Former Ginetta GT4 Supercup racer Carl Boardley will contest a full British Touring Car Championship season in 2019 after signing with Team HARD to race one of the team’s four Volkswagen CC cars.
Boardley got his first taste of the BTCC at Knockhill earlier this year, when he stepped into the car previously raced by Michael Caine.
The 42-year-old finished as the runner-up in the BTCC-supporting Ginetta GT4 Supercup this year, and joins Mike Bushell and Bobby Thompson as the third driver to be confirmed in Tony Gilham’s team.
“I am delighted to have committed to Team HARD for the 2019 season in BTCC,” said the six-time GT4 Supercup winner. “After running with the team in GT4 Supercup throughout this year I have got to know the team really well. I feel comfortable in the surroundings and believe we have a good ‘fit’ together.
“Having made my BTCC debut at Knockhill this year it gave me a real taste of what the championship is all about and made me hungry for a lot, lot more.
“The team have made some major improvements to the car and infrastructure over the last couple of months which is ongoing and I believe things are in a strong position for 2019.
“I am under no illusions as to the size of the task ahead as this championship is the pinnacle but I’m super excited to get started and aim to hit the ground running at Brands Hatch for round one.
“I must say a massive thanks to everyone who has played a part in making this happen and to my family for their continued support.”
Team HARD Manager Tony Gilham is looking forward to working with Boardley in the BTCC, as he feels that the pair are on the same wavelength in terms of their expectations.
“Carl is a great addition to our driver line up and not only brings a wealth of experience and pace, but he has a very good understanding of the car in terms of set up and performance,” said Gilham.
“He will bring the necessary on track qualities we are looking for as well as add a massive amount off track with our whole set up and all new infrastructure we now have in place.
“We are on exactly the same page as each other when it comes to what we expect as a team this year and our goals we have set in the championship for the year ahead.
“We cannot wait to get going and see how Carl develops as a BTCC driver. This is not a short-term plan for either of us.
“The start of the season cannot come soon enough and we already have many plans in place so we can arrive at Brands Hatch in April in the best shape possible.”