Josh Files has confirmed that he will make his debut in the TCR UK Touring Car Championships opening rounds at Snetterton this weekend, driving an Area Motorsport run Hyundai Elantra N TCR.
The 4-time TCR champion (TCR Germany twice, TCR Middle East and TCR Europe) already has experience with the Hyundai Elantra N TCR, having driven the car for Target Competition in TCR Europe last year, taking three podium places on his way to third place in the 2022 standings.
Having provided driver coaching to Area Motorsport during last year’s TCR UK season, Josh now switches back to driver duties this weekend, where he will join the packed grid of drivers starting the season on the 300 layout at Snetterton.
The Hyundai Elantra is one of a number of new-generation TCR cars to make their debut in the championship this year and Josh is looking forward to making his debut in the TCR UK Touring Car Championship:
“I’m delighted to be able to announce my entry for Snetterton in TCR UK. I’ve watched the championship since its inception back in 2018 and its growth in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal. Having raced so successfully in TCR championships across Europe and Asia, it’s great to be able to race in front of my fans in the UK!”
“I’ve known both Rob Baker and Richard Humphrey since the beginning of Area Motorsport over ten years ago and I came on board in 2022 to assist the team and their drivers in TCR UK. To be a part of the driving line-up is a huge privilege and I owe many thanks to Rob and Richard, as well as to Luke Sargeant at RS Vehicle Sales for letting me take out the Elantra. My thanks also go to Hyundai and both Stewart and Nicki Lines for all the hard work put in to get me on the grid for this weekend.”
Area Motorsport Team Principal Rob Baker is excited to welcome Josh on board as a driver, having worked with the Norfolk ace for the last decade in other championships.
“We’re extremely excited to have Josh with us for round one of this season in the Elantra. Having worked with Josh through Clio Euro Cup and Clio Cup UK before Area Motorsport started 10 years ago, we know the talent he possesses which he has gone on to display in multiple TCR championships across Europe and Asia.”
“Since the midpoint of 2022, Josh has become an extremely valuable team member at Area Motorsport on race weekends helping our drivers reach their maximum potential and we’re looking forward to him showing what the Hyundai Elantra is capable of. We have to say a huge thank you to Luke at RS Vehicle Sales who will join the team from round 2 onwards and Hyundai as without them this wouldn’t be possible.”
The 2023 TCR UK Touring Car Championship season gets underway at Snetterton this weekend, on the 300 circuit, visit https://www.tcr-uk.co.uk/ for more info and how to get involved.
