Team Dynamics has today (18 March) announced Dan Rowbottom as its second driver as part of a multi-year partnership between Halfords and Cataclean.
Rowbottom made his BTCC debut in 2019 when he contested a full campaign with Ciceley Motorsport, before the Worcestershire driver was forced to take a sabbatical last season. The 32-year-old will team up with Gordon Shedden in the Honda Civic Type Rs following the recent announcement confirming that the triple champion will also be returning the UK’s premier motorsport series.
Halfords’ history in the sport dates back to sponsoring Team Dynamics in the squad’s championship winning years of 2005 and 2006. After a break from the sport, they returned in 2016 to instantly grab another title.
Cataclean has been in the BTCC paddock for several years, with Rowbottom as their charger, having started in Clio Cup UK and more recently progressing to the BTCC grid.
“For me this an absolute dream come true and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead,” said Rowbottom. “This is a great opportunity for me with a topflight team and the continued backing of Cataclean. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and see what this car can do, I’ve been studying the data and it looks fast on paper and has been proven to be fast on track, so I’m really excited to finally go testing next month.”
“This is a great partnership for us,” said Team Manager James Rodgers. "In these uncertain times, to get a multi-year deal, means we can continue to invest and develop in our BTCC programme. Both drivers are highly motivated, and we hope for great things in 2021.”
“This partnership makes sense for Halfords on many levels, particularly as we develop our motoring services platform across our UK-wide retail stores, Autocentres and Halfords Mobile Expert vans,” added Halfords Group Marketing Director, Lisa Bond. “It is also a hugely exciting time for the BTCC and looking ahead to 2022, the Hybrid development aligns very well with our strategy on electrification as we all move towards an electric and hybrid future. I can’t wait to get to see the team in action.”
“We are delighted to be working with Team Dynamics and Halfords,” reflected Cataclean’s Managing Director, Ross Baigent. “Having been in and around the BTCC paddock for several years now, we know this is the perfect Championship for us to be in to build our brand and educate people on our fantastic range of products. Halfords are our largest high street retail partner, so this relationship provides a great synergy for our business. We wish Daniel and Gordon all the best for the coming season.”
“Firstly, it is great to welcome Cataclean to the team and continue our long-standing relationship with Halfords,” concluded Team Dynamics’ Director, Matt Neal. “Secondly, I am going to be taking a year out of the sport this season, but I will still be representing Halfords as a Brand Ambassador and acting as a mentor, both on and off track, for both drivers. Honda and Yuasa have both decided to focus on different challenges this year so we have been working hard over the winter to pull a package together that will still see us contending at the sharp end of the grid and ultimately achieve our goals and aspirations, which is winning titles! I’m really excited for the coming season.”
