![Rick Parfitt Jr, Uptonsteel with Euro Car Parts Racing [Team HARD.], Infiniti Q50 NGTC](https://www.touringcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/RickParfittJrBTCC.jpg "Photo: Pat Cranham / PSP Images")
Carl Boardley will take over behind the wheel of Team HARD’s Infiniti Q50 for this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship races at Croft, after prior commitments have forced Rick Parfitt Jr to miss the event.
It will be the second successive season in which Parfitt has missed the north Yorkshire event, although his absence has been forced by prior commitments which had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Boardley raced the car last season, picking up a best finish of tenth at Knockhill. The 46-year-old was also twice in the points when he raced at Croft last season.
“I am gutted to not be at Croft this weekend for the latest instalment of the BTCC season,” said Parfitt. “Unfortunately, this is a consequence of my life away from racing and I’ll be playing three festival gigs that were originally booked in and moved multiple times because of COVID-19.
“Equally gutting is that Croft is arguably the best circuit for the car and, after race three at Oulton Park, I was feeling really confident that the results we were aiming for would be achievable in North Yorkshire.
“I’m delighted to welcome super-sub Carl Boardley back to the fold for this weekend. I couldn’t think of a better-equipped driver to take my place, after all, it was Carl’s Infiniti Q50 last season.
“I’m positive that he will do really well this weekend and put the Rock and Race Infiniti in the pack.
“A big thanks to all the fans for their support this year. Croft attendees: I’m sorry I won’t be there, but you bet I’ll be back at Knockhill more motivated than ever!”
Boardley explained that his absence from the grid this year had only been intended to be a sabbatical, and he is looking forward to returning to the cockpit earlier than anticipated.
“After deciding on a sabbatical from the Championship for 2022 for various reasons, being asked to fill in for Rick at Croft was a carrot dangled that I just couldn’t say no to,” added Boardley.
“Having seen the championship from the sofa so far has been strange but I am looking forward to the Croft rounds with the sole aim of trying to enjoy it.
“Obviously, I have ties with the team so seeing some familiar faces will be good and fitting in will be seamless.
“Whilst I aim to have a smile on my face throughout the weekend, we’ll be looking to move the car in the right direction and come the racing on Sunday be well in the pack and competing for points finishes.”