One Motorsport has confirmed that it plans to take a one-year sabbatical from the British Touring Car Championship in 2024, with the team aiming for a return in 2025.
Team Owner Steve Dudman confirmed the news on Wednesday 21 February, which had previously been rumoured. It follows drivers Josh Cook and Aiden Moffat departing to join Speedworks Motorsport in a satellite team, taking with them sponsor LKQ Euro Car Parts.
The Brackley-based team says it is planning to undertake “an extensive development programme” on its Honda Civic Type-R cars before next year’s BTCC.
The team, formerly known as BTC Racing, has run the Honda Civic model in the BTCC since 2019, initially with customer cars before switching to the chassis previously run by Team Dynamics when the latter ceased directly competing as a team itself.
One Motorsport has secured 19 wins (all under the BTC name) and 52 podiums during its seven-year spell in the BTCC in its most recent incarnation. It also secured the 2022 and 2023 Independent Drivers’ championships with Cook.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision to make however it has been made for the betterment of the team and guaranteeing our future success in the sport,” said Dudman.
“It goes without saying that everyone shall be facing their own challenges this year, from drivers to sponsors alike, and we are no different to that.
“There has been a lot of back and forth in regard to what our 2024 plans would be, but when I finally made this decision after discussion with TOCA, I knew deep down it was the right one at this time.
“We won’t be downing tools as we have a clear programme of work that we want to carry out on both our chassis’, aero and cooling systems together with our engine programmes this year with our highly respected partners NBE [Neil Brown Engineering].
“With what we hope will be a year on the sidelines, we can come back next season in a strong position and hit the ground running and with a fresh look in everything we do. We’ll be sure to keep everyone posted as things progress.
“I have to say a massive thank you to every team member, each supplier and race partner supplying us with such strong support in the championship that has been with us on this journey so far, as without them all, we wouldn’t have achieved anywhere near the amount of the success we have done in the series.
“A heartfelt thank you also goes to our three drivers from last year – Josh Cook, Aiden Moffat and Jade Edwards – for their unrelenting hard work and commitment. I’m sure they will enjoy plenty of success in their endeavours this year.
“A special mention to Bob & Donna Moffat, Phil & Sue Hartley, Debbie & Chris Palmer and the rest of the whole hospitality team, as well as our media team for their support in 2023.
“Also, a massive thank you to all of our friends, fans and supporters, you are all very special people to us.
“Finally, I’d like to thank Alan Gow and TOCA for their understanding and guidance on this matter. It goes without saying that we’ll be keeping a keen eye on the championship this year and we wish the other teams and drivers the very best of luck for the forthcoming season.”