Team HARD has given Renault Clio Cup UK championship leader Ant Whorton-Eales the opportunity of a drive in one of its Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Toyota Avensis’ in testing at Snetterton on Thursday.

The 22-year-old is set to link up with Tony Gilham’s outfit as part of a tie-in with JamSport Racing aimed at nurturing young talent in British motor sport.

Gilham has been a major proponent of blooding some of the sport’s prospects, with the likes of Michael Epps, Jake Hill and Chris Smiley the immediate evidence of that as current drivers in the Team HARD stable. Providing opportunities for up and coming drivers is something the team principal is undoubtedly passionate about.

“The Clio Cup is a very good, proven feeder series and Ant’s long term ambition is to be in a touring car,” said Gilham.

“We’re always looking to expand and grow and to recognise talent coming through motor sport. It is nice to give people the opportunity.

“It’s Ant’s first shot in a touring car – one that’s had a top six, and several top-ten finishes and just today at Snetterton we’ve placed second with Michael Epps so we’re a team that’s on the up at the moment.”

Whorton-Eales shares Gilham’s enthusiasm, and is looking forward to a maiden drive in BTCC machinery.

“I can’t wait to be honest, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Whorton-Eales.

“I’ve no idea what a BTCC car feels like and obviously they’re big step from what I’m used to in the Clio Cup but I’ll get in the car and hopefully we’ll see just what I can do.

“You’ve just got to look as far as Ash Sutton really. He was the main man in Clios last year and there’s no reason why I can’t do a similar sort of thing.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and massive thanks to Tony (Gilham) and Team HARD for sorting it out. The tie-in between Team HARD and JamSport is great for young drivers and to be fair, I think Tony is as interested to see how I’ll get on as I am!”