MG invests in up-and-coming drivers for BTCC

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will rev into action next month. MG Motor UK is pleased to announce that Josh Cook and Ashley Sutton, two young and ambitious drivers, will be taking the wheel of the Triple Eight race engineered MG6.

MG recently confirmed a new three-year contract extension with Triple Eight Racing in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). MG is not only hoping for success on the track, but another three great years off it. The BTCC continues to play a key part in raising the awareness of the brand through the coverage the races receive and our presence at each event.

When the contract extension was discussed, the team shared its plans to bring in young and up-and-coming drivers with an intention to grow its own champion over the duration of the contract.

Josh Cook

Josh Cook, a former 2014 Renault UK Clio Cup Vice-Champion, made a sensational debut in the BTCC in 2015 when he lifted the Jack Sears Trophy (award for the top rookie). Ashley Sutton is graduating to BTCC after leaving the Renault Clio Cup as reigning 2015 champion.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing for MG, said: “MG is proud to continue its association with Triple Eight Racing and BTCC for another three years.

“We are delighted that the team has once again been able to secure two young and ambitious drivers for the 2016 season. We’re pleased to support the team as they develop fresh home-grown talent and we look forward to a successful season and many more to come.

“In addition to the on-track programme, the BTCC also allows us to run our very successful mobile showroom next to the track, so BTCC fans can see and touch the latest MG products; this will include our new SUV.”

Ian Harrison, Managing Director for Triple Eight, said: “Naturally we are really happy to announce that Josh and Ashley will be joining the team. Both of them are young chargers who are eager to build up their knowledge in this category. We know what they can do and hope to help them build their performance in touring cars throughout the season with pace and consistency.”

Last year’s Jack Sears Trophy winner, Josh Cook, said: “I’m over the moon to be working with a team and manufacturer that has such heritage. I’m coming straight off the back of a strong first season in the BTCC, so 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.”

Ashley Sutton

BTCC newcomer, Ashley Sutton, said: “I am overwhelmed to have been given this opportunity to race for MG and Triple Eight Racing in my first year of the BTCC. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of my MG6. The car has proven what it is capable of over the years and I have every faith in Triple Eight to deliver a race winning car as they have done before, so I will be putting in all my efforts to bring home some good results.”

On Tuesday 22 March, MG Triple Eight Racing will be at the BTCC Season Launch, Donington Park, to formally reveal the new team and cars.