SPEEDWORKS Motorsport returns to the track at which it made history earlier this year when the British Touring Car Championship resumes this weekend.

The Northwich team’s Toyota Avensis, with Tony Hughes behind the wheel, was the first car built to new specifications to finish a race during April’s campaign curtain-raiser at Brands Hatch.

But Christian Dick’s outfit has had a tricky first term since then.

Hughes has sat out half of the eight rounds to date while improvements to the Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) machine have been made.

The latest include an upgrade to the car’s suspension.

“I’m happier with how it handles,” said Hughes following a test at home circuit Oulton Park earlier this week.

“We’ve spent time working on the set up and it’s much better.”

The 53-year-old, still seeking his first point in the independent drivers’ championship, races for the first time around the Kent circuit’s GP configuration on Sunday.

He said: “I’ve not had any time in the car at Brands [other than at the race meeting in April].

“But we’ll get our heads down and do the best we can.”

His best result is 14th place in a successful weekend at Oulton Park back in June.

However team boss Dick is confident the Toyota can be competitive upon its return to the grid for Sunday’s three-races programme after Speedworks sat out the rounds at Knockhill and Rockingham.

He said: “We’ve made a big step forward thanks to the latest modifications.

“Tony has spent time in the car this week and is a lot more comfortable with its handling, so I hope he can be closer to the action.”

Hughes will be part of a record-equalling 29 cars grid at Brands Hatch alongside newcomers Oliver Jackson (888 Racing with Collins Contractors Vauxhall Vectra) and Chris Swanwick (Rob Austin Racing Audi A4).

At the front, seven drivers can still win the overall drivers’ title with two rounds of the season left.

Honda Racing Team pair Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal are tied at the top of the standings, followed by Jason Plato (Silverline Chevrolet), Mat Jackson (Airwaves Racing Ford Focus), James Nash (888 Racing Vauxhall Vectra), Andrew Jordan (Pirtek Racing Vauxhall Vectra) and Rob Collard (WSR BMW).

Sunday’s races will be broadcast live by ITV 4.

Qualifying takes place tomorrow, Saturday.