TEAM TOYOTA GB BRITCAR 2012 DRIVER BIOGRAPHY: CHRIS HODGETTS

Racing the Team Toyota GB GT86 will represent a homecoming for Chris, who won back-to-back touring car championships with the team in the car’s spiritual forebear, the Toyota Corolla GT AE86.

The elder statesman of the team at 61, he brings a wealth of racing experience gained during a decade in the British Touring Car Championship. On top of that, Chris has totted up seven starts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – which will be particularly useful for preparing the team for long stretches behind the wheel and guiding them through the late-night stints.

Now a racing instructor, Chris recently visited the headquarters of GPRM, where the Britcar GT86 is being prepared. He said: “There was the new car and alongside it was a replica of my old AE86 Corolla, all in its old livery. I admit I shed a tear. It’s wonderful to be reunited.”

Driver profile                      Chris Hodgetts

Date of birth                       6 December 1950

Career highlights

1980                                   BTCC debut

1981                                   Second overall BTCC, Hughes of Beaconsfield Toyota Celica

1982                                   BTCC, Toyota Corolla GT

1983-85                             BTCC, Brooklyn Motorsport Ford

1986                                   Champion of BTCC, Team Toyota GB Corolla

1987                                   Champion of BTCC, Team Toyota GB Corolla

1988                                   BTCC, Brooklyn Motorsport Ford

BRDC C2 Sports Car Champion (Tiga)

1989                                   IMSA class winner, Le Mans 24 Hours (Mazda)

1990                                   TVR Tuscan Challenge Champion

1995                                   British GT Champion (Marcos)

1998                                   Last race: International Sports Racing Series (Lola)