Josh Cook: ‘Still having a title chance shows what a good job we’ve done’

Josh Cook says that heading into this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship season finale at Brands Hatch still having a mathematical chance of the title ‘shows what a good job we’ve done’.

The 33-year-old will conclude his first season in Speedworks Motorsport-run Toyota machinery this weekend, where he enters the weekend 63 points adrift in the title race – and thus in with a ‘mathematical’ chance of the title, as 67 points remain up for grabs.

Cook also has a respectable pedigree around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit, having scored six podium finishes at the circuit, including in every year since 2021, when he memorably won two of the day’s three races.

Of course, Cook knows that he is unlikely to truly be fighting for the title, but the Bath-born racer remains proud of his 2024 season, in which he has claimed eight podiums including two victories.

“To be heading into the weekend within reach of the title I think is a nice accolade for the team and all of our efforts this year,” said Cook.

“Being mathematically in with a shout still shows what a good job we’ve done in our first season together.

“Realistically, of course, we’re not a genuine contender, so we’re just going to go there, make the best of the opportunity, try to carry on some of the form we’ve shown over the latter part of the campaign and keep taking steps in the right direction.

“I’ve historically gone well at Brands ‘GP’. I love the circuit – it’s one of my favourites – so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ll be aiming to round out the season with some more podiums and maybe even a win if we can, to try to finish on a high. I can’t wait to get going!”

Team Principal Christian Dick is hoping that Cook can improve on his current position of fifth in the drivers’ championship standings, with fourth-placed Dan Cammish just seven points in front, whilst third-placed Ash Sutton is 30 points ahead.

“It seems incredible to say we’ve reached the end of another BTCC season, but here we are with just three races left to run at a track where the Toyota Corolla has always performed well, as proved by multiple podiums in recent years,” added Dick.

“Josh’s excellent performances and commendable consistency mean he is still mathematically in the hunt for the drivers’ title.

“While that is admittedly the longest of long shots, a top four championship finish is very achievable – and with a fair wind, maybe even third.

“That would be no less than he deserves for a stellar display season-long.”