Michael Epps returns to Team HARD for the 2016 Miltek Sport VW Racing Cup as they target the championship.

Epps was a multiple race winner in 2015 and he and the team will be hoping to improve on that in the coming season.

2016 is already shaping up to be busy and successful for the Team as they continue their long term association with the VW Racing Cup and build upon the successful end of 2015, which saw the team finish the final race of the season with the first five cars across the line in the, Epps taking a dominant double victory that weekend at Donington Park.

More importantly for Epps, this will be only his second full season in saloon car racing so he will be looking to really make his mark from the outset. Last season it was evident just how capable the 23-year old is behind the wheel and had it not been for a combination of teething problems at the beginning due to things being put together so last-minute, it is arguable Epps would have been fighting for overall honours in his debut year.

Speaking about his return to the team, Team Principal Tony Gilham, said: “Epps has shown his outstanding potential with his performances during this season and is a joy to work with both on and off track.

“No doubt he will be pushing as HARD as ever to prove his ability as a top level racing driver. Epps is a perfect fit to the team and he will be looking to challenge for the overall championship honours. We have seen how quick he can be and combined with his ability to be ultra-consistent we have the makings of a champion. He has the commitment and determination, which is a massive part of his success.”

Mike was delighted to be joining the team for a second season, and clearly feels like it is the right decision for him.

He said: “I’ve taken a little time to decide what direction I should head for 2016, there are so many options that look shiny as ever on the outside but later turn out to be less than desirable. I’m delighted to have come to this agreement nice and early on, so the weight is essentially off my shoulders for this part and I can focus on making sure we have the best chances of hitting the ground running faster than everyone else.”

Team HARD and Epps are also making further improvements to their VW Golf Mk5 race cars over the winter in an attempt to further improve their advantage.

He added: “I still had some things I wanted to try after the season was over, to improve my car handling-wise, so I really look forward to seeing if we can work this going into next year. 2015 has been hit and miss, I want to show everyone what I’m really capable of and with Team Hard in 2016 I feel I can do just that.”

The first round of the Miltek Sport Volkswagen Racing Cup UK kicks off at Brands Hatch GP on 16/17 April 2016, supporting the British GT series.

Images courtesy of  www.psp-images.co.uk