Michael Crees says that returning to the British Touring Car Championship this weekend ‘feels like a proper homecoming’ after a year away from the series.
Crees, 38, first joined the championship in 2019 when he raced in a Team HARD Volkswagen CC for a single season.
The following year, he moved to BTC Racing and a stronger season saw him claim three top ten finishes, with a best result of ninth at Thruxton.
But last year, Crees failed to retain his drive at BTC and instead competed in a part-season in the Porsche Supercup.
Racing in the opening three events with Team Parker Racing at Monaco and the Red Bull Ring, Crees secured a best result of 23rd from his three appearances.
This year, Crees is returning to touring car racing in a Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra, as the team takes on an all-new driver line up with Ash Hand joining the team.
“Finally, here we are – the start of the new British Touring Car Championship season,” said Crees, the 2020 Jack Sears’ Trophy champion.
“I can’t wait to get going at Donington this weekend, it really feels like a proper homecoming after a year away and I’m hungry to be back as part of the cut and thrust of the BTCC.
“Our pre-season hasn’t been as smooth as we’d like, and the new hybrid is still a bit of an unknown quantity, but we’re ready to go.
“It’s great being part of a new challenge with CarStore Power Maxed. I’m looking forward to working with Ash [Hand] as well, he’s a quick young driver and a good laugh – having fun is a big part of why we go racing in the first place!
“Obviously, I wouldn’t be here without my amazing partners, so a huge thank you to them and my management team for getting this deal together. We’re back!”