BUXTON LANDS TOP ROLE WITH BTC RACING TIN-TOP ASSAULT
Title-winning racer takes the reins at ambitious Honda Civic squad for 2022
Former tin-top racer Danny Buxton has joined the BTC Racing British Touring Car Championship squad as team principal and thinks there is no reason the operation can’t match the category’s powerhouses.
Buxton will oversee the entire operation of Steve Dudman’s team as Dudman focuses on other parts of his business empire. Renault Clio Cup title winner Buxton, who was head of McLaren’s customer GT racing division and previously ran the Scuderia Vittoria team, said the temptation to get back on the pitwall was too strong for him to turn down the chance.
“I am a winner, and I love to be out there making things happen,” Buxton told Motorsport News. “I was doing some work coaching [BTC Racing driver] Josh Cook and got to know Steve Dudman. He is full of enthusiasm and drive, and he is as serious about winning as I am. This made the switch so appealing for me.”
The Brackley-based squad will continue to run its Honda Civic Type R machines this season, fitted with the newfor-2022 hybrid units. Josh Cook, Senna Proctor and Jade Edwards drove for BTC Racing last term. No drivers have yet been confirmed for this year and, despite holding four 2022 entry licences, it is uncertain how many cars it will field.
Buxton said that the BTCC was the primary focus for the team, but he would be able to look at expanding the squad into other categories. “As soon as I looked into BTC and its set-up, you can tell it is geared up to win and the foundations behind the team are as good as anywhere I have seen. The BTCC is the bread and butter but, with my contacts, there is no reason we can’t look to grow into GT racing or anything else. I really can’t wait to get started: I am very energised about this.”