Josh Cook Gets BTCC Seat With Maximum Motorsport

After his MG exit, it looked like the talented Josh Cook was out of the series. But then Stewart Lines came calling… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cook failed to secure a new deal with the Triple Eight MG Team for the 2017 and he admitted at the time he probably wouldn’t be in the series in 2017. But Team Principal and Driver of Maximum Motorsport Stewart Lines injured himself in a mountain bike accident, leaving him with muscle and ligament damage. Lines has decided to step aside for the season and give the talented Cook the vacant seat.

“I’m elated to be back on the grid for 2017 – it all turned around in the space of 24 hours. The support that I received when I announced my departure from MG was incredible. I’m immensely grateful to Stewart for enabling my return. It’s taken a lot of effort with multiple new sponsors.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The support that I received when I announced my departure from MG was incredible. I’m immensely grateful to Stewart for enabling my return. It’s taken a lot of effort with multiple new sponsors.”

– Josh Cook

In both his seasons so far in the championship, Cook has been on the podium and showed immense talent alongside rookie teammate Ash Sutton last year at MG. Lines was obviously disappointed to be sitting out the season but pleased to have snapped up a driver of Cooks calibre.

“After my accident, we started analysing our options for the forthcoming campaign to allow myself enough time for recovery. When Josh announced he was without a drive, we grasped the opportunity to sign a very capable young talent.”

“I’m disappointed that I won’t be lining up on the 2017 grid, as the car has undergone a significant programme of upgrades over the winter period and is now down to a much lighter weight. Despite this, I am delighted we’re running Josh this season and believe we’ve got the complete package to produce some strong finishes.”

It would have been a real shame if Cook had not made the grid this year after showing strong pace last season. It’s a win for both parties. Cook gets another season in the BTCC and Maximum Motorsport should be further up the order as a result.

LATEST NEWS: I'm both relieved & excited to announce that I'll be on the @DunlopBTCC grid with @MaximumMotospor this season #TeamGreen #BTCC pic.twitter.com/pniLXlp6VC

— Josh Cook (@cooksport) February 21, 2017

 

2017 BTCC LINE-UPS SO FAR

Triple Eight MG MG6
Aron Taylor-Smith, Dan Lloyd

WSR BMW 125i M Sport
Andrew Jordan, Colin Turkington, Rob Collard

Speedworks Toyota Avensis
Tom Ingram

Team BMR Subaru Levorg
Jason Plato, Ash Sutton, James Cole, TBA

Team Dynamics Honda Civic Type-R
Gordon Shedden, Matt Neal, Matt Simpson

Handy Motorsport Toyota Avensis
Rob Austin

Laser Tools Racing Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Aiden Moffat

Maximum Motorsport Ford Focus
Josh Cook

Motorbase Performance Ford Focus
Mat Jackson, Luke Davenport, Martin Depper

AmD Tuning Audi S3 Saloon
Ollie Jackson, Ant Whorton-Eales

BTC Racing Chevrolet Cruze
Chris Smiley, Dave Newsham

Ciceley Racing Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Adam Morgan

Eurotech Racing Honda Civic Type-R
Jeff Smith, Jack Goff

Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra
Tom Chilton, Senna Proctor

Team Hard VW CC
Will Burns, Michael Epps, Jake Hill

Team Parker Ford Focus
Stephen Jelley