Read: Interview with BTCC’s Michael Crees: “My main goal is winning the Jack Sears Trophy”

As with all other forms of sport, Coronavirus has prevented the BTCC from until at least 30 June.

To combat the lack of racing, William Holmes chatted to BTC Racing’s latest recruit, Michael Crees. Thanks to his admirable enthusiasm for the category, the Kent-based driver emerged as a fan favourite come the end of 2019.

Despite the uncertainty that shrouds this year’s BTCC campaign, Crees spoke confidently about all things touring cars:

MSR: Congratulations on your maiden BTCC campaign – with an impressive 9^th place finish at Silverstone, how did it feel knowing you had crossed the line in the top 10?

Crees: It was a great feeling, and when I got into the top 15 the team came on the radio and said I’m in the points! So I just wanted to finish then, but found myself catching the guys in front and to finish P9 in any touring car race is mega!

MSR: Another highlight of the season was the P12 you achieved at your local track in Brands Hatch. Did you enter the championship confident of scoring such competitive finishes in your inaugural Touring Car assault?

Crees: No not at all – I went into the season thinking that if I could finish in P20, it would have been a massive achievement, as you have to remember I was still an amateur driver in only my 3rd season of racing anything! But to open up with P12 and score points in my first ever race in BTCC was beyond belief.

MSR: Having navigated many of the famous racetracks that the UK has to offer, which ones stand out as your favourites?

Crees: Well to be honest it was my first time racing at Knockhill in Scotland last year and I loved that track – it was like a massive roller-coaster ride. And having so many fans all around the track was amazing and the atmosphere was very special.

MSR: What propelled the decision to switch from Team HARD to BTC Racing for 2020?

Crees: It was a difficult decision because Team HARD gave me my opportunity in the BTCC and I got on really well with the team but to have the chance to race with BTC Racing was an opportunity that I couldn’t resist. To race with one of the top teams in the championship is beyond anything I could have wished for.

MSR: At Autosport International back in January, you looked as if you had already gelled well with Tom Chilton and Josh Cook. How do you feel about your new teammates?

Crees: Yes I get on very well with Tom and Josh and just fitted in with the team straight from the off. Josh is helping me massively with all the driver coaching, and Tom is so experienced with managing different car set-ups, and the experience oozing from him is unbelievable.

MSR: Reflecting on your recent trip to a primary school in Kent alongside your new Honda Civic, how important is it to inspire younger people towards motorsport and engineering?

Crees: It’s massively important for the younger generation who want to step up into motorsport and to see what it’s like up close and personal with the team and the car. It’s really cool to see the amazing engineering that goes into the whole set up.

MSR:  Your enthusiasm for the BTCC quickly led you to become a fans’ favourite in 2019. Why do you love the series as much as you do?

Crees: Well when I grew up I was a massive fan of the BTCC. I’d be with the thousands of fans to go and watch the series, and to now get my opportunity to race with some of the greats like Jason Plato, Matt Neal And Colin Turkington is a dream come true. However, from the off, it was all about the fans and the marshals for me – these people are the key to every sport and without them it wouldn’t happen.

MSR:  You are well versed in multiple forms of motorsport – having raced successfully in karts, Ginettas and touring cars, which has been your favourite to drive?

Crees:  I loved the Ginetta GT4 – it was amazing, but hard to drive with the aerodynamics. BTCC cars are a whole different ball game; the cars are on the edge at every corner and is the most difficult car I’ve ever driven, but the adrenaline when you get it right is unbelievable.

MSR:  With the BTCC on hold until June 30^th due to the COVID-19 outbreak, how are you fulfilling your motorsport needs off-track?

Crees:  To be honest, I’m spending a lot of time with my children and helping my wife Jodie around the house doing jobs that need doing. I also find time to get on my PlayStation and play Formula One 2019 or Project Cars. I’ve also been working very hard on my fitness as it was apparent when I joined BTC Racing and we went testing in Spain that I wasn’t quite fit enough.

MSR: If the season does recommence later this year, surely the Jack Sears Trophy must be an attainable title. Is this your main focus for 2020?

Crees:  Yeah for sure. My main goal for 2020 is winning the Jack Sears Trophy, and after media day it looks like it’s going to be a very tough battle between me and a few others, but I think I have all the necessary tools to deliver the job.