Ex-MG driver Cook replaces Lines at Maximum Ford BTCC team for 2017
Former works MG driver Josh Cook will replace Stewart Lines in the Maximum Motorsport Ford Focus ST for the 2017 British Touring Car Championship
Team principal and driver Lines had been uncertain he would be fit for the start of the season following a mountain bike accident that left him with muscle and ligament damage.
He has now decided to step aside in favour of 25-year-old Cook, who was on the sidelines after the Triple Eight-run MG team signed Aron Taylor-Smith and Dan Lloyd.
"After my accident, we started analysing our options for the forthcoming campaign to allow myself enough time for recovery," said Lines.
"When Josh announced he was without a drive, we grasped the opportunity to sign a very capable young talent.
"I'm disappointed that I won't be lining up on the 2017 grid, as the car has undergone a significant programme of upgrades over the winter period and is now down to a much lighter weight.
"Despite this, I am delighted we're running Josh this season and believe we've got the complete package to produce some strong finishes."
Cook has been a podium finisher in both his BTCC campaigns so far, having stepped into the series in a Power Maxed Chevrolet in 2015 after being runner-up in the '14 Renault Clio Cup.
"I'm elated to be back on the grid for 2017 - it all turned around in the space of 24 hours," said Cook.
"The support that I received when I announced my departure from MG was incredible.
"I'm immensely grateful to Stewart for enabling my return.
"It's taken a lot of effort with multiple new sponsors.
"I think we've got a great package with Maximum Motorsport, the Focus has been upgraded over the off-season and with Team Parker Racing looking after the operation of the car throughout the year, we should be pushing for strong finishes from the off."
2017 BTCC FIELD
AmD Tuning Audi S3 Saloon
Ollie Jackson, Ant Whorton-Eales
BTC Racing Chevrolet Cruze
Chris Smiley, Dave Newsham
Ciceley Racing Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Adam Morgan
Eurotech Racing Honda Civic Type-R
Jeff Smith, Jack Goff
Handy Motorsport Toyota Avensis
Rob Austin
Laser Tools Racing Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Aiden Moffat
Maximum Motorsport Ford Focus
Josh Cook
Motorbase Performance Ford Focus
Mat Jackson, Luke Davenport, Martin Depper
Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra
Tom Chilton, Senna Proctor
Speedworks Toyota Avensis
Tom Ingram
Team BMR Subaru Levorg
Jason Plato, Ash Sutton, James Cole, TBA
Team Dynamics Honda Civic Type-R
Gordon Shedden, Matt Neal, Matt Simpson
Team Hard VW CC
Will Burns, Michael Epps, Jake Hill
Team Parker Ford Focus
Stephen Jelley
Triple Eight MG MG6
Aron Taylor-Smith, Dan Lloyd
WSR BMW 125i M Sport
Andrew Jordan, Colin Turkington, Rob Collard
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