Carl Boardley gets WSR-built BMW for BTCC 2020 with Team Hard

Boardley, a multiple National Hot Rod champion, contested his first full season in the BTCC this year with Team Hard, driving one of its VW CCs.

He finished 29th in the standings with four points-paying drives in the 30-round season.

The 43-year-old, who spent two seasons in the Ginetta GT Supercup, has purchased the BMW that he believes will enable him to progress, as it is a return to his preferred rear-wheel-drive format.

The BMW 125i M Sport was introduced by WSR in 2013 and has taken 37 wins and 118 podiums during its time in the BTCC, with Colin Turkington taking two titles in '14 and '18.

Boardley, who is an experienced car builder on the short oval scene through his Carl Boardley Motorsport firm, said: "I'm over the moon to be back in the BTCC for 2020.

"I will admit that the 2019 season had its demons, but we used it to find our feet and understand the workings of the BTCC.

"There were several options available [in racing for 2020] but when WSR mentioned the availability of an established title-winning car, I couldn't help but take an interest.

"I have a great working relationship with [team boss] Tony Gilham and his Team Hard squad so this is a fantastic fit for everyone involved.

"I'm really looking forward to trying the BMW 1 Series out over the coming months as we aim to hit the ground running at the season opener at Donington Park."

Boardley joins the recently confirmed Jack Goff and Mike Bushell (VW CCs) in what will be a four-car team for 2020.

Team boss Tony Gilham added: "I'm delighted that we have been able to bring the BMW name within our team, I loved the BTCC car I raced back in 2012, and I'm glad that Carl could get a deal with WSR to get them to hand over their hugely successful 1 series.

"We have relative inexperience with rear-wheel-drive machinery in the BTCC but firmly believe that Carl is the man to help steer us in the right direction with it.

"His years of experience and race engineering ability are really going to aid the development and understanding of the BMW 1 Series.

"I'm sure much of the BTCC paddock and racing enthusiasts know that our time with our beloved Volkswagen CCs is coming to an end due to the current regulations, which means we have a maximum of two years left with these cars.

"It's a good time to start exploring all avenues for the coming seasons as we look for a worthy successor."