Michael Crees will return to the British Touring Car Championship in 2020 as he completes an expanded line-up for BTC Racing.
Crees made his series debut last season racing a Team HARD Volkswagen CC and enjoyed a best result of ninth during the penultimate round at Silverstone.
The Kent racer will drive a current generation FK8 Honda Civic Type R with which BTC Racing achieved three race wins and seven other podiums with last year.
He will race alongside experienced campaigners Tom Chilton and Josh Cook as part of the outfit’s three-car assault this year.
“In the last couple of weeks it was looking increasingly likely that I’d missed the boat to get a spot on the British Touring Car Championship grid in 2020, but this deal with BTC Racing came up at exactly the right time and I’m over the moon,” Crees said.
“BTC Racing have proven over the last couple of years that they are one of the top teams on the grid, while for me, the Honda Civic FK8 is the best front-wheel drive car on the grid. Together, it’s a package that offers me a great chance to work my way up the grid this year.
“It’s going to be a big challenge for me to get to grips with a new car again and get into the battle for regular points finishes in one of the most competitive series in the world, but it’s an opportunity I’m relishing and I can’t wait to get stuck into the action.”
The squad’s joint Team Principal, Bert Taylor, said: “I think this is an exciting signing for BTC Racing. Michael joining us completes what I believe is a very strong line-up for 2020. It’s a great opportunity to give a rookie driver the chance to come and learn his craft in a top-flight team and car.
“Although he’s relatively new to the grid, he brings great energy to the team and willingness to improve. He should learn a lot from Josh and Tom, and will benefit greatly from working with them. I feel sure that the three of them will work well together and we can look forward to lots of success as a team.”