The Legends Cars National Championship has announced its first batch of entries for what is shaping up to be one of the biggest seasons in the series’ illustrious history.

This year will see fans witness not only the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres but also the the brand-new Legends Cars Elite Cup – which will support the British Touring Car Championship.

Headlining the entry for both categories are last year’s Vice-Champion Will Gibson and five-time champion John Mickel, who finished the 2022 campaign in third place overall.

Joining them will be Marcus Pett – who ended last season in fourth place – as well as Rookie Cup champion Ben Higgins, who will embark on his sophomore year in the popular series. His chief challengers from last year Oli Schlup and Luke Simmons will also join him on the grid.

Schlup’s father Mike, a very familiar face in Legends Cars over many years, is also confirmed for the main championship and the Elite Cup as is race winner Nick Bridgeman and fellow category regular Nathan Anthony, the latter of course piloting his ever-popular Se-Van.

Charlie Budd will look to build on his impressive second year in the series whilst former Grand Prix Midget National and World Champion Daniel Pooley is set for his second Legends season.

Other notable entries so far include James Newbery, former Rookie title winner Andy Bird, Matt Isherwood and racing brothers Kieran Beaty and Mark Beaty. In terms of early ‘Team Car’ entries, Chris Need and Gareth Sheridan will once again share their No.99 machine whilst Florian Robin and Eduardo Gago will also share driving duties.

Phil Cooper, Legends Cars Championship Owner, said: “We’re all incredibly excited for the 2023 season and delighted to announce the first 20 drivers for the coming year’s racing. It’s great so many drivers are committing to both the 24-race Legends Cars Championship with MRF Tyres and the new Legends Cars Elite Cup which will be contested over 18 races at three of the UK’s biggest race meetings, alongside the BTCC.

“With Will [Gibson], John [Mickel] and Marcus [Pett], three of our top four from last season, all confirmed, we know the quality of action will be as spectacular as ever. As always, the strength in depth of Legends Cars racing – added to the unpredictability of the action with our fantastic and very unique format – means 2023 is going to be another incredible year.”

The opening rounds of the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres will take place at Cadwell Park on April 15/16 whilst the Legends Cars Elite Cup will begin at Brands Hatch on May 6/7.