By alley - Apr 4, 2017, 3:01 AM ET

Hanratty ready for breakout 2017 in PWC's Touring Car Championship

With the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car Championship quickly approaching, driver Dennis Hanratty Jr. has been not so patiently waiting to get back behind the wheel. Hanratty had three starts in the 2016 PWC TC season and will run for the championship this season.

Back with KRÜGSPEED Racing, he will be piloting the #4 Lotus Exige. When

teamed with KRÜGSPEED in 2016, Hanratty had three successful rounds coming

at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Lime Rock Park, and Road America. With 5 top-10s, 2 podiums and three front-row starts in 2016, there is reason to believe that this season could be something special.

Hanratty has a long history in semi-professional motorsports starting back in the late '90s. With many SCCA Majors races and wins, Hanratty decided that the time was right to turn pro last season. With a bit of a common start in karting, Hanratty's journey since then has been anything but typical. In one of his career highlights, he won the first race he ever ran in a Formula 2000-in the rain. With plenty of experience in sports racers, he has been able to harness that driving style and find success with the Lotus Exige.

When behind the wheel, Hanratty is one of the most competitive and fierce racecar drivers in American sports cars. Between an outstanding support system in his family and a passion that runs deep, he has been fortunate to advance to where he is. He credits much of his success to parents who've always supported his dreams.

"Dennis, overall, is one of the best people to know in the paddock." said Alex Krugman, owner and crew chief at KRÜGSPEED Racing. "He is down to earth and works great with the entire team and turns up the intensity when he hits the track. Last season we were happy with the results and how he handled the learning curve to this type of car, and believe that we're ready to challenge for the championship this season. Working with good people like Dennis and his family has been able to allow us to focus more on the racing part of a race weekend and less on the logistics."

The combination of his talents and fan-friendly persona have developed into a successful racing career. With experience ranging from Formula Continental to sports racer he has found his way to the top. His biggest achievements have come in the form of two SCCA U.S Major's Northeastern Conference Championships. After his successes last season there is much anticipation for 2017. Hanratty and KRÜGSPEED can be seen on track at the PWC TC season opener at Virginia International Speedway April 28-30.

To find more information or to follow Hanratty, he can be found at @dhanratty4 (Instagram) or @dennis.hanratty4 (Facebook). To follow KRÜGSPEED, go to @krugspeed (Instagram and Facebook). For more information on Dennis' program, including marketing opportunities please contact: dhanratty418@gmail.com.