Former Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship competitor Tony Gilham looks set to return to the UK’s premier saloon car series in 2015 after purchasing a Toyota Avensis from United Autosports, along with one of their TOCA BTCC Licenses to compete.
Gilham’s Kent-based Team HARD. outfit last competed in the series in 2013, although the deal is yet to be confirmed by series organisers TOCA who must first formally ratify the transfer of a TBL (TOCA BTCC License) from the previous owners, United Autosports.
Former Porsche Carrera Cup GB and Volkswagen Cup racer Gilham made his BTCC debut in 2011, collecting a podium finish in 2012 at Donington driving a Super 2000-specification Honda Civic under the Team HARD. banner.
The sale of United Autosport’s Toyota Avensis came about following the news late last year that co-owner Zak Brown was to put his share of the BTCC team up for sale.
Gilham, who has hinted publicly of his intentions to bring Volvo back to the UK championship, confidently told Motorsport News: “We are going to be in this for many years.
“Initially we will run the Avensis, but those cars have been around for a while so we are going to look to build up something new and a Volvo is top of that list. It has a strong history in the BTCC and would suit the regulations well.”
The 35-year-old was due to drive for Rotek Racing in the 2014 season finale at Brands Hatch, but damage sustained to the Audi S3 in a shunt for Robb Holland at Silverstone’s penultimate round proved too substantial for the comeback to take place.
