Team HARD has confirmed that it will retain Daryl DeLeon in one of its two CUPRAs for this year’s British Touring Car Championship.
DeLeon, 18, made his BTCC début in the second half of the 2024 season, taking over the car raced by Bobby Thompson before the latter returned to the series in the final rounds in place of another driver.
Hailing from Philippines heritage, DeLeon scored six points in his first half season in the championship, with a best finish of 12th in the final race of the season.
DeLeon previously raced in the Radical Cup, in which he was leading the standings before moving to the BTCC, and the British Endurance Championship (BEC), which he won in a Porsche 991 Cup car.
DeLeon is the first of two drivers to be confirmed for Team HARD, which last week announced that it would be present on the 2024 grid after all, following a winter of financial challenges.
“I’m delighted to be on the grid for the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring car championship this season,” said DeLeon, who had won Team HARD’s 2023 Scholarship programme.
“It hasn’t been easy to put the pieces together and I want to express my appreciation to everyone who has made this opportunity possible. Without the support from my sponsors, the team, my family and Tony, I don’t think I would have been able to make it happen.
“I know Team HARD. faced many challenges last year, but as a driver I am confident that the two-car operation will provide a competitive package and we will show the potential and focus throughout the season that the six-car operation struggled with.
“I have no doubt that the BTCC is the most demanding and competitive championship in the country and that’s exactly the reason I worked hard to get on the grid.
“Again, I would like to thank the fans and the people that have supported and continue to support me. Roll on 2024!”