James Cole’s Toyota Avensis repaired for Brands Hatch

James Cole has hailed the “phenomenal job” done by his United Autosports team to repair his badly damaged Toyota Avensis in time for the BTCC finale at Brands Hatch.

Cole’s car sustained substantial damage in a clash with Robb Holland on the first lap of the final race at Silverstone, and was unsure whether it would be fixed in time for the weekend.

But the team have carried out repairs to the roll cage, seat mounts, B post, sills, rear quarter panel and both right hand doors, and the Avensis is once again ready to race.

Cole said: “It was touch and go whether my car would be repaired in time for the final races of the season but the team have done a phenomenal job in getting it turned around so quickly. It was a massive hit that my Toyota took in the final Silverstone race.

“Apart from the accident, there were so many positives to take from Silverstone into Brands. The Grand Prix track is a classic. Fast, flowing and very challenging with no room for error. Add in some possible unpredictable October weather into the mix and there is a great recipe for some end of year upsets.”

Team owner Richard Dean added: “We have had a tough start to our BTCC campaign. It hasn’t been an easy year, but we have battled on and learnt more about the cars and the championship as the year went on. Even though there have been negative points this season, there have also been positive ones we can take away and work on for 2015.

“Obviously, James’ crash at Silverstone has meant a lot of work has gone into getting the car ready for Brands Hatch but we are looking forward to the weekend. We don’t have anything to lose so Luke [Hines], James and the whole team are going to give it our all to finish the year on a good note.”