If the last BTCC announcement about Rob Collard staying at WSR wasn’t a big surprise to anyone, today saw one that was less expected.
Maximum Motorsport had been expected to run owner Stewart Lines again this season with at least one of the team’s sponsors already announcing his return. But earlier this year a mountain bike accident put Lines Particpation in doubt. Now it’s been announced that Josh Cook will take over the bright green Ford Focus that was to have been raced by Lines.
Twenty five year old Cook had recently left the manufacturer backed MG team and Lines decided to move to sign the well regarded driver and to sit out the whole of 2017 despite the fact that he looked likely to be well enough to compete in most of the season at least.
“After my accident, we started analysing our options forthcoming campaign to allow myself enough time for recovery,” said Lines. “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 is pleased to be back on the BTCC grid for 2017 after expecting to miss the season after his MG drive came to an end;
“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.”
The team is planning for an extensive test schedule, with the cars new livery to be revealed at the Season Launch on the 16th March at Donington Park circuit. By Marc Waller
