Rod McGovern will join the TCR UK grid as a full-time entrant with Power Maxed Racing in the ex-Carl Boardley Cupra Leon Competicion that took the former BTCC racer to the last two TCR UK titles.

McGovern, who will step into the championship winning car that took a record nine wins and finished every race across the last two seasons, currently stands ninth in the championship having made what was originally a one-off appearance during the opening round of the year.

Competing in a JH Racing prepared Hyundai i10 to fifth, eighth and seventh at the Donington opener, Irish salon specialist McGovern impressed in showing no quarter to the TCR regulars with some hard-fought moves throughout the race weekend.

“I’m pleased to announce that I’ll return to TCR UK for the Silverstone weekend in May and beyond,” McGovern stated. “My experience of the championship when I arrived at Donington Park in March was amazing and I’m very happy to be back in such a friendly and exciting paddock for more in 2025.”

“I plan to be full-time next season, so 2025 is a learning year. I couldn’t turn down the chance to purchase the title-winning car from the last two seasons to go racing in. The CUPRA provides me with a good platform to learn and adapt to TCR racing and get more experience under my belt before 2026.”

The former Seat Supercup champion raced the Cupra Leon Supercopa (the car considered to be the grandfather of the current TCR regulations) in the highly competitive Irish championship. He will join the junior Hyundai pairing of Harry Bloor and Finn Leslie, and Gen 1 Audi racer Jeff Alden under the Power Maxed banner with the pedigree of the race winning BTCC team being a draw.

TCR UK promoter Stewart Lines stated: ““It’s great to welcome Rod back into the TCR UK paddock and to see his commitment to the championship after purchasing a very competitive TCR car. I’ve always stood by the fact that once someone has driven a TCR car, they always want to have another go. It’s also good to see the grid expanding ahead of Silverstone, showing that interest in the championship is growing as we move on to our next event. I wish Rod all the best in his return.”

Currently the expected grid for the upcoming Silverstone round stands at 20 cars.