– Power Maxed Racing have today announced their intention not to compete in their original format for the 2020 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) 

– Plans being made for some surprise guest drivers

The decision not to compete this season, as originally announced, was not an easy one to make for the Warwickshire-based squad, but Team Principal Adam Weaver has confirmed that the team will be back in force for the 2021 BTCC season without question, carrying all existing partner contracts over to next season.

“Obviously taking this decision was not easy, but ourselves and our commercial partners felt that overall, it’s the right thing for us to do in order to preserve our resources for next year.

“But I want to clarify that this is in no way us ‘giving up’. We are simply hitting the pause button on these agreements, with all our branding partners and team wear simply being carried over for the ‘21 season, along with all corporate hospitality obligations. It means that we’ve got even more time to develop the Astras and will come out of the blocks fighting next March!”

With Jason Plato already confirmed to be in next season’s line up, and with Mat Jackson having first option to continue, the team is in a great place moving forward.

Jason Plato said: “I genuinely believe this is the right decision for us as a team, and all of our loyal partners. It may not be what people want to hear, and we are all gutted to not be racing as we had planned but the really important thing is to make sure we are in a position to race again in ’21 and for many years beyond, and this was the best way for us all to guarantee that.”

The team will look to field at least one car as an independent entry at rounds throughout the year, as part of its plan to showcase and develop both young motorsport talent as well as giving surprise guest outings to some well-known touring car stars who aren’t able to commit to a full season due to various other commitments. More exciting news on this will come in the days and weeks ahead. The team will also still be providing their regular online content. 

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Power Maxed Racing have come a long way from their first foray in 2015, and they’ll be missed on the grid this year. We will see their car throughout this season with some guest drivers that I’m sure will delight our fans, and from the commitments Adam [Weaver] has made, I’ve no doubt they’ll be back in the thick of it come ’21. These are trying times for everyone, but we will all weather the storm by supporting each other as best we can.”