Michael Crees will return to the British Touring Car Championship in 2025, having filled the fourth and final seat at the EXCELR8 Motorsport-run Team Vertu Hyundai squad.
Crees, 41, will partner Tom Ingram, Tom Chilton and Adam Morgan at the Droitwich-based team.
Having made his BTCC début in 2019 with Team HARD, Crees has thus far competed in three full seasons, also racing with BTC Racing in 2020 and Power Maxed Racing in 2022.
He returned to the championship in 2023 at the half-way stage with Team HARD, but watched from the sidelines (and TikTok) in 2024 when he was left without a drive.
Crees’ best overall finish was 17th in 2020, whilst his best race result to-date is a pair of eighth-place finishes achieved in 2022 when racing in a PMR Vauxhall.
Crees will run his campaign with backing from the Defence industry community. His confirmation comes just days after Dan Zelos, another hopeful for the seat, confirmed he would not be racing in the BTCC in 2025.
“It’s no secret that I’ve been working hard to get back onto the BTCC grid and there were times over the winter that I didn’t know if we’d be able to make it happen for 2025,” said Crees.
“To be able to confirm a deal is one thing, but to be joining a team like EXCELR8 that has won the title is brilliant, and I can’t wait to get started.
“Although this will be my fourth full season on the BTCC grid, I’m always learning and the opportunity to race side-by-side by Tom, Tom and Adam can only help me to improve as a driver when you look at their records and everything they have achieved in the series.
“I’m so excited to see what we can do together, and it’s been a long road to get me here today. I’ve worked tirelessly to make it happen, and wouldn’t be here without the support of Mike Caldicott, Rich Hall and Danny Buxton, as well as all of my sponsors.
“A huge thank you has to go to them, and the opening rounds at Donington Park can’t come soon enough!”
Justina Williams, Team VERTU Team Owner, wants to see Crees build on his previous-best results in 2025.
“We’re pleased to welcome Michael into our line-up for the new season as he makes his return to the BTCC grid and are looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together on track.
“Alongside winning the Jack Sears Trophy, he has produced some encouraging performances during his time in the series so far, and we want to try and help him to build on that in 2025.
“With Tom, Tom and Adam alongside him, Michael will be able to work with three of the most experienced drivers on the grid and we are hopeful that he will be able to produce some strong results on track as the season goes on.
“As a team that has always shown support for our Armed Forces, we’re delighted to also be working with the Defence industry community as part of this deal and will represent them with a true sense of pride on track.”