Touring car legend Cleland back for Bathurst.

One of the most successful touring car drivers of all time is beating a comeback trail later this year by making an appearance at the forthcoming endurance races at Sandown and Bathurst in Australia.

1995 British Touring Car Champion John Cleland has been snapped up to drive one of the two Team BOC Ford Falcons alongside Dale Brede, some four years after he retired from full-time tin top motorsport.

It will be the 11th attempt at glory for the Scot and Cleland is delighted to be heading down under for another chance at not only the legendary Bathurst 1000 title, but also the equally coveted Sandown 500.

"It will be great to be back and it's hard to believe it's my 11th time" Cleland said. "This will be my fifth time with Brad Jones Racing and over the years we have built up a fantastic relationship and I'm glad they have invited me back for another chance. I've had the chance to race with a number of teams over the last 11 years and these guys are easily the best outfit I've been involved with," he added.

Having scored the BTCC title in 1995 at the wheel of a Vauxhall Cavalier, John Cleland has since his retirement built up a successful business running a Jaguar and Volvo dealership in southern Scotland but is pleased to be wearing his overalls yet again to challenge for a good finish.

"I wouldn't be making the trip over to Australia if I didn't think the car and driver package was capable of finishing on the podium. I have total faith that Dale and I can be right up there mixing it with the guys at the front" Cleland added.

Indeed, Cleland is pleased to have Brede as a team mate. "It's a great choice. I have seen Dale's ability over the years at Bathurst and have kept on eye on him the Development Series this year. He has enormous talent and from what I've heard, he is a natural at not being too hard on his race cars." Cleland concluded.

Cleland will also be after more luck this time at Bathurst following a spectacular collision with former BTCC rival Jason Plato in last years race. By hitting the rear of the touring Plato, Cleland flipped his Falcon into the air and barrel-rolled out of retirement. Back then Cleland was rather incensed by Plato as a top five finish was very much possible, although luckily for him the SEAT driver will not be making another appearance this year.

Team boss Brad Jones is confident that calling back Cleland will yield results. "John has proven that he is possibly the only European based driver to prove himself in V8 Supercars and the endurance races. Year after year, he has done exactly the right job. He is phenomenally talented and we're delighted that he is coming back to race for us".

The Sandown 500 takes place in September with the Bathurst 1000 one month later in October.