Tom Boardman has been unveiled as the first AmD driver to pilot one of its newly-acquired MG6 GT machines for the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season.
Boardman, who last competed in the BTCC in 2011 behind the wheel of a SEAT Leon with Special Tuning UK, has a solitary outright victory in the series to his record along with several Production Class wins.
He also has 60 race starts in the World Touring Car Championship to his name, contested sporadically between 2008-13.
Discussions are ongoing as to the identity of his team-mate ahead of the season opener at Brands Hatch on 7th-8th April.
“In recent months, I’d been looking into the possibility of a programme in TCR but when the chance came along to return to the BTCC in the MG, it was one I grabbed with both hands,” commented Boardman.
“I’ve always wanted to return to the series but until now, the right deal has never come along.
“From the moment we started talking to the team, everything has just fallen into place and I’m absolutely delighted to have signed with AmD to make a comeback. I can’t put into words how excited I am about the season ahead and can’t wait to get behind the wheel and get started.
“I’ve known the team for a good few years and team manager Rob Tickner is someone I have worked with in the past, so I’m confident that I’ll fit in well and will be right on the pace when we get to Brands Hatch for the opening rounds.
“The MG is a proven, race winning car and I see no reason why this season we can’t be challenging towards the front and fighting to bring home some trophies.”
AmD boss Shaun Hollamby shares Boardman’s belief that the MG can be a race-winning package in the hands of his West Thurrock-based outfit in 2018.
“When we agreed the deal to run the MGs, we were keen to make sure we got the right drivers onboard and in Tom, we feel we have someone who can do a very good job during the season ahead,” said Hollamby.
“He has shown his ability to win races in the past, which isn’t an easy feat in this series, and has also shown he has the talent to compete at the highest level from his time in the World Touring Car Championship.
“To bring a driver with that level of experience onboard is great for us as a team, but also for AutoAid and RCIB Insurance given the support they have provided for this expanded programme.
“Work to build up the first MG is nearing completion so that Tom can get on track and start testing, but I have no doubt that when we get to Brands Hatch, he’ll be right on the pace and able to push for some strong results.”
AmD announced in early January that had secured the license to run both former Triple Eight MG6 GT machines.
Having already finalised their Audi S3 lineup with the returning Ollie Jackson and rookie Sam Smelt, the news leaves just two seats on the grid remaining – one alongside Boardman and another at Motorbase Performance following the recent departure of Mat Jackson.