Former Jack Sears Trophy Champion Michael Crees will make his long-awaited return to race action in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this coming weekend.

Marking the start of a new era in the BTCC with the introduction of hybrid power for the first time, rounds one, two and three this Sunday, 24th April, will also open the second chapter of Kent driver Creesy’s story in the UK’s biggest and best motor racing championship.

Having won the Jack Sears Trophy in 2020, the Broadstairs racer took a year away from the BTCC last season and instead raced a part-campaign in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – a season which was then impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, Creesy is back where he belongs in the BTCC with the CarStore Power Maxed Racing squad, piloting the No.777 Vauxhall Astra. Relishing the challenge of a new car and working with a new team, the Kent racer is determined to make rapid progress as the season unfolds. 

With a limited amount of running during the pre-season, and a few gremlins to iron out during the official test days at Croft in North Yorkshire and last week’s ‘Media Day’ at Thruxton in Hampshire, Creesy knows the two free practice sessions this Saturday, 23rd April, will be crucial ahead of the first qualifying run of 2022.

Supported by a fantastic portfolio of partners for his BTCC return, the 38-year-old brings the backing of long-term sponsors Glencar Construction, Geberit, DDS Group, PCS, Fire Control Services, CTD, Blue Rock Systems, Aquadart and BITA.

As always, the BTCC will feature a grid of quantity and quality this year where Creesy forms part of a two-car entry from Adam Weaver’s Bidford-on-Avon based CarStore Power Maxed Racing squad, teaming with touring car newcomer Ash Hand.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Crees said: “Finally, here we are – the start of the new British Touring Car Championship season! I can’t wait to get going at Donington this weekend, it really feels like a proper homecoming after a year away and I’m hungry to be back as part of the cut and thrust of the BTCC. Our pre-season hasn’t been as smooth as we’d like, and the new hybrid is still a bit of an unknown quantity, but we’re ready to go.

“It’s great being part of a new challenge with CarStore Power Maxed. I’m looking forward to working with Ash [Hand] as well, he’s a quick young driver and a good laugh – having fun is a big part of why we go racing in the first place!

“Obviously, I wouldn’t be here without my amazing partners, so a huge thank you to them and my management team for getting this deal together. We’re back!”

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