Michael Caine will return to the British Touring Car Championship, competing for the rest of the season with Team HARD.
Caine will be taking over Chris Smiley’s seat, with the Northern Irish driver heading to the Clio Cup for the remainder of the season due to funding problems.
Caine, who drive for Motorbase at a round last year and won the British GT with the team in 2012.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Michael Caine for the rest of the year, who can help push the car forwards,” said team boss Tony Gilham.
“Michael has vast experience and has shown with Motorbase that he can secure results in both GT racing and the BTCC. We’re all looking forward to working together.”
“This opportunity came up, and it is interesting,” said Caine. “The team has punched above its weight this season with Michael Epps and Jake Hill, and I hope I will be able to add some experience to the operation. Lots of people behind the scenes have helped to make this possible, and I will give it my best shot.”
Team HARD will continue to work with Smiley as he makes the switch to Clio Cup.
Smiley has had a difficult start of the season, with a lack of funding making it difficult for him to focus on getting the on track results. In the five rounds the Northern Irishman was able to compete in, he didn’t score a single point.
“We want to be clear that we are still very much involved with Smiley,” Gilham said.
“Chris is an amazing driver, but unfortunately the promised funds and support never came and so the off-track distraction hampered his progress and also development with the car.
“Due to him being let down he has been up against it from day one and therefore unable to showcase what he can really do.”
Feature image credit: BTCC.net
