BTC Racing and Josh Cook will continue their successful partnership for a second season, as the Brackley-based outfit sets its sights on the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship title.
The five-time race winner enjoyed the most successful BTCC season of his career in the squad’s Honda Civic Type R (FK8) last year, taking three outright race wins and four podiums on his way to claiming fourth in the overall standings and second in the Independent standings.
Having penned a late deal to pilot the brand-new Type R just weeks before the start of the 2019 season, the 28-year-old claimed a stunning victory in the opening race at Brands Hatch to mark the #66 machine’s debut, following up with a podium finish at Donington Park just three weeks later.
Two further wins followed at the former Jack Sears Trophy winners home track; Thruxton, with the Bath-based racer reaching the top step at each of the series’ two visits to the Hampshire speed bowl.
Notching up more race wins than the manufacturer-backed Honda team, 2019 also signalled a best-ever season for the BTC Racing squad, which recently confirmed an expanded three-car assault on the 2020 title.
With the benefit of an extensive pre-season testing programme in place, coupled with a years' worth of experience and data, Cook is confident that a second year in the BTC Racing line-up offers up his best chance-to-date of clinching the coveted BTCC crown.
“Continuity is so important in this championship. I’ve never had the chance to have two seasons in the same team and car, and it’s such an important piece of the puzzle,” said Cook.
“We didn’t really manage to get any testing in last year. We just rocked up and won the opening round. That was great but each weekend we just had to work it out on track rather than having any knowledge. So the fact that we get to go into this year with all of that data and some winter testing along with our developments should hopefully take us a step forward.
“We went full guns for the overall title last year; we didn’t have an eye on the Independents' until the main one was out of reach. We’re there to try for the overall title. That’s been my aim since I came into the BTCC in 2015, and that will always be my aim. We took more wins than the factory team with no testing. The team were mega and it was a great achievement. We’re arriving with more knowledge this season, and there’s no reason why we can’t take that extra step."
“After a stellar 1st season with the team last year, it couldn’t be a better start to 2020 for BTC Racing in securing Josh for our campaign," said joint Team Principal Bert Taylor. "He showed his talent beyond any doubt in a new car, and with a new team, finishing 4th in the most competitive touring car championship there is.
“To achieve that with no testing is a testament to the ultimate professional Josh is. I’m excited to see what 2020 holds of him and the team. We have our sights set high, and it is all about winning.”
