Aron Taylor-Smith joins Speedworks Motorsport for 2025
Aron Taylor-Smith will embark on a new challenge in the British Touring Car Championship for 2025 after putting pen-to-paper on a deal to join Speedworks Motorsport.
The Irishman’s move to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK comes less than 24 hours after his previous team, Power Maxed Racing, are facing an uncertain future due to its main sponsor withdrawing.
Taylor-Smith debuted in the BTCC back in 2011 and following a few years out, he returned to the grid in 2021 and has since flourished.
Last year was his most successful to-date as he finished seventh overall in the Drivers’ Championship and romped his way to the Independent Drivers’ title.
Partnering Ronan Pearson at the manufacturer-backed squad, Taylor-Smith will celebrate his 300th start in the UK’s premier motorsport series at the Donington Park season-opener.
“It’s an incredible feeling, to be stood here as a TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK driver,” he said. “To work with the world’s largest car manufacturer on the biggest stage in British motorsport was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and this is without doubt one of the proudest days of my career.
“When I met with Christian [Dick] and Danny [Buxton – Speedworks’ Head of Motorsport], it was clear right from the start that they’ve conducted a really exciting development programme over the winter with the Corolla GR Sport, which was already a proven race-winner and one of the most competitive packages on the BTCC grid!
“I’m hugely grateful to them for the faith they’ve put in me. This is an exceptionally motivated team, with some of the best staff in the business and a real ‘family feel’. Speedworks’ track record over the years speaks for itself, and I’ve been massively impressed with everything I’ve seen and heard so far – all the ingredients are in-place to make this a real success.
“Having spent the past two years trying to beat the manufacturer-backed cars, it’ll be a surreal feeling to be amongst them, but that just spurs me on even more to put on a show. I’ve only ever wanted a chance to fight for the overall BTCC title, and I firmly believe that joining forces with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK gives me the perfect platform and environment to create that opportunity.
“I have absolute confidence in the car, the team and myself, and I can’t wait for my first laps in the Corolla. There’s no reason at all why we can’t be pushing for podiums and victories this season!”
The identity of Speedworks’ remaining two seats will be confirmed over the coming weeks.
