Vauxhall team’s BTCC future in jeopardy after sponsor termination

The way forward for the reigning British Touring Automotive Championship Independents’ title holder Energy Maxed Racing has been jeopardised by the withdrawal of its important backer.

Pendragon Administration Companies, whose CarStore and Evans Halshaw divisions featured as title sponsor of the Midlands squad’s Vauxhall Astras in 2022-23 and 2024 respectively, has ended its settlement three years right into a five-year contract.

A group assertion learn: “PMR had anticipated this to be a five-year sponsorship programme, however sadly it has ended on the finish of yr three.

“PMR has each frequently and closely invested within the growth of its Vauxhall Astras based mostly on this five-year plan and has seen its competitiveness enhance season by season.

“Though we’re clearly in search of various sponsors and options to this case, the surprising and late determination poses a major menace to PMR’s capability to proceed competing within the BTCC within the quick time period ought to we not discover appropriate companions.”

Between them, PMR duo Aron Taylor-Smith and Mikey Doble took 27 of the 30 Unbiased class victories within the BTCC in 2024, with Doble additionally claiming the Jack Sears Trophy title for drivers who had not scored an general podium end earlier than the beginning of the season.

Irishman Taylor-Smith, seventh within the general championship final season, is known to be engaged on a deal to stay within the collection, whereas these round Doble are additionally hopeful that he will likely be on the grid.

“We’re nonetheless working laborious on choices for Mikey,” Doble’s supervisor Will Fewkes instructed Autosport.

“There are alternatives there for him however they’ve bought to be practical commercially – there are a couple of manufacturers which are nearly there to assist him, and there are doubtlessly some good ones that may give him a bit extra long-term safety.”

Pendragon was subjected to a takeover from American large Lithia in early 2024, two years into the Energy Maxed deal, and the axe was rapidly swung on CarStore. Extra not too long ago, it has been closing down Evans Halshaw branches.

PMR boss Adam Weaver stated: “It could be a terrific disgrace for our journey within the BTCC to come back to an surprising finish, particularly off the again of such an unbelievable season for us. Nevertheless, if it does turn into the top of our story then what a improbable chapter!

“We’re nonetheless working tirelessly to place issues along with present companions and to draw new ones, however it’s all having to occur slightly quicker than we had deliberate. This makes issues a bit harder, however we haven’t given up but.”