Kent’s Michael Crees, one of the most popular drivers in the recent history of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, will make a very welcome return to the UK’s premier motor racing category this year after signing an exciting deal with Power Maxed Racing.

‘Creesy’, who stepped away from the BTCC last year to instead race in the FIA Formula One World Championship-supporting Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, is elated to be back in touring cars for his maiden campaign in a Vauxhall Astra. 

The 38-year-old, from Broadstairs, brings key support from Glencar Construction, CTD, Geberit, Hive, DDS Demolition, PCS, Fire Control Services and BITA for his BTCC return, which will mark his third season in touring cars after winning the Jack Sears Trophy back in 2020 at the wheel of a Honda Civic. 

Set to continue in the BTCC last season, and ending the ‘Media Day’ test a fantastic third fastest overall, Crees then switched to the blue riband Porsche championship before the COVID-19 pandemic brought an early end to his 2021 racing programme.

Now, Creesy is back at the pinnacle of UK motorsport in the BTCC after signing with Adam Weaver’s Bidford-on-Avon based Power Maxed Racing squad. The hybrid-powered Vauxhall Astra will run with Creesy’s familiar No.777. 

The introduction of hybrid power into the BTCC comes as the championship looks to a greener and more sustainable future, providing a new challenge for the Kent driver but one he is very much ready for and looking forward to.

Donington Park National Circuit in Leicestershire will host the curtain-raiser to the new BTCC season on 23rd/24th April, with the championship reaching its conclusion on 8th/9th October at Creesy’s ‘home’ track, Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in Kent. There will also be a visit to Brands Hatch, on the shorter Indy Circuit layout, for the second event of the season on 14th/15th May.

Having agreed his return to BTCC, Crees spoke of his delight at being back:

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be back in the BTCC, so glad to finally get a deal done! We obviously intended to continue in touring cars last year but it didn’t quite go to plan, but I’m hungrier than ever now I have been abroad racing the best in the world on tracks like Monaco. I’m aiming for a strong season in the Vauxhall Astra and have been speaking to the team over the last few years, but never quite managed to get the deal across the line – now we have finally done that.

“Obviously, I wouldn’t be on the grid without my amazing sponsors and the support team I have built around me, Vince, Paul, Tony and Diana, so a huge thank you goes to all of them for their continued assistance. I simply couldn’t do this without the support of my wife Jodie and our two amazing children Hugo and Bonnie, as they have put up with a lot of phone calls and ups and downs but glad we can focus on the job in hand now and all enjoy it!

“The Astra is a new car for me to get adjusted to, and there are obviously differences this year with the introduction of hybrid power, but I’m confident we can put together a successful season with the guys at Power Maxed Racing and we’re all looking forward to the challenge.”

Meanwhile, Adam Weaver, Power Maxed Racing Team Principal added:

“We are really pleased to eventually get Michael into our car, we have been interested in him for a few years now. He is a great character on the BTCC stage and universally liked by all. I’m sure he will make the garage a fun place to be and that we can help him develop and secure the results we know he is capable of.”