Tom Barley is looking forward to this weekend’s round of the VW Cup at one of his favourite circuits.

The young driver who races for Gravesend’s Team Hard in the competition absolutely loves racing around Spa Francorchamps in Belgium.

Speaking ahead of the weekend’s racing, he said: “Spa Francorchamps is a favourite of mine. I’ve been very privileged to race there before and I can’t wait to go there with the VW Cup. I’m hoping it’s a track that I can excel at.”

Tom has been making steady progress this season and is positive that a good run of form will see him finish inside the top ten in the standings.

He added: “Each time I drive the Team Hard Golf I can feel progress. I hope this means I’ll finish up in the top 10 this year. A couple of results have got away from me which was a shame, otherwise I’d be sitting pretty right now, but that’s neither here or there. The aim remains the same. More strong finishes from here is the focus. I’ve got faith in myself and confidence in the team.”

In preparations for this weekend’s trip to Belgium Tom had been out doing some testing and track preparation with his Team Hard teammate Jack Goff along with some racing.

He said: “I was out with Jack recently on the Brands GP circuit. The times were very promising even with him in the car as ballast, so that’s looking promising for later in the year. We’ve started developing the car which is great.

“Jacks been a great mentor this year. I’ve did a couple of races in the 67 Chevy Camaro at the Brands Hatch US Speedfest which I hope has kept the race craft up! It was nice to be back on the podium!”

After this weekend’s races there will be no time to rest for Tom as he is straight back to the track on Tuesday as he gets his chance to test the New Generation Touring Car, something he is really looking forward to.

He added: “Testing one of this year’s BTCC cars is a fantastic prospect. Tony has been very encouraged with my progress this year, and is keen to see how I adapt to a BTCC car.

“I’ve also been working with some new sponsors this year and they’re also very interested to see how the test goes. The BTCC is where I want to be, when I’m ready. The test will show if the pace is there yet.

“That’s right. The BTCC is about more than just outright speed. You need a team that believes in you, a group of loyal sponsors beside you and also the ability to cope with the added pressures of being a touring car driver.

“You’re putting yourself in the spotlight against 25 of the best drivers in the country. I can’t think of a better challenge. I’m always pushing myself and there’s not another team I’d want to do it with. Team Hard believe in me, and I believe in them. I hope you see me on the grid soon!”