Crees joins BTC Racing for 2020 BTCC campaign

Michael Crees has joined BTC Racing for the 2020 British Touring Car Championship after the Honda squad finalised its three-car driver line-up for the new season.

Crees made his debut in the series last year behind the wheel of a Team HARD Volkswagen CC and finished 26th in the overall drivers' standings with 11-points.

The 36-year old scored an eye-catching 12th place finish during his first ever BTCC race at the Brands Hatch season opener last year before bettering that with a 9th place result at Silverstone later in the season.

Crees will line up alongside Tom Chilton and Josh Cook in an expanded three-car effort for BTC Racing in 2020, with the squad running the latest Honda Civic Type-R FK8 model.

“I couldn’t believe I was even on the BTCC grid last year to be fair! It was a dream come true. My goal all along was to finish the year as the top rookie, and I achieved that," said Crees.

"Getting P12 in my first ever BTCC race was incredible, and then following up with a P9 at Silverstone and making it into the top 10 in my first year of touring car racing was really special.

“I’ve been working non-stop to secure a strong budget to be able to secure a deal this year. A week ago it didn’t look like I’d even have a drive. To go from no seat at all, to signing for a front-running team in only my 4th season of racing is amazing."

BTC Racing team boss Bert Taylor believes the signing of Crees caps off a strong line-up for his three-car assault on the 2020 season.

“I think this is an exciting signing for BTC Racing. Michael joining us completes what I believe is a very strong line-up for 2020," said Taylor.

“It’s a great opportunity to give a rookie driver the chance to come and learn his craft in a top-flight team and car. Although he’s relatively new to the grid, he brings great energy to the team and willingness to improve.

"He should learn a lot from Josh and Tom and will benefit greatly from working with them. I feel sure that the three of them will work well together and we can look forward to lots of success as a team.”