Read: Interview – BTCC’s Howard Fuller: “I’m ready to get stuck in!”

As Mike Bushell sadly recovers from Myocarditis, Team HARD have filled his void with seasoned racer Howard Fuller – a man already with a dozen BTCC races under his belt.

However, with the season postponed until 1 August due to COVID-19, it is uncertain whether Fuller will in fact retain his seat come late 2020, with Bushell being assessed later this month.

Nevertheless, talking to William Holmes, Howard spoke positively about the upcoming season, his relationship with teammate Jack Goff and how he is keeping busy during this prolonged period without racing.

You’re racing with Team HARD in 2020, and to kick off the year, you went to Malaga for pre-seasom testing. Did this experience help you gel with the team?

Heading to Spain for pre-season testing was important for us as a team. The car had progressed a lot since 2019 and it was a great opportunity for us to put some miles on the cars, as well for the team to get back into the swing of things. I’ve been part of Team HARD for almost 10 years now so i’m already very comfortable in my environment.

This year will see you pilot the ever present VW CC around Britain’s best circuits. What was it like racing in Spain at the Circuito Mike G Guadix in BTCC motor?

Guadix was unbelievable – what a great facility! The CC drove great around the track, and we were able to try a number of set up changes across the three cars.

Having raced in many disciplines of motorsport, how does the CC rank among the others?

I’ve been very lucky in my career to have driven and raced some of the fastest cars out there. But, as a whole, the S2000 Spec FN2 BTCC Honda Civic tops it off; it felt very mechanical and raw. The CC (and indeed NGTC) has moved on a lot since I last drove one way back in 2014 – they are more fun and rewarding to drive.

The British Touring Car Championship is the country’s favourite form of motorsport – what attracts you to the series?

The BTCC is the championship to be in. Even though it is not the fastest series in the TOCA package, it’s definitely the most exciting, and to be apart of that is fantastic. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in the championship, and it’s great to be able to get so close with the fans who are so passionate about the sport.

Your entry into the 2020 campaign comes as Mike Bushell recovers from Myocarditis. What are the chances of you fulfilling your first full-time BTCC season?

With the current situation the world is in, it’s tough to say what is going to happen. All we know is that three CC’s and one BMW will be racing. I wish Mike a fast full recovery, as he deserves a chance in the championship.

MR: Despite having featured in only 12 BTCC races, you have established yourself as an effective driver, racing into the points in six of those outings. What do you think you can bring to the Team HARD paddock?

HF: My time in the BTCC has been spread over many years, but I am proud to say that, at all times, I have been fighting for the strong points. I was even close to a podium at Rockingham in 2014. Again, things have moved on, but I am keen to get stuck in and bring some solid results for the team, my sponsors and my family.

MR: Yourself and teammate Jack Goff seem to have a very good friendship – do you see this comradery off-track helping you in races this year?

HF: Jack and I have known each other for a long time, and it’s mostly been good… I’m joking! Jack’s a great person to be around on and off the track – we do a lot of work together away from the track too, so we have a really good friendship. 

MR: Due to COVID-19, TOCA recently released a revised BTCC calendar, featuring many race weekends in a very short amount of time at the back-end of the year. How does this prospect sound to you?

HF: Any racing is better than no racing, so I’m rising to the challenge! I’ve been physically and mentally prepared for whatever comes my way since leaving the championship seven years ago, so I’m ready to get stuck in!

MR: To combat the lack of racing in these trying times, what are you doing to keep yourself busy?

HF: Sim racing is something I’ve really been enjoying; nothing serious, as I don’t have the time nor space for a big set up! There are plenty of free online championships to get involved in, and I’ve managed to pick up a decent set up online that works great! I’m also keeping fit and trying not to put to much weight on!

The 2020 BTCC season is scheduled to start on 1/2 August at Donington Park.