Moving into 5th

FANS, CARS AND VIDEO GAMES

Without the spectators and roar of the fans, racing and sport in general has been a different ballgame this year. However due to the nature of racing, drivers and fans were lucky that it didn’t suffer as many interruptions as other sports.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the standard race day, cheered on by his small team from the track and thousands of ardent fans from their sofas, Michael Crees has certainly had a year to remember.

A long-term member of BITA, we have been following Michael ever since he started racing in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup four years ago. Vince Caldicott from PCS saw a champion in Michael when he decided to sponsor him, and we at BITA have been hooked on his exciting journey ever since!

Having switched to BTCC Racing or 2020 to drive a Honda Civic Type R, Crees would match his personal best result of ninth and was a regular points scorer, securing the Jack Sears Trophy for this season.

As a newcomer to the sport, Michael feels like he’s only just getting started. “I feel like I have another 10 years in racing,” he says; “and my ultimate dream would be to finish as a champion driver and to work as a TV pundit.” In the shortterm, he’s just eager for the fans to be able to return; “It’s all about the fans!” he says enthusiastically.

The highlight of the year for Michael has been winning the Jack Sears Championship and hoisting the trophy, a true manifestation of all the hard work, commitment and natural talent that has gone into his racing career so far. “Winning the Championship was always on my radar, but I had to dig deep to pull it off.” says Michael.

Of course, this kind of dedication means lots of weekends training and racing, however he has the full support of his family, and of one family member in particular. His son Hugo has already started karting and definitely has a natural knack. “It’s difficult as you don’t want to influence them too much and want them to take their own path, but if he decides to stay with it, he’ll definitely be one to keep an eye on!”

It’s not just his family and fans that are rallying around this gifted driver; Michael has been lucky to secure sponsorship from a number of prestigious companies, including many BITA members. PCS, Geberit, DDS Demolition and Merlyn all support him with his championship bid. “They are unbelievably important as I simply can’t do it without them! I love that they also get the enjoyment out of the racing and hospitality and are able to be part of the pinnacle of British motorsport.”

For anyone that follows the sport, they will know that there was a lot of excitement in the 2020 season, and none more satisfying for Michael than the race at Thruxton when he was in 7th place. Racing at up to 100mph trying to overtake a three-time champion in from of him, whilst defending his position against a four-time champion behind him, was a new career high and true indication that he was on the right track to success.

Crees would match his personal best result of ninth and was a regular points scorer, securing the Jack Sears Trophy for this season.

Following a bad smash last year where Michael was a passenger for a practice drive, it would be expected that he would be slightly hesitant this year following his recovery. “It’s something that you are aware of, but not something you can allow to take over. You can have an accident trying to be ‘safe’, and ultimately you just need to trust your car, trust your team, and of course yourself and your ability.” Says Michael. “There were a few moments this year, but nothing major. It was scary seeing Rory [Butcher] and Bobby [Thompson] suffering some very big crashes, it was such a relief to see them both okay.”

In the not-too-distant future, Michael would like to step up to a manufacture team like BMW or Honda, becoming a paid driver. For someone with a career as stratospheric as Michael’s, this is eminently possible. In the more immediate future, he may become even more of a household name.

“It’s exciting that, providing I start on the grid in 2021, I will become part of history next year” says Michael. “A BTCC Racing game, the first, will be launched next year on PS5 and X-Box, and it will be a very surreal experience to be able to play as myself on a computer game!”

This practice will come in handy, as Michael plans to do even better next year, with a goal to reach No 1. on the podium.