Josh Cook was pleased with a third consecutive strong qualifying performance in a row for MG RCIB Insurance Racing, and paid tribute to the teamwork between himself and Ashley Sutton as crucial as they line up fourth and fifth for the first Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship race tomorrow at Thruxton.
The reigning Jack Sears Trophy champion scored his second career podium last time out at Donington Park and struggled during the second free practice session, despite clocking the second fastest time during the morning’s running. However, he pulled out a lap just 0.416 seconds slower than pole-sitter Tom Ingram to put himself fourth for the first contest tomorrow afternoon.
After losing their high-profile driving duo of Andrew Jordan and Jack Goff during the off-season, MG were written off in some quarters after a disappointing campaign despite the manufacturer announcing a new three-year deal for Triple Eight to run the marque.
The arrival of Josh Cook and impressive rookie Ashley Sutton, who is also the reigning Clio Cup champion, has revitalised the fortunes of Ian Harrison’s outfit, and they have started the season in fine fashion, locking out the front-row at Donington Park and bringing home nine top ten finishes from the first six races between them, including a podium for Cook at Donington.
Cook, reflecting on another busy thirty-minute qualifying session, was impressed with the performance of the MG6 around the challenging Hampshire venue, and paid tribute to Sutton’s team-work as the two worked together to move their cars to the sharp end of the 32 strong field.
“It was a bit of a lap I’m not going to lie. A hell of a lap. What we managed to get out of that car was awesome,” he admitted.
“Ash and I were really working well together which is how we managed to get the time – he towed me and I towed him, and we got that extra time out of it.”
He also paid tribute to the engineering staff at Triple Eight for providing him and Sutton with fantastic machinery with which to attack the UK’s premier tin-top series.
“Don’t get me wrong, the guys have done a great job with the car. There is a little more to find just to get that final bit – the top few are really on it.” explained the Bath racer.
He believes the duo are in a good position to compete for strong points finishes tomorrow as they attempt to edge back into the championship frame.
“We can certainly race from there, we’ll just try and convert it into some solid points and go from there.”