Gilham to replace Holland at Brands Hatch finale
Tony Gilham will be making a racing return to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship when he drives the Rotek Racing Audi A3 Saloon in the final event at Brands Hatch.
Regular pilot Robb Holland has a clashing engagement on the Saturday of the event and grudgingly decided to give up his seat, making way for his former team boss Gilham.
“We would love to run two cars if possible next season but of course that depends on there being a licence available,” said Holland. “We’ve already got six or seven drivers interested and Tony is one of them. He brought me into the BTCC and we’ve always had a good relationship. Maybe I owed him one – he’s a good guy, a good peddler and it was a perfect opportunity for all parties.”
Gilham is no stranger to the BTCC of course having already contested more than 50 races in the series, including a memorable podium at Donington Park in 2012. More recently Tony was the manager of Team HARD, which brought four NGTC cars into the championship last season.
Although he didn’t race himself in 2013, the Bromley born driver has always harboured intentions to get back behind the wheel.
“I’ve always wanted to race,” he said. “It was frustrating at times last season to have brought four cars into the BTCC but not getting the chance to race any of them.
“To get this opportunity at Brands Hatch – my home circuit – is fantastic and I can’t wait. We brought Robb into the BTCC and now he’s bringing me back!
“I’ve put other people first for a long time and I’m still helping drivers in the VW Cup, so I thought it was about time I got to do something I really wanted to. Long term I’d love to come back as a team owner but returning to the series as a driver is also on my radar – I wouldn’t rule anything out.”
Holland will compete in the penultimate BTCC event of the year at Silverstone this weekend before 35-year-old Gilham takes to the wheel for the season finale at Brands Hatch in two weeks time (11/12 October).