Kieran Gallagher will contest the 19th, 20th and 21st rounds of the British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill later this month, teaming up with Team HARD. to race the team’s second Vauxhall Insignia.
Gallagher has held a racing license for just over a year and is currently competing in the Scottish Legends championship, where he lies 11th in the standings. Despite being relatively inexperienced, Gallagher, who also competed at Spa Francorchamps in a Team HARD. run Volkswagen Polo, has spent most of his time racing on the Knockhill circuit, where the Legends series runs a number of its meetings.
“I’m improving all the time but of course this is just amazing,” said Gallagher.
“Knockhill was the main selling point and although it’s beyond my wildest dreams I won’t be racing just for fun. I’ve watched Jason Plato racing on TV for years and Gordon Shedden gave me one of my trophies last season, so for sure it’ll be a little surreal to be in the same race as guys like that, but I cannot wait and I hope to make the most of the opportunity.”
And it won’t be long before the young racer gets behind the wheel of the Insignia, as he and the team head to Brands Hatch tomorrow to test the machine.
Speaking to BTCC.net, team boss Tony Gilham was excited to have Gallagher on board, and is keen to see how the 23 year-old gets on in the series.
“We’re living our dreams, so why not help in making someone else’s come true,” he said. “It’s a one-off deal at the moment and we’re realistic in our targets, but it would be great to pick up a points finish over the weekend. It’s a great opportunity for him to race at his local circuit and we’re all very excited about it.”