BTCC: Michael Crees to return with Hyundai and Excelr8

After a year away from the BTCC grid, Michael Crees will return as he completes the Hyundai squads lineup.

Crees will join 2022 BTCC Champion Tom Ingram as well as BTCC veteran and former teammate Tom Chilton and also new signee Adam Morgan as the four car strong team aims for both the teams and manufacturers title.

Initially debuting in the BTCC in 2019 with GKR Scaffolding with Autobrite Direct run Volkswagen CC, he would score points on debut before following it up with a second points finish at Silverstone.

He would then move to BTC Racing in 2020 partnering Josh Cook and Tom Chilton where he would take more points finishes helping the team to 5th in the Overall Teams Championship and 3rd in the Independents Teams Championship. However, he would achieve some success that year taking the Jack Sears Trophy by 48 points over Carl Boardley.

After a year out where he raced in the Porsche Supercup, he would join Power Maxed Racing where he would finish just 5 points behind teammate Ash Hand claiming a best finish of 8th on three occasions

For 2023 Creese wouldn't compete in the first half the year, rejoining Autobrite Direct for the second half of their campaign in the Cupra León. He would score points on that first weekend back and then finish the year on 13 points, jumping a number of full time drivers.

After not competing in a BTCC campaign in 2024, he returns to the championship in 2025 as his already few years of BTCC experience will help him adapt to the Hyundai quickly.

After signing, Crees said: “It’s no secret that I’ve been working hard to get back onto the BTCC grid and there were times over the winter that I didn’t know if we’d be able to make it happen for 2025. To be able to confirm a deal is one thing, but to be joining a team like EXCELR8 that has won the title is brilliant, and I can’t wait to get started.

“Although this will be my fourth full season on the BTCC grid, I’m always learning and the opportunity to race side-by-side by Tom, Tom and Adam can only help me to improve as a driver when you look at their records and everything they have achieved in the series.

“I’m so excited to see what we can do together, and it's been a long road to get me here today. I've worked tirelessly to make it happen, and wouldn't be here without the support of Mike Caldicott, Rich Hall and Danny Buxton, as well as all of my sponsors.

"A huge thank you has to go to them, and the opening rounds at Donington Park can't come soon enough!"

Team owner of Team Vertu, Justina Williams, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Michael into our line-up for the new season as he makes his return to the BTCC grid and are looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together on track.

“Alongside winning the Jack Sears Trophy, he has produced some encouraging performances during his time in the series so far, and we want to try and help him to build on that in 2025.

“With Tom, Tom and Adam alongside him, Michael will be able to work with three of the most experienced drivers on the grid and we are hopeful that he will be able to produce some strong results on track as the season goes on.

“As a team that has always shown support for our Armed Forces, we’re delighted to also be working with the Defence industry community as part of this deal and will represent them with a true sense of pride on track.”