Living the dream – An interview with Thanet’s professional racing driver Michael Crees

At the start of 2020, it was announced that Thanet racer Michael Crees will return to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championships after signing a deal with BTC Racing, completing the squad’s three car line up for this year.

The 36-year old, who lives in Broadstairs with wife Jodie, 4-year-old daughter Bonnie and 6-year-old son Hugo, only started racing three years ago in Chatham at Buckmore Park before being spotted by legendary F1 champion John Surtees. Michael competed in the 2019 BTCC for Team HARD Racing where last September he scored a best finish of 9th position at Silverstone. As Michael prepares for this season where he will be first racing at Donington Park on the 28th-29th March, CommunityAd were able to sit down with the speedster and talk about his incredible journey to the top of the racing ladder…

How old were you when you started racing and did it instantly become a passion of yours?

I was 33 when I started and this is why the story is growing so fast, as I’m the fastest driver to ever reach the BTCC grid (British Touring Car Championship) in the 62-year history of the series. I have always dreamt about racing cars professionally but never thought it would come true.

Who are your role models that have helped push you on and get to where you are now?

I have always grown up watching Jason Plato in the British touring cars and now I am racing him!! So yeah over the last couple of years it’s definitely been the goal to try and replicate what he has achieved.

Can you explain the sacrifice and dedication you have given to racing during that period to get to where you are today? It seems strange reading it like that as I and my family have completely changed our lives to dedicate it to the sport. You have to keep putting yourself out there to get sponsors to keep the dream alive as motorsport is a very expensive sport.

Throughout your journey was there ever any moments where you had any doubts that you would achieve your racing goals?

So far, I have never had any doubts as I have been winning every year and my sponsors have been very supportive about going forever. Juggling work can be difficult but I’m very lucky that I run my own company MJ Plumbing and I can make enough time for racing. Now that I have turned professional with a top team like BTC Racing, they help out with equipment which is of course a massive help when it comes to funding.

From your incredible career so far, what achievement are you most proud of?

Winning two championships was amazing but I think the dream come true moment was when I signed for one of the best teams on the grid in BTCC. The new Honda FK8 is the car to have and BTC Racing are one of the best teams out there. My team-mates Josh Cook and Tom Chilton are two of the best on the gird, and I will benefit so much from being in the team with them this year.

How did it make you feel when it was announced that you will be competing in this year’s BTCC as one of three drivers for BTC?

I had to pinch myself once I knew the deal was done!! To be racing with BTC Racing and have Tom and Josh as teammates couldn’t get any better. I think BTC Racing have seen that I have become the fan-favourite and that I have potential for the future, so I just need to get my head down now and put the work in to repay them for the opportunity.

What can you tell us about BTC’s other drivers and how confident are you that you can collectively bring home the 2020 championship?

Josh Cook is at the top of his game at the moment and this will be his second year at BTC and I think he could have a fantastic chance of winning the championship, if not overall then the independents for sure. Tom has been in BTCC since he was 16 and is one of the most experienced on the grid, I also think he will be right up the sharp end and I am hoping I can tag onto the back of them.

What venue have you enjoyed racing on the most in your career and do you have a dream track you would like to race on?

I loved racing up in Scotland this year for the first time at Knockhill, it’s like a massive rollercoaster ride. The track I have always wanted to race on is the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium as I have always gone there to watch F1.

What are your aims for 2020?

My aims for 2020 are quite simple; we are going for the prestigious Jack Sears Trophy which is a category within the main championship open exclusively for drivers who haven’t been on the podium before.

In terms of competition, rivalry, friendships and camaraderie, how does the sport of racing compare in relation to other sports?

It’s great to be involved with, it’s like an extended family when you’re at the track everyone is friendly but when we are out on the track that friendship goes out of the window as it gets very tasty!

Do you have a 5-10-year aim that you have set yourself in terms of reaching further goals?

We want to be in the game for the next 10 years and to become a face of the BTCC .Of course the ultimate aim would be to win the overall championship in the near future.

What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to achieve their dreams?

Never give up, it doesn’t matter how old you are you can always get involved somehow in your dreams.

What do you enjoy most about living in Broadstairs?

I love living next to the seaside and having a fantastic little town full of great businesses and a great community.

Away from racing, what are your hobbies and interests?

I also play golf and now my son Hugo has started Karting that is now my new hobby. For the latest information on Michael, follow his social media channels Facebook- Michael CreesTwitter & Instagram- @Creesy777

BTC Racing: Facebook.com – BTCRacing1 Instagram: btc_racing_Twitter: @btc_racing

 

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