With Tony Gilham’s Team HARD securing three TBLs for the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Kent’s Jake Hill is looking forward to a full maiden season with the outfit.
“Getting a full year is nice to have that security,” explained the 22-year-old to TouringCars.net at the official Season Launch at Donington Park (22nd March).
“It’s gone remarkably well for my first time in the car, and hopefully I’ll deliver some good results.”
Hill has so far made three appearances in the BTCC, the last of which was at the Brands Hatch season finale last October, stepping into AmD Essex’s Audi S3 instead of Nicolas Hamilton.
He also posted the 14th fastest time during the sole official pre-season test, which was topped by Halfords Yuasa Racing’s Matt Neal.
With the season set to get racing underway at Brands Hatch in the first weekend of April, Hill is realistic about the challenge in the series, but it is one that he feels that he is ready for.
“I’m pretty happy and comfortable in the car and with the team, so we’re still currently in that bonding process. But we’re getting on really well and I can’t fault the car, so things are looking good.”
With both Chris Smiley and Mike Epps completing the rookie trio, who will all be driving a Toyota Avensis this year, Hill stated that they are looking to not just make up the numbers.
“We’re looking to hopefully be in the top ten consistently, really. We want to be knocking on the doors of the works teams and giving them a run for their money.”
Team HARD’s philosophy regarding the promotion of young talent within the BTCC is still very evident, with Team IHG Rewards Club’s Jack Goff being one of those who has made his way into the top echelon of the championship.
So many will be watching eagerly to see how the trio fare when they compete against the other 29 drivers this season.