Cook remains with BTC Racing for 2020 BTCC season

British Touring Car Championship frontrunner Josh Cook will remain with the BTC Racing squad for the 2020 season.

Cook joined BTC Racing for 2019 and finished the year fourth in the championship standings, racking up three victories and four additional podiums across the course of the season.

He also narrowly missed out on claiming the Independent drivers’ title after being beaten to the crown by Rory Butcher, ending up just two points adrift.

“Continuity is so important in this championship,” said Cook. “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.

“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.”

Following up on his most successful season yet, Cook said he is determined to mount a challenge for the overall BTCC crown in what will mark his sixth campaign in the series.

“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,” he explained.

“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.”

Brackley-based BTC has confirmed it has expanded to a three-car assault on the 2020 championship as it aims to fight for the title.

“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 BTC 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.”