In 1999 Hughes was BRSCC Fiesta Champion, and first entered the BTCC with a Nissan Primera in the Production Class.

Moving up into the main Touring Class for 2004 he raced in an MG ZS, finishing 17th.

He did a partial season in 2005 (scoring enough points to come 13th overall in a smaller field), but returned to running the full schedule in 2006.

For the second half of the season Hughes converted his MG to run on bioethanol instead of regular petrol, joining Fiona Leggate in using the alternative fuel.

In 2008 Hughes agreed to purchase a Honda Integra from veteran racer David Pinkney, but a sponsor failed to pay up, forcing him to continue with the MG, which received an engine upgrade midseason.