Biography

BTC Racing joined the fold in 2017 as BTC Norlin Racing with a brace of Chevrolet Cruzes, but whilst the entry was new, the backbone of the team wasn’t, having previously competed in the BTCC from 2006 to 2008 and again in 2014.

The driving strength blended the experience of Dave Newsham with the potential of Chris Smiley. The fledgling outfit enjoyed a strong opening campaign, tallying consistent points finishes throughout the second half of the year. Highlights included a fourth place at Donington Park and a podium at Silverstone for Newsham.

Smiley stayed on-board for 2018, with the team switching to a potent pair of Honda Civic Type Rs. The Northern Irishman was joined by James Nash, who was replaced by Daniel Lloyd midway through the season. The Yorkshireman achieved BTC’s first series victory on home soil at Croft, while Smiley sealed a maiden success of his own at Rockingham on the championship’s final visit to the circuit.

Josh Cook joined the line-up for 2019 as Smiley continued with the outfit for a third straight year, the pair piloting new, current FK8-generation Honda Civic Type Rs. The combination propelled Cook to three victories and seven podiums to claim fourth position in the overall Drivers’ classification, with three further rostrums for Smiley securing BTC the same spot in the Teams’ standings.

In 2020, the Brackley-based outfit expanded to three cars, as Tom Chilton joined Cook while Michael Crees entered the fold under ‘The Clever Baggers with BTC Racing’ banner. A consistent campaign for Crees saw the #777 driver secure the Jack Sears Trophy, while a number of podiums for Chilton and Cook – including a double win at Croft for the 29-year-old – resulted in a top-five finish in the standings for the team by the conclusion of the campaign.

Cook stuck with the team for 2021, joined by Jade Edwards who will be piloting the PHSC with BTC Racing Honda Civic Type R, as she embarks on her first full BTCC campaign. A late call up for Dan Cammish saw the 33-year-old join the squad during Thruxton’s opening rounds, while Senna Proctor would get behind the wheel for the remainder of the campaign. The Brackley-based outfit celebrated an impressive 15 visits to the rostrum throughout the year, concluding 2021 second in the overall teams’ battle.

In 2022, Rich Energy BTC Racing retained Cook and Edwards, with the pair joined by series stalwart Jason Plato. The season had its ups and downs, but highlights included Cook securing four podiums and 296 points, taking sixth in the championship overall, as well as a podium at Snetterton for Jason Plato, who was driving his final season in the championship.

The 2023 campaign will introduce a new look for the team, after One Motorsport – formerly BTC Racing – announced it will be joining forces with Starline to form One Motorsport with Starline Racing. The outfit will retain reigning independents champion Josh Cook, who will be joined by Aiden Moffat and Will Powell, with the aim to build on last years strong performance.

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