Dartford’s Andy Wilmot has announced that he will be racing in the VW Cup for 2014 and he will do so with Team HARD.

He returns to what is like home for him, having been the first driver to sign for Team HARD when the team was formed.

The team has an impressive array of drivers signed to the stable for the coming campaign with Andy joining, fellow Kent racer Simon Rudd, Tom Barley, Howard Fuller, Kieran Gallagher and Harry Vaulkhard.

It means that they have five drivers who have raced in the prestigious Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, as well as the talented Rudd.

Wilmot will be racing in a newly acquired VW Scirocco and will be supported once again by Tabs Facilities Management.

Speaking about signing again for Team HARD, Andy said: “I’m really happy to be making a comeback to the VW Cup for 2014 and driving alongside my BTCC Team HARD team mates. Team HARD is where it all started for me and that’s where I want to stay.

“We have a great driver line-up and an amazing group of guys that are ready for the challenge ahead. Things are really moving on for the team and I am genuinely excited with our plans. I’m feeling quite confident this year as the Sirocco is a great car and has proved it’s self in past seasons so I’m sure I will be able to bring some good results home for the team.”

Team Owner Garry Allen was also delighted to be able to bring Andy back into the fold for the coming season.

He said: “Andy has been involved in the racing world for a number of years now and has plenty of experience that he brings to the team. Following his BTCC debut at the wheel of one of our VW Passat CC’s last year and the realisation of a lifelong ambition, we will look to work together to fulfil the potential that Andy has.

“We have no doubt that Andy has the ability to challenge at the front of the grid and if we can get him to focus fully on the job in hand he is more than a match for the top drivers in the Championship.”