Tony Gilham described Jack Goff scoring Team HARD’s maiden British Touring Car Championship victory as a “great story” as he feels Goff has “come home” after making his series debut with the squad back in 2013.
Gilham, himself previously a driver in the championship before switching to the Team Manager role, recalled the Kent-based outfit’s first series podium back in 2013, secured by Goff in the final contest at Brands Hatch in a Vauxhall Insignia.
He told TouringCars.Net he feels it is fitting that Goff should take the team’s first win, describing it as a “great achievement” even if changeable weather conditions contributed to it.
“It’s a great story because Jack was the first driver we bought into the NGTC touring car with the team, and he got us our first podium,” said Gilham.
“That was the famous race at Brands in 2013 where he finished P2 behind Gordon Shedden, flashing his lights in the rain.
“He was flashing them again today but taking us to the top step, and he’s got us our first ever win.
“Jack’s come home, we’re very much a family team and it’s a great story and a great achievement, we’re absolutely buzzing.
“Whether it was a little bit of luck or not, you take any win that you can get.”
Gilham continued to note that this was his biggest achievement as a Team Manager, despite running 54 drives in numerous championships across the UK.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’ve got 54 drivers that race for the team across 18 championships,” he explained.
“Every win is special. But this was the tip of the iceberg because to win in British touring cars is a mega achievement.
“Anybody that does it knows what it means. It’s really nice to see the emotion in the team and how much it means to everyone.
“It’s great to lead what I think is a very special family team.”
With three cars finishing in the top ten – with Michael Crees enjoying his best-ever BTCC result in ninth while Bobby Thompson completed the top ten – Gilham described it as an amazing result for the squad.
“It was amazing, it’s such a shame, because [Carl] Boardley came in at the same time as Jack and we could have had all four in the top ten, so we made the call at the right time,” he said.
“It’s just a bit frustrating we had a problem with the alternator or battery on Carl’s car.
“This is motorsport. The highs, the lows. We’ve got three happy drivers and one disappointed driver. It’s difficult for me as the team owner because I share all sides of it.
“It’s difficult but we’ll enjoy this one.”