As the BTCC season returns at the Snetterton test, the news broke that Power Maxed Racing were to withdraw from the 2020 season.
Pre-season tests can throw up some surprises on track, but this year brought one off track.
The Vauxhall Team announced that they would not be contesting the full season in 2020.
They have also released both 2-time BTCC Champion Jason Plato, and new signing Mat Jackson.
This is not the end of Power Maxed Racing however, the team is fully committed to a 2021 campaign.
Plato is signed on for 2021, and Jackson has an option to continue as well.
The team still plan to run the Vauxhall Astra’s independently in a few races in 2020.
They will use these few outings to “showcase and develop young motorsport talents”.
As well as providing guest appearances to BTCC stars who haven’t been able to commit to a full season.
This announcement extends Jackson’s time on the BTCC side-lines, having already spent 2 years away from the sport after splitting with Motorbase.
Plato commented that this was the best way for the team to guarantee a position to race in 2021 and beyond.
But for now means there will be no Plato for the start of the season at Donington Park on 1-2 August.
PMR Team Boss Adam Weaver added that is was not an easy decision, but the right thing to do.
Weaver added: “But I want to clarify this is in no way us ‘giving up'”
He also said that it gave the team more time to develop and come out fighting in March.
PMR have, to quote, “Hit the pause button”, with everything to be carried over into 2021.
This announcement comes just one week after 2013 BTCC Champion Andrew Jordan announced his split from WSR.
- Will we see more drivers and/or teams having to split for the sport or take a year away?
