MG Triple Eight Racing has confirmed that both Jack Sears Trophy winner, Josh Cook, and reigning Renault Clio Cup UK champion, Ashley Sutton, will join the team for the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
The manufacturer-backed outfit, which has 23 titles to its name in the UK’s premier motorsport series, will run its MG6 GT program for the fifth consecutive season. Cook makes the switch over from Power Maxed Racing after an impressive debut season that saw him claim a maiden podium finish at Rockingham and challenge for victory at Donington Park, whilst Sutton joins from his BMR-backed Clio squad after taking the support category crown in 2015.
The two drivers will be among those contending with the brand-new specification RML components this season, something which Cook alluded to when commenting on the move as a factor to be reckoned with this campaign.
“I’m over the moon to be working with a team and manufacturer that has such heritage,” he commented.
“I have worked extremely hard since the end of last season to get back on the grid – it was the only place I wanted to be. I now have an important job to do to give back to the sponsors who have got me here. I’m 100 per cent focused and will be prepared in every aspect, starting with my mental approach and fitness.
“The introduction of the new RML components is bound to mix it up, and I’m coming straight off the back of a strong first season in the BTCC. I want to keep that momentum going and be competing for the top step from the first round.
“I have no doubt that the knowledge and experience at MG Triple Eight Racing will enable me to do that. This is an important step in my career, and I’m looking ahead to being a championship contender with MG and Triple Eight.”
His new team-mate Sutton was delighted with the switch, and is looking forward to attacking the development curve that the BTCC presents drivers with a proven race-winning car underneath him.
“It has been a dream of mine to compete in the BTCC from a very young age,” he explained.
“Over the past two years I have had some amazing support from my two main sponsors, GlobalForce Group and Select Fire as well as my manager, Warren Scott. I can happily say I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of their efforts as well as mine. I will continue working with Warren behind the scenes as we have a great relationship.
“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of my MG6 – the car has proven what it is capable of over the years. I have every faith in Triple Eight Racing to deliver a race-winning car, so I will be putting in all my efforts to bring home some good results.
“This is going to be a big learning curve for me and with not much testing planned I have my work cut out for the year, but I feel I couldn’t be more ready for this challenge and I will grab it with both hands and give it my all. I can’t wait to get started and to get stuck in with the team – roll on round one!”
Ian Harrison, Team Principal at Triple Eight Racing, is hopeful that his outfit’s new signings presents MG with the chance to develop both drivers over the course of the season, with MG having recently signed a three-year extension to remain within the championship.
“Both Josh and Ash are young chargers eager to build up their knowledge in this category. We know what they can do and hope to help them build their performance throughout the season with pace and consistency.”