BTCC future in jeopardy for Power Maxed Racing

Power Maxed Racing is working to stay on the grid of the British Touring Car Championship for the 2025 season after confirming the withdrawal of its main backer.

Pendragon Management Services, whose CarStore and Evans Halshaw divisions have been title sponsors of the Vauxhall Astra squad, has ended its agreement three years into what was a five-year contract.

A team statement read: “PMR had expected this to be a five-year sponsorship programme, but unfortunately it has ended at the end of year three.

“PMR has both continually and heavily invested in the development of its Vauxhall Astras based on this five-year plan and has seen its competitiveness improve season by season.

“Although we are clearly seeking alternative sponsors and solutions to this situation, the unexpected and late decision poses a significant threat to PMR’s ability to continue competing in the BTCC in the short term should we not find suitable partners.”

The team swept the competition away in 2024 as Aron Taylor-Smith and Mikey Doble helped secure the Independent Teams’ Championship. Taylor-Smith also netted the Independent Drivers’ Championship while Doble wrapped up the Jack Sears Trophy.

As it stands, Power Maxed Racing still hold two TOCA BTCC Licences for the forthcoming campaign.

Adam Weaver, Team Principal, said: “It would be a great shame for our journey in the BTCC to come to an unexpected end, especially off the back of such an incredible season for us. However, if it does become the end of our story then what a fantastic last chapter!

“We are still working tirelessly to put things together with existing partners and to attract new ones, but it’s all having to happen a little faster than we had planned. This makes things a bit more difficult, but we haven’t given up yet.”