By Mick Palmer

Nic Hamilton will return for a third BTCC season in a Team HARD Cupra Leon as he remains with the team that he joined in 2020.

The 31-year-old has aims for challenging for the Jack Sears Trophy and regular points this year as the squad expands from four to six cars.

Hamilton will utilise a brake servo system for a second season as he develops the machine to fit around his needs while racing with Cerebal Palsy.

“I am so grateful and blessed to be back on the BTCC grid with Team HARD for 2023,” he said. “Continuity is everything & I feel right at home with the team, as I look to develop on the overall pace improvement I found in 2022. Both the car and team look to be in a great position going into this year and so I cannot wait to get started and work alongside both my returning and new team mates.”

Team boss Tony Gilham said: “Nic has already been a tremendous asset to our team, and his dedication to developing his skills as a driver has led to significant progress over the past three seasons. We are confident that he will continue to be an integral part of our success in the upcoming season.

“As we look ahead to the new season, we remain focused on pushing the limits of our performance. We will continue to develop Nic’s brake servo technology, aiming to help him maintain consistency on the track he needs to have his best season yet.

“Having a stable driver line-up is essential for our success, and we are delighted to have Nic back in the driver’s seat for another year. Together, we are ready to take on the challenges of the 2023 season and strive for a strong season.”