BTCC: Team HARD Scholarship Winner Ollie Brown to Make BTCC Debut

Ollie Brown will make not just his BTCC debut, but his car racing debut in the 2020 BTCC season, after winning Team HARD’s scholarship.

He will partner BTCC race winner Jack Goff at the wheel of the Team HARD RCIB Insurance Racing with Fox Transport Volkswagen CC, the oldest car on the BTCC grid.

He will replace Mike Bushell, who has formally withdrawn from the 2020 BTCC season.

Brown said, “To say I’m overwhelmed with joy is an understatement. I have been watching the BTCC as a fan for the last 20 years, whilst working with some past and current drivers as a driver coach, and I’m buzzing to join them on the track this year.

“This opportunity would never have been possible without my best friend of 25 years entering me into the RCIB Insurance Racing scholarship last year; a shot in the dark has become one of the best moments of my life!

“I cannot wait to get started. Naturally, I’m gutted for Mike (Bushell) and Howard (Fuller) and I wish them all the best.

“I would like to thank Tony and the team for having faith in me for this season and will be going out there to give as good as I get. Bring on Donington!”

Bushell was due to miss the first few rounds of the original BTCC schedule before the COVID-19 pandemic due to recovering from Myocarditis – an inflammation of the heart. The pandemic had looked to buy him some time to start the season, however it has ended up being the causation of his withdrawal from the season.

Bushell returned to the BTCC last season, replacing Sam Tordoff, who withdrew from the series due to personal reasons

“I’m gutted to have been dealt two blows this year, firstly ill health followed by the economic implications of COVID further delaying the start of my season,” said Bushell. “It really feels that with these two unforeseeable situations that it just wasn’t to be for me in 2020.

“I must say thanks to Tony (Gilham) and the team for getting me out in the car at the recent tyre test and also delaying this decision for as long as realistically possible to see how things unfolded on my side.

“I’d like to wish Ollie good luck for the season ahead, he seems a very talented and capable driver and I’m sure he will be right in the mix throughout the season. For me, it’s time to focus on my family and business as we start to recover from lockdown.”

Howard Fuller was originally set to replace Bushell in those 3 races, however he has also been let go to make way for Brown. However, no official reason was given for this decision.

“This is a bittersweet announcement for me,” said Team HARD Racing Managing Director Tony Gilham. “I’m gutted for Mike and Howard who have been fantastic for the team for a number of years now.

“On the other hand, Ollie is a fantastic replacement to drive the RCIB Insurance with Fox Transport car this season and I’m proud that my team have been able to source a replacement and not just withdraw the car. Ollie was among a very competitive scholarship programme in January – he stood top of the pile and was magnificent throughout.

“I have full confidence that nobody will be doubting our faith in Ollie by the end of the season. Within the industry, he is well known and has the potential to mix it with the best in the business.

“To get to this point, Ollie has taken multiple wins and podiums over the last month as he has worked to get the required license to race in the BTCC against some very respectable opposition. He is a real dark horse for this season and certainly one to watch.”

The BTCC gets underway this weekend at Donington Park.