Callis Grange Nursery and Junior school in Broadstairs got the week off to a thrilling start on Monday thanks to a specially-arranged visit from local British Touring Car Championship racer Michael Crees, and the BTC Racing team.

The local authority community school, which teaches children between the ages of three to seven years, invited Michael along to take part in an ‘inspiring’ morning celebration.

With Michael’s two children both pupils at the school, he and BTC Racing team worked in conjunction with Head-Teacher Alison Marshall to pull together a unique and interactive event to help inspire the children to follow their dreams.

The morning’s activities began with a short introduction from Michael during the school assembly before the children moved outside for a close-up look at the squad’s race-winning BTC Racing Honda Civic Type R touring car and a tour of the trailer used during race weekends.

Each pupil also has the chance to win race day tickets for their family at Brands Hatch on April 12th, where they will be welcomed as VIP guests of the BTC Racing team and receive full hospitality, including paddock access and a personal garage tour from Michael himself. 

Callis Grange Head-Teacher Alison Marshall commented; “What a fantastic day! Michael has been an inspiration to the children.  He has shown that if you work hard, practise, and take advice from those that are there to help you, you may achieve your dream.

“With Michael as a parent at the school, it has clearly demonstrated how parents and the school can work together to provide special, memorable experiences for the children. I cannot thank the BTC Racing Team enough.”

Michael Crees, #777 driver for BTC Racing added; “The kids were absolutely amazing. They were so well behaved; each and every one of them got involved and interacted with us. They were a credit to the school.”

“When they came out to see the car, their faces lit up. A few of them knew about racing, but it was something completely different for the majority, so it was a great experience for them all.”

“Every single pupil has entered the competition to win the VIP race day passes. I’m sure that we’ve picked up a few new BTC Racing and BTCC fans along the way!”

“Thank you to Alison Marshall and all of the staff at Callis Grange for making us all feel so welcome and to the local press and BBC for coming along to support us.”

The BTC Racing team heads to Brands Hatch ahead of today’s pre-season test day at the Kent circuit with Michael Crees, Josh Cook, and Tom Chilton all in attendance.