we as a team really admired that.

“Dexter had a great test with us at Donington Park last month and despite his lack of experience in front-wheel drive machinery was on the pace from the off and really got to grips with the Cupra Leon. One of the many eye-catching moments on that day was his ability to quickly adapt to an unfamiliar car in tricky conditions to go quicker than he did earlier in the season at the wheel of the Infiniti.

“We are really starting to bring together a great driver line-up for 2023 which has a mix of experience and youth. I’m excited for the season ahead and I’m really pleased Dexter has chosen to join us on our journey.”