Ginetta GT4 Supercup driver Carl Boardley will replace Team HARD driver Michael Caine for the Knockhill round of the British Touring Car Championship next weekend, with Caine missing the event due to family commitments.
Caine has been a regular in the team’s Volkswagen CC so far this year, but the 49-year-old is unable to take part in Scotland due to unforeseen family commitments.
Boardley, 42 from Suffolk, says that he had tried to enter the BTCC five years ago but had been unable to take part due to a health issue.
“This is something that has been on my radar for a while,” said Boardley, who is currently second in the GT4 standings. “I came close to joining in 2013, but had to change plans due to a health issue.
“I am looking at the championship as an option for 2019, and racing in Scotland will give be a good chance to see how the circus operates, how the cars feel and what the racing is like.
“As a new entry I will be going with the mandated 45 kg of success ballast in race one, which means it will be tough to get competitive results, but the Team HARD cars have been running strongly recently so there is a chance to do something in races two and three.”
It is the third change in as many events for Tony Gilham’s team, and he added that Caine would continue to be involved with the team.
“Michael Caine is such a character and he is loved by everyone at Team HARD,” said Gilham. “He has been part of our team for a long time, and will continue to be so.
“We have had a great journey together in the BTCC and although it’s not been as competitive as we’d both hoped, it’s always great to have him around.”
Gilham also added that Boardley came close to signing with the team for the current BTCC season.
“We virtually had a deal done – and he even tested on a couple of occasions – but the decision was taken to switch focus to Ginetta Supercup. Carl had wanted to step up to the BTCC for a long time.
“Getting a toe-in-the-water at Knockhill will give him some experience in what is a highly competitive championship and it will all add to his knowledge ahead of a full campaign if he decides to do the BTCC in 2019.
“This is a great first step for him to see what it is all about.”