Time for Action: #RacingForHeroes Takes On The BTCC

April 4th, 2015

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Image Credit: www.marekp.co.uk

All the way back in December, the ground breaking #RacingForHeroes initiative was born unto the world; a race team that would run as an official partner of Help for Heroes to support our wounded veterans, even working towards integrating them into the team itself. Just to highlight the true vibrancy of this enterprise, #RacingForHeroes supports young British motorsport talent in the hope of propelling them into the prosperous career that they deserve. Last week at the BTCC Media Day, the #RacingForHeroes outfit broke cover and took to the tarmac with Josh Cook at the helm. With the first race weekend at Brands Hatch approaching, it was time for the team to show the world what they were made of.

Speaking as a lifelong fan of the British Touring Car Championship, #RacingForHeroes are directly responsible for me struggling to find the words to comprehend my excitement at my favourite series taking such an important and innovative step forward. Since their inception last year, the team remained secretive regarding their vehicle for success in the BTCC. When it was announced that experienced Renault Clio Cup UK driver Josh Cook would be racing in a Chevrolet Cruze as part of the Power Maxed Racing squad, everything started to come together. As Media Day finally arrived, #RacingForHeroes could finally take to the track.

I have mentioned previously just how attractive the 2015 BTCC grid looks, especially when you see the traditional start line group shot. Although, of all the cars I had the honour of seeing take to the track at Media Day, it was the Power Maxed team that stood out more than any other. The combination of colours and sponsors on the car creates a potent mix of good-looks, charm and potential. The Josh Cook car beautifully combines the glorious message of the #RacingForHeroes name with the determination and engineering of the 2015 Power Maxed effort.

Is she not just a thing of pure beauty? Image Credit: BTCC.net

Sadly, due to funding and sponsorship delays #RacingForHeroes have not been able to field the originally intended five car outfit across the TOCA package, but their headline entry in the BTCC remains. Furthermore, founder Peter Thorpe hopes that with more sponsorship deals being finalised that the other entries can be sorted as well as buying more space on the BTCC car itself. It truly will be an evolving project throughout the year.

“It’s amazing to be achieving one of my dreams as well as managing to do something good alongside Help for Heroes for all our injured veterans. I am under no illusions that it will be easy, but I will not be happy until I’m at the front” – Josh Cook ahead of his 2015 BTCC season

When the small matter of the first official BTCC test session of the year came around, Cook and the #RacingForHeroes boys certainly did not fail to deliver. Having completed just over 30 laps in his Chevrolet Cruze, Josh managed to end the day 15^th in the standings with a best time of 1:11.289. In your first competitive run, to only be off the pace by 1 second is nothing to be ashamed about. To make his achievements that little bit sweeter, some notable names that Cook managed to beat include veterans Rob Collard and previous champion Gordon Shedden. Did I also mention that Josh Cook was the fastest rookie, which if you ask me puts him in a strong position for the Jack Sears Trophy?

Hopefully, this rear view is all the competition will see this year! Image Credit: BTCC.net

With the first round at Brands Hatch very much upon us, the time for talking is over. The months of hard work from everyone at #RacingForHeroes have been astonishing. It is now time for Josh Cook to climb into that stunning Chevrolet Cruze and take to the track. After impressing at Media Day, the chances of strong positions are high, even considering the proven calibre of the BTCC field. It has been a few years since the fans of the series have seen a Chevrolet at the top of the time sheets, but now is the time for a mix up in the championship. All I can say is good luck to Josh Cook and of course the whole of Power Maxed Racing including Dave Newsham, without whom this would not be possible!

The BTCC is famous for its action-packed unpredictability, and so who knows what may happen. What I can say for sure is that this weekend marks a momentous occasion in the series. With every corner, every apex and every overtake, Josh Cook will be representing our wounded veterans through motorsport.

Don’t forget to follow all the action across the weekend on Twitter @RacingForHeroes

It is time for the dawning of a new era in British motorsport.

This is the rise of #RacingForHeroes.

It’s time to drive for change!

Article written by Lewis Glynn

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