Tony Gilham will replace Rotek Racing’s Robb Holland in the British Touring Car Championship season finale at Brands Hatch due to clashing commitments for the American racer.
Holland has other commitments on the Saturday of the race weekend and as a result has agreed to yield his seat to former team boss Gilham.
“We would love to run two cars if possible next season but of course that depends on there being a licence available,” admitted Holland. “We’ve already got six or seven drivers interested and Tony is one of them. He brought me into the BTCC and we’ve always had a good relationship. Maybe I owed him one – he’s a good guy, a good peddler and it was a perfect opportunity for all parties.”
It means a racing return for Gilham, who last raced in the championship at the 2012 season finale in a then newly acquired Vauxhall Insignia, before switching to full-time team boss duties for 2013.
“I’ve always wanted to race,” said Gilham, who has until now had no role in the 2014 BTCC having sold his team to Warren Scott’s Team BMR outfit. “It was frustrating at times last season to have brought four cars into the BTCC but not getting the chance to race any of them.
“To get this opportunity at Brands Hatch – my home circuit – is fantastic and I can’t wait. We brought Robb into the BTCC and now he’s bringing me back!
“I’ve put other people first for a long time and I’m still helping drivers in the VW Cup, so I thought it was about time I got to do something I really wanted to. Long term I’d love to come back as a team owner but returning to the series as a driver is also on my radar – I wouldn’t rule anything out.”
Before the season finale, however, Holland will make his final appearance of the year at Silverstone this weekend, where he hopes to improve on a season-best result of 15th.
Putting other people first!?