Tom Barley is enjoying a solid start to his first season in the VW Cup racing for Gravesend’s Team Hard.

The driver who was runner-up in the 2012 Scholarship which earned him the drive in the VW Cup and for his hard work he has been rewarded even further by being given a test drive in this seasons New Generation Touring Car during the summer.

Speaking exclusively to Kent Sports News about the start to the season that he has had and reflecting on the opening round at Oulton Park, Tom was more than satisfied.

He said: “This was a solid start to what is a completely vertical learning curve for me. My aim was for the top ten, but that was just out of reach whilst still learning a new style and car.

“In comparison to qualifying, yes the results were strong, but qualifying was plagued by poor tyre management. I didn’t get them warm enough, quickly enough.”

That progress into the top ten took just one more race as he finished in the top ten in both races at Rockingham last weekend.

He added: “Getting into the top ten was like a podium for me last weekend. I’ve made such a leap forwards and I’ve got a better understanding of how the car reacts and behaves. I am hoping that the speed of development continues. If it does then this is going to be a great year.

“I was mixing it with the bigger names in the Championship, and that was a great feeling. The move up the grid from the first round fills me with confidence.”

This result and the success on track this season with the British Touring Car team already this season means that everyone at Team Hard is in good spirits.

Tom said: “Team Hard are flying high. Their success at Thruxton in the BTCC speaks for itself. The VW Cup team is very much the ‘junior team’ and the support is fantastic. This year is putting Team Hard on the map.

“Working with Tony Gilham is fantastic. What he doesn’t know about racing and all that goes with it you don’t need to know. He has taught me so much already which can be seen from the leap forward I’ve made.

“He’s incredibly supportive and wants his drivers to fulfil their potential. I couldn’t ask for a better team boss.”

Going into the next round of the Championship Tom is seventh in the standings and that gives him a great platform to move on from during the season.

He added: “To be up in seventh at this point is a fantastic feeling. I know there’s more pace to be found and all the time I am moving forward and getting nearer to the front I am very happy.

“Although I am aware it’s a championship and I want to score good points I am actually more interested in improving my performance each time I go on track that’s what this year is about.”

Some of the drivers in front of him have played their joker already this season but Tom is considering as to when he plays it.

He said: “I think I will play it at Spa. I have done a few races there and would like to think I would do well. We’ll have to see if I can take Eau Rouge flat out or not!”

Tom is thankful to Tony for giving him the opportunity to race in the VW Cup and for the chance to test drive the NGTC Touring car in the summer, which he found out about earlier this week.

“Thankful doesn’t even come close, Tony and the rest of Team Hard have seen something in me that they want to exploit and the treatment and support and I get from them and the mechanics and the rest of the ‘family’ is incredible.

“Tony and I are on the same page, we want the same things and we will both push to make it happen. Watch this space!

“It was a huge shock, when you’ve idolised BTCC cars and the championship for so long it’s a huge honour to drive one. I was lost for words, luckily Tony did most of the talking.”

It is clear that Tom is taking what could be a massive step as to realising a life’s dream and he is excited to get going this summer.

He added: “When I started racing I always dreamed of getting to this stage, but never thought it would materialise. I owe my dad, Barley McNaughton Construction and Team Hard more than I can ever repay, and we’re only just getting started.

“I can’t get carried away, I am learning fast and have huge drive to succeed. If the pace is there and interest from sponsors then who knows. A career in BTCC would be great, but I am focussing on a solid days testing at the moment, along with more strong showings in the VW Cup.”

Check out Tom in action in this great video: http://youtu.be/6GOt6FPfH9Q