Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship fan favourite Michael Crees is set to return to Britain’s premier motorsport series in 2022, as Power Maxed Racing today (23 February) confirmed the first half of its drive line-up.

Crees, who stepped away from the BTCC last year, is elated to be back for his maiden campaign in a Vauxhall Astra.

The move marks the 38-year-old’s third season in the championship, having won the Jack Sears Trophy in 2020 at the wheel of a Honda Civic Type R.

Now, the Broadstairs driver is back at the pinnacle of UK motorsport after signing with Warwickshire-based Power Maxed Racing, running the #777 Vauxhall Astra.

Donington Park, in Leicestershire, will host the curtain-raiser on 23/24 April, following Thruxton’s Season Launch just ten days prior (13 April) while the championship is set to reach its conclusion on 8/9 October at the Crees’ home track of Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in Kent.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be back in the BTCC, so glad to finally get a deal done,” professed Crees. “We obviously intended to continue last year and it didn’t quite go to plan, but now I’m hungrier than ever. I’m aiming for a strong season in the Vauxhall and have been speaking to the team over the last few years, but never quite managed to get the deal across the line – now we have finally done that.

“Obviously, I wouldn’t be on the grid without my amazing sponsors and the support team I have built around me, so a huge a huge thank you goes to all of them for their continued assistance. I simply couldn’t do this without the support of my wife Jodie and our two amazing children, as they have put up with a lot of phone calls and ups and downs but I’m glad we can focus on the job in hand now and all enjoy it!

“The Astra is a new car for me to adjust to, and there are obviously differences this year with the introduction of hybrid power, but I’m confident we can put together a successful season with the guys at Power Maxed Racing and we’re all looking forward to the challenge.”

“We are really pleased to eventually get Michael in our car,” added Team Principal, Adam Weaver. “We have been interested in him for a few years now. He is a great character on the BTCC stage and universally liked by all. I’m sure he will make the garage a fun place to be and that we can help him develop and secure the results we know he is capable of.”