By Mick Palmer

Luke Sargeant has committed to a three race campaign in the TCR UK championship for 2023 in an Area Motorsport run Hyundai i30.

The track day enthusiast will make his racing debut in a former Target Motorsport machine that he has purchased that was previously campaigned in the TCR Italy series.

“I wanted to go racing and figured the best way to do this was to throw myself in at the deep end, so

after speaking with my good friend Jamie (Tonks, who will also race with Area,) he made the suggestion to go racing in a TCR Touring Car and here I am!” said Sargeant.

“I really enjoyed the Hyundai during the Pre-Season Test and it got me excited to go out and go racing in one of the fastest-growing touring car championships in the UK. My aim is simple, to make sure I’m not last, however, if the results prove to be good, then I’m already looking at adding more venues to my calendar in 2023.”

Sargeant completed 41 laps of the Snetterton 300 layout at the official TCR UK test in February. During the morning session the Hyundai racer just managed to top race winning team mates Alex Ley and Bruce Winfield, managing to post a fastest lap of 1m 58.114s, which was 0.075s quicker than Ley, with Winfield posting a 1m 59.115s.

Oulton Park, Silverstone and Donington Park are the three circuits where Sargeant will take to the track in 2023, with the One day Oulton round taking place on June 10^th.

Area Motorsport boss Rob Baker said: “Luke joined us early this year having only done trackdays so far in various machinery. He purchased a I30 TCR with a view to go racing. He’s impressed on his test days with his ability and getting to grips with the car and we’re looking forward to helping him throughout the 2023 season as he starts his racing career.”

The 2023 TCR UK season kicks off at Snetterton on the weekend of 8/9 April.