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Thorney Motorsport announce radical changes for Snetterton return

By MJP Media | 7 August 2012

In a surprise announcement, Team HARD. boss Tony Gilham will drive the Thorney Motorsport Vauxhall Insignia when the team return to the BTCC at Snetterton.

The Thorney Motorsport Vauxhall Insignia VXR-R will return at Snetterton
The Thorney Motorsport Vauxhall Insignia VXR-R will return at Snetterton

Following a major announcement by Thorney Motorsport ahead of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship meeting at Snetterton this weekend, we can reveal that not only will the Thorney Motorsport Vauxhall Insignia VXR-R be back, but sat behind the wheel will not be Thorney Motorsport team boss John Thorne - it will be fellow team boss Tony Gilham!

John Thorne, who was recently crowned champion on TV's 'Come Dine with Me', was very excited with the deal. "Having Tony on board is great for us. He is quick and very determined and it allows me to do what I do best, run the team." Based on John's performance on the prime time TV show, we can expect some witty banter in the garage and some strange women in fancy dress, but let's just hope John isn't doing the cooking.

Tony Gilham celebrating his Donington Park success
Tony Gilham celebrating his Donington Park success

Gilham, owner of Team HARD., had already announced the signing of American Robb Holland for the Snetterton rounds, leaving many speculating whether a second Team HARD. Honda Civic might be used, but this has proved unfounded. Gilham however jumped at the chance to get behind the wheel of the NGTC car enthusing "I just can't wait!"

Robb Holland will take over the Team HARD. Honda Civic
Robb Holland will take over the Team HARD. Honda Civic

In a further development, we can expect to see a new livery for the Thorney Motorsport car at Snetterton but the team are keeping this a closely guarded secret. We tried to get more details about this but John wouldn't crack under the pressure.

The action from the Norfolk track starts on Saturday and there will be full coverage over the weekend in these pages.

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