Michael Crees is just days away from making his debut in the Kwikfit British Touring Car Championship and he is excited to get on track.

Speaking to Kent Sports News about making his debut in the BTCC, Crees is looking forward to taking to Brands Hatch for round one.

He said: “Yes to say excited is an understatement. I am trying to keep my feet on the floor as I know it is going to be a very difficult season for me being toward the back of the grid but I can’t stop smiling.

“I am working very hard off track too with my engineer Richard Owen to get the most from me and the car. We also have massive support this weekend as it is my home race and can’t wait to get out there in front of my family friends and sponsors.”

Testing hadn’t gone quite to plan for Michael during the off season but it was valuable experience and track time for him.

He added: “I have done some testing pre-season and to be fair we didn’t really get the best from it as we had a few issues, the last test and media day went a lot better but still lots to learn with set up as I know nothing about cars or how there set up, also with my lack of experience I can’t tell if the car is working or not so we are working hard to change that.”

Media day was a unique experience for Michael with fans wanting pictures and autographs and something he will get used to as the season goes on.

“Well it was so strange for people to be asking me to sign stuff and ask for pictures etc. it really was intense but I’m not going to lie I loved every second of it.

“I really want to work well with the fans this year and I will be doing lots of competitions etc. for them this year.

“The day itself, went well but we went backward with set up on the day but we are hoping to find a better set up for this weekend to find a few more tenths.”

Unfortunately for Michael he lost his fellow Kent based teammate Mike Bushell from the team last week, and it was a blow for him.

He said: “It is bittersweet, Mike is a massive blow to me as we called him the professor as the guy is a genius and really helped me settle in but business is business and Jack has come straight in and wow can this guy drive. His feedback is fantastic I can really to relate to it so I am also working well with him too.”

Michael has been a fan of the series for many years and this weekend he will be taking to the grid for the first time as a driver and we asked him what he thought his emotions would be when the lights go out on the opening round of the season.

He added: “To be fair I think it might be emotional as I have come so far in such a short space of time and have finally my dreams have come true.

“On a racing note I really don’t know what to expect as you all know it gets a bit tasty in the BTCC, so I have to get ready for some close racing for sure.”

Following the test sessions we asked Michael whether he had readjusted his targets for the coming season.

He said: “No not at all we came into the BTCC with no expectations, we know we will be towards the back but I have to learn fast and adapt to the racing to improve the results.

“If we can get a top 20 at some point this season that would defiantly be all goals met but if not we just have to learn the cars, fans and media this year.”

Images courtesy of www.pspimages.co.uk