Power Maxed TAG Racing and Josh Cook made the most of the hand they were dealt at Knockhill, battling through tough conditions and a couple of racing incidents to seal a strong points haul and keep their title hopes alive.
Cook strode to fifth, second and sixth placed finishes over the three rounds from Fife and managed consistent front-running pace, though he feels given slightly different circumstances that further headway could have been made, and more points earned.
“Ultimately, Knockhill was a good weekend for us I think," said Cook. "In race one I definitely thought we had the pace to head further up the order but it’s always a tricky circuit to pass on when people are defending.
"It was the same story for us in race two, though I think the decision to end it early in those conditions was the correct one.
"Had we had more time, I’m confident I would’ve been further up the board.
"Race three was frustrating after the incident with Rory Butcher but I took the place back a few laps later in any case.
"Overall, it was a good weekend for the team with the points we managed to bring in and sets us up nicely ahead of Silverstone. It was great to see so many fans donning the bright orange Euro Repar Car Service ponchos in an effort to stay dry!”
The weekend north of the border was a more frustrating one for team-mate Senna Proctor, who struggled to make progress in the wet – despite having shown form to the contrary in those conditions throughout his fledgling BTCC career to date.
Progress was steady – with Proctor managing a best of 16th before a DNF in the finale, after contact with Brett Smith's Honda, having qualified 24th.
“My weekend in one word? Frustrating," said Proctor. "The car was right on the pace Saturday during qualifying but I just couldn’t get a clear run in, helped in no small part by the session being red flagged.
"I fought hard and made up places throughout Sunday, but ultimately when you’re in traffic on a circuit like Knockhill, the opportunities to get through are few and far between.
"It’s a shame the day ended on a low note, but I’m looking forward to getting back in the points at Silverstone. We’ll come back stronger than ever!”
Power Maxed TAG Racing's Technical Director, Martin Broadhurst added:
“Unless you’re winning all three races and coming away with the fastest laps in every session, you can always do better, but I’m ultimately happy with the results this weekend.
"It’s unfortunate that Senna couldn’t have had a clear run during qualifying, which I think would’ve yielded higher places today, keeping him in the points, but he was on the pace and drove well. If the incident in race three hadn’t cost Josh places, I’m confident he would’ve been on the podium again."
Team Principal Adam Weaver echoed Broadhurst's positivity.
"Knockhill was definitely a positive weekend for us.
"Josh came away with a decent haul of points, and at the end of the day that’s what we’re here for.
"It’s unfortunate that Senna just couldn’t quite get the clear run he needed, but overall it was a good weekend for the team.
"The fact that we haven’t dropped out of the top three this year, and are now joint second with a team that has been in the championship much longer than us is a real boost.”
Cook's haul keeps him in touch in the running for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship crown. PMR are now level with Halfords Yuasa Racing in joint second in the Teams' standings.