Will Powell’s exit from One Motorsport has sparked BTCC silly season with Daryl Deleon replacing Jade Edwards at Team Hard after her exit to join One Motorsport.
DeLeon will take the seat for the rest of the season as Jade Edwards announced earlier today she would be moving on to join One Motorsport.
DeLeon has had a short but accomplished career, with highlights including the fact he is currently leading the Radical UK Championship, a podium finisher in GB4, and was the winner of the 2023 Team Hard scholarship program.
Despite DeLeon being a rookie, he does have some experience in the Team Hard Cupra Leon as he drove the car at the Goodyear Tyre test at Donnington Park, with Deleon impressively finishing in eighth and 11th in the two sessions.
Deleon is thrilled to have the chance to drive a touring car:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have the chance to drive a touring car in the BTCC championship. I’m very grateful to Tony Gilham and Dave Tyson at Team HARD. for extending this opportunity and for having faith in me.
“I’m still only 17 and the Team HARD. scholarship has definitely opened doors, it’s put me in contact with the right people and given me the opportunity to race in the UK’s premier motorsport series.
“I’m looking forward to getting on track. The racing is fantastic but so is everything about the series. The engineers, mechanics and everyone that forms the team plus I’ve experienced racing in front of crowds but touring car spectators are just on another level, they are the best!
“I’ve been racing with Team HARD. in the British Endurance Championship which has definitely helped me prepare for this step in my career. A Porsche GT3 is not exactly the same as a touring car but the approach to racing is the same. Working with engineers, data analysts, car set-up and race strategy is all part of it so the more racing and seat time I can have, the better.”
Managing Director of Team Hard, Tony Gillingham is also thrilled to have DeLeon joining the team:
“I am delighted to welcome Daryl into our touring car operation. He has impressed us with his exceptional speed and performance, and we believe he has a bright future ahead.
“Daryl’s addition will bring a fresh dynamic to the team, and we are excited to see him in action for the remainder of the season.”