Michael Crees has become driver number 24 to commit to the BTCC for the 2025 season after the announcement that he will join Tom Ingram, Tom Chilton and Adam Morgan at Excelr8 in a Hyundai i30N fastback.

The move comes in the wake of Dan Zelos admitting defeat in attempting to carry over from the final three rounds of 2024 in the team, meaning that the drive was available, and Crees – who has also been open to the public in his quest for a drive for this year jumped into the opening.

“It’s no secret that I’ve been working hard to get back onto the BTCC grid and there were times over the winter that I didn’t know if we’d be able to make it happen for 2025,” Crees stated. “To be able to confirm a deal is one thing, but to be joining a team like EXCELR8 that has won the title is brilliant, and I can’t wait to get started. Although this will be my fourth full season on the BTCC grid, I’m always learning and the opportunity to race side-by-side by Tom, Tom and Adam can only help me to improve as a driver when you look at their records and everything they have achieved in the series.”

Crees entered the BTCC in 2019 to race a Team HARD VW CC, where he managed to squeeze the best of a top 10 finish in sodden conditions at Silverstone before moving to BTC Racing for 2020. A total of 13 points finishes in the Honda Civic FK8 led to him clinching the Jack Sears Trophy. In 2022 with the Power Maxed Vauxhall Crees equalled the points total of his Jack Sears winning campaign, scoring a best of eighth. For 2023 there was a return to Team HARD for the second half of the season where he managed to wrestle some more handy points finishes from the recalcitrant Cupra Leon. Now in the i30 for the upcoming season it will be expected that Crees will better his highest place finish so far, with an expectation of reaching the overall podium for the first time.

“I’m so excited to see what we can do together, and it’s been a long road to get me here today. I’ve worked tirelessly to make it happen, and wouldn’t be here without the support of Mike Caldicott, Rich Hall and Danny Buxton, as well as all of my sponsors.”

Team owner Justina Williams added: “We’re pleased to welcome Michael into our line-up for the new season as he makes his return to the BTCC grid and are looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together on track. Alongside winning the Jack Sears Trophy, he has produced some encouraging performances during his time in the series so far, and we want to try and help him to build on that in 2025.

“With Tom, Tom and Adam alongside him, Michael will be able to work with three of the most experienced drivers on the grid and we are hopeful that he will be able to produce some strong results on track as the season goes on. As a team that has always shown support for our Armed Forces, we’re delighted to also be working with the Defence industry community as part of this deal and will represent them with a true sense of pride on track.”