Bobby Thompson, the 2022 champion in the Jack Sears Trophy sub-division, has had a significant amount of BTCC experience with Team Hard. Throughout his 130-race career in the BTCC, he has shown moments of promise, such as achieving second place at Brands Hatch last season. However, Thompson was unable to complete the full season due to budget constraints within the team. Despite this setback, he returned for the final two rounds and was commended by three-time champion Matt Neal for his talent and skill on the track.
WSR is currently in talks with drivers to fill the seat left vacant by Stephen Jelley, who is moving to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB. The test with Thompson signifies a potential interest between the driver and the team to secure a race deal for the 2024 season. Although Thompson’s experience in the BTCC has primarily been with front-wheel-drive cars, he has extensive knowledge of rear-wheel-drive vehicles from his coaching and test work. This test with WSR aims to evaluate Thompson’s adaptability to the BMW 330e M Sport and his potential to perform well in a championship-winning car.
Upon hearing about the test opportunity with WSR, Thompson expressed his excitement and gratitude for the chance to drive a championship-winning car in the BTCC. He acknowledged the hard work put in by everyone involved to make this opportunity possible and expressed his hope that it could lead to a race seat for the upcoming season. Thompson emphasized his determination to secure a competitive package for the 2024 season and highlighted the significance of the new era in the BTCC with the global broadcast deal with ITV Sport and TikTok. He sees this test as a stepping stone towards something special in his racing career.
WSR chief Dick Bennetts praised Thompson as one of the talented drivers who have made their mark in the BTCC in recent years. He mentioned that Thompson has a loyal fanbase and adds value to the series with his presence. Bennetts acknowledged Thompson’s rear-wheel-drive experience and expressed the team’s focus on making him comfortable in the BMW during the test. The goal is to assess Thompson’s potential within the group and potentially work towards securing a race seat for the upcoming season.
Bobby Thompson’s test with WSR presents an exciting opportunity for the driver to showcase his skills in a championship-winning car. With his experience in the BTCC and dedication to securing a competitive package, Thompson has the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. The test serves as a stepping stone towards a potential race deal and highlights the evolving landscape of the BTCC with new broadcasting partnerships. As Thompson and WSR work together to evaluate his performance in the BMW, the future looks promising for this talented driver in the world of touring car racing.