Father and son Chris and Stefan Hodgetts will lead the Team Toyota GB assault on the Britcar 24 Hours at Silverstone (September 21-23) it has been confirmed.
The Hodgetts clan will drive the GPR Motorsport built Toyota GT86, the four man team is completed by experienced racer/journalist Richard Meaden and Dan Trent editor of Pistonheads.
The announcement signals the first competitive race in 13 years for the elder Hodgetts – the 1986 and 1987 British Touring Car Championship for Toyota – and the first race in a Toyota since 1988. He has, however, maintained his race license and continued testing and driver coaching duties.
“I think the last time I raced a Toyota was the 1988 Spa 24 Hours,” he said. “We retired eight minutes from the end while leading our class.”
“There was the new car and alongside it was a replica of my old AE86 Corolla, all in its old livery,” he continued speaking about a recent visit to GPR’s base where the car is taking shape under the stewardship of Roger King and Gary Blackham. “I admit I shed a tear. It’s so wonderful to be reunited – I may be 61 but I still feel 31 and some would say I act like I was 21,” he said.
“I have known Roger and Gary for many years and I know that given their skills, the GT86 will be reliable and great to drive. I see no reason why it shouldn’t be competitive too.”
“I was four or five when dad was winning the BTCC in his Toyota and I remember it vividly,” said Stefan, now 30-years-old. “It’s a great connection to the past for me and a fantastic opportunity, and I think my team-mate is a safe and sensible sort of guy who will hand over the GT86 in one piece.”
As well as his touring car experience Chris also competed in multiple 24 hour races including six starts at Le Mans and two at Daytona International Speedway. Stefan, meanwhile, has only a single endurance racing start in the Fun Cup 25 hours at Spa-Francorchamps.
