In a surprise announcement, Team HARD has revealed that it will remain in the British Touring Car Championship after all, having down-sized to two cars and acquired the use of Aiden Moffat Racing’s TOCA BTCC Licences.
The Kent-based team ran a record-breaking six CUPRA Leon cars in the championship last year, but the season was beset by financial difficulties behind the scenes.
As the season progressed, numerous charges were filed against Team HARD Racing Limited, which until recently looked to have been facing being wound up.
As such, when the delayed list of TBL holders was revealed in December, two weeks later than usual due to Team HARD’s difficulties, the team had lost its three licences.
However, Team Principal Tony Gilham has kept the team going, and confirmed a two-car entry into the 2024 BTCC to continue its 13-year association with the BTCC.
The outfit will once again use the TBLs held by Aiden Moffat Racing, with whom it continues a behind the scenes partnership.
The team, which previously encountered financial difficulties in 2013 before re-entering the BTCC in 2015, has reportedly seen a “full reset and restructure” resulting in a much downscaled operation.
“I have made many mistakes over the years, some poor business decisions and ultimately over ambition has had a huge negative impact on us as a team,” explained Gilham, who will run the team from a smaller premises in Kent this year.
“TOCA and Alan Gow have been very supportive, and I want to thank each and every person that has been there for me during these tough times.
“We have lots to repair, the rebuild has begun and I will continue to fight to get us back to where we should and need to be.
“We have helped many people over the years and will need the loyal support of trusted friends, colleagues and partners moving forwards to achieve what we are setting out to do.
“There has been lots of online and social media activity – both good and bad – and we will do everything possible to rebuild our team, reputation and any damaged relationships that have happened as a result.
“We most definitely tried to take on too much and were let down by what the team thought were some trusted allies, whilst also suffering from the effects of both Covid and the economic climate.
“We are excited about what lies ahead and everything possible will be done to ensure the business looks forward to a brighter future.”
Although no drivers have yet been revealed, the team has reportedly already signed its first driver for 2024, to be announced in the coming days.