By Mick Palmer

One of the most recognisable names in international TCR racing is due to make a debut in his home series this Saturday at Snetterton.

TCR veteran Josh Files – who has four TCR titles, 100 starts and 25 wins to his name – will make his first TCR UK start in an Area Motorsport run Hyundai Elantra N.

A series of runs last week in the Luke Sargeant Elantra at the TCR UK Media day were the final preparations for Files to dip his feet into new waters as he prepares for his 2023 season.

Files has experience with the Elantra after running for Italian TCR experts Target Competition in the European series, where he took third overall last season.

“I’m delighted to be able to announce my entry for Snetterton in TCR U,” Files stated. “I’ve watched the championship since its inception back in 2018 and its growth in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal. Having raced so successfully in TCR championships across Europe and Asia, it’s great to be able to race in front of my fans in the UK!

“I’ve known both Rob Baker and Richard Humphrey since the beginning of Area Motorsport over ten years ago and I came on board in 2022 to assist the team and their drivers in TCR UK. To be a part of the driving line-up is a huge privilege and I owe many thanks to Rob and Richard, as well as to Luke Sargeant at RS Vehicle Sales for letting me take out the Elantra. My thanks also go to Hyundai and both Stewart and Nicki Lines for all the hard work put in to get me on the grid for this weekend.”

“We’re extremely excited to have Josh with us for round one of this season in the Elantra,” said Area boss Rob Baker. “Having worked with Josh through Clio Euro Cup and Clio Cup UK before Area Motorsport started 10 years ago, we know the talent he possesses which he has gone on to display in multiple TCR championships across Europe and Asia.

“Since the midpoint of 2022, Josh has become an extremely valuable team member at Area Motorsport on race weekends helping our drivers reach their maximum potential and we’re looking forward to him showing what the Hyundai Elantra is capable of. We have to say a huge thank you to Luke at RS Vehicle Sales who will join the team from round 2 onwards and Hyundai as without them this wouldn’t be possible.”