Photo:

Josh Cook earns BTCC reprieve with Maximum Motorsport

By

Josh Cook will take his place on the BTCC grid for the 2017 season after agreeing terms on a deal to join Maximum Motorsport.

The 25-year-old looked set to spend the upcoming campaign on the sidelines after announcing he would leave the works MG team, with most of the seats on the grid having already been filled.

The former Jack Sears Trophy winner has been given an unexpected opportunity to return however after Maximum Motorsport team boss Stewart Lines elected to stand down from driving his Ford Focus to bring Cook onboard.

Questions had been raised about Lines’ fitness for the start of the season following a recent cycling accident, with the 53-year-old insisting that the chance to put Cook in the car was one that was too good to miss.

“After my accident, we started analysing our options forthcoming campaign to allow myself enough time for recovery,” he said. “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.”

Cook himself was understandably pleased to be given the opportunity to return to the grid for a third season, and said he felt the revised Focus – now being run on Maximum’s behalf by Team Parker Racing alongside the car of Stephen Jelley – would be capable of running at the sharp end of the grid.

“I’m elated to be back on the grid for 2017 – it all turned around in the space of 24 hours,” said Cook. “The support that I received when I announced my departure from MG was incredible. I’m immensely grateful to Stewart for enabling my return this coming season. It’s taken a lot of effort with multiple new sponsors but thank you to everyone involved. I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season testing.

“I think we’ve got a great package with Maximum Motorsport, the Focus has been upgraded over the off-season and with Team Parker Racing looking after the operation of the car throughout the year, we should be pushing for strong finishes from the off.”