NGK-sponsored Hamilton remains with Team HARD. Racing in 2022

Date: Wednesday 13 April 2022

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British racing driver Nic Hamilton – who is sponsored by ignition and sensor specialist NGK – is confirmed to drive for Team HARD. Racing’s Cupra Leon line-up for the 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season.

Hamilton remains with the team in which he achieved his best qualifying position and first points finish in the UK’s premier motorsport series after driving one of the team’s Volkswagen CC’s in 2020 before remaining with the team for the 2021 season piloting its new CUPRA Leon.

Hamilton has had a tough and ‘nail-biting’ winter after losing one of his backers at the final hour which left him with no race seat in early March. With this sudden ‘set-back’ Hamilton had to make a decision, whether to fight and find the support needed to remain on the grid, or to sit the year out and watch from the sidelines.

With Hamilton so used to fighting in the face of adversity and with only four days to secure the required support, he ‘rallied’ around, finding new sponsors and supporters very late on, together with the support of Team HARD., which meant that he could remain on the grid for another season.

There is great excitement for what a third year with the team may bring as Hamilton remains at the wheel of the Cupra Leon as he partners Aron Taylor-Smith in the second Yazoo with Safuu.com Racing machine.

Hamilton said:

“As of March, I had no seat. Having unexpectedly lost a confirmed sponsor at the final minute is the most soul-destroying feeling. But I am a fighter and did everything in my power to confirm a drive for this season. I’d like to thank Team HARD. and my sponsors, without them I would not be on the grid this year.

“Today is an incredibly proud moment for me personally, having overcome the recent challenges, I am more determined than ever to maximise the season and return to the grid with Team HARD.”

Hamilton, the brother of seven-time World Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, has a long-standing relationship with NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd.

Mark Hallam, Marketing Manager, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said:

“We are delighted that Nic has managed to secure a seat for the 2022 season and also to continue our successful relationship with him. He is a great ambassador for the sport and is also a very determined competitor who I’m sure will fight hard for Team HARD. Racing throughout the championship.”

Team HARD. Racing’s Managing Director, Tony Gilham commented:

“It’s great that Nic has chosen to remain with the team for the 2022 season. He has been a fantastic asset to the team thus far and his determination to develop as a driver has seen him make great gains over his time with us.

“Despite the fact that this will be our second season with the CUPRA Leon, the 2022 season poses a whole new challenge with the introduction of hybrid but it’s one we are looking forward to.

“Having continuity with our driver line-up during this period is vital so it’s great to have Nic back in the hot seat this term.”

The 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will comprise 30 races across ten events at eight venues around the UK, with the action getting underway at Donington Park on April 23/24.

In a television broadcast arrangement – the breadth of which has never been seen in UK motorsport – the championship will enjoy live free-to-air coverage on both ITV and ITV4 during the 2022 season.

Whilst ITV4 continues as the ‘home’ of the BTCC with its excellent all-day-live and free-to-air coverage of the UK’s premier motorsport series, both the Brands Hatch Indy (May 15) and Oulton Park (June 12) events will also be broadcast live on ITV for three hours on each race day.

For more information about NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd and its products and services, please visit www.ngkntk.com/uk 

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