Josh Cook grateful after ‘incredibly tough, relentless season’

Josh Cook admitted that “this year has been a disappointing one” despite bringing home the Independents’ Trophy for One Motorsport.

The 32-year old finished the season fifth in the overall standings, which was an impressive performance considering eight drivers have left the 2023 season with a win. That win nearly came in the final round at Brands Hatch, but a cooling issue meant second was the best finish available.

“I think we had the pace to win that race – I only picked up grass on lap one and the engine was just overheating for the whole race,” said Cook to TouringCars.Net. “So we were just managing temperatures and trying to make it to the end. Luckily that safety car came out and I could take a few degrees out of it.

“It was a tough one. One of the toughest races I’ve had in a long time to be honest. But the car was phenomenal, so at least there’s a positive in that.

“I’m just grateful that I can stand here and watch all of the team get that team’s trophy and get some recognition for all the hard work they put in to the ship.”

Cook came away with five overall podiums in the 2023 season, which was the One Motorsport driver’s lowest count in three years after nine in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Despite that, Cook and the team both came away as the Independent Trophy winners, with Cook sealing the Independent Drivers’ crown at the Silverstone meeting last month.

“It’s not what we set out to do. It’s nice that it’s naturally occurred. But we’re here for the overall championship and this year has been a disappointing one on so many fronts. But also incredibly proud of how deep everybody’s dug on so many occasions, even if that is barely a top ten.

“So, I’m hugely proud of the team. If nothing else, we can all walk away holding our heads high knowing that we gave it everything.”

The pace has been on show in moments throughout this season. After what Cook has called a ‘disappointing’ season, the 18-time race winner is not looking forward yet, instead wanting to get away and reflect on his season with ‘a great bunch of people’.

“I just want to have a sit down, have a digest of what’s gone on this year. Because it’s all been very thick and fast with a lot of other stuff going on.

“I’m pleased and I’m incredibly grateful to have gone through this incredibly tough, relentless season with such a great bunch of people. I just want to get to the off-season now.”