Power Maxed Racing Faces Uncertain Future Amid Sponsor Withdrawal
The future of Power Maxed Racing (PMR), the reigning British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) Independents’ title holder, hangs in the balance after the abrupt withdrawal of its primary sponsor, Pendragon Management Services. Pendragon, whose CarStore and Evans Halshaw divisions were the title sponsors for PMR’s Vauxhall Astras in the 2022-23 and 2024 seasons, has terminated its agreement three years into a five-year contract. This sudden decision poses a significant threat to the team’s ability to continue competing in the BTCC, despite the team’s remarkable performance and heavy investment in its vehicles.
Team’s Statement and Investment
In a recent statement, PMR expressed its disappointment and the challenges it now faces. The team had anticipated a five-year sponsorship program, during which it heavily invested in the development of its Vauxhall Astras. This investment has paid off, with the team’s competitiveness improving season by season. The statement read, “PMR has 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.” The unexpected and late termination of the sponsorship agreement has left the team scrambling to find alternative sponsors and solutions to keep its BTCC dream alive.
Dominant Performances in 2024
Despite the current uncertainty, PMR’s achievements in the 2024 BTCC season are nothing short of impressive. The team’s duo, Aron Taylor-Smith and Mikey Doble, secured 27 out of the 30 Independent class victories, a testament to their skill and the team’s dedication. Taylor-Smith, an Irish driver, finished seventh in the overall championship, while Doble claimed the Jack Sears Trophy, an award for drivers who had not scored an overall podium finish before the start of the season. These accomplishments highlight the team’s prowess and the potential it holds, making the current situation all the more disheartening.
Drivers’ Future Uncertain
The sudden withdrawal of sponsorship has put the team’s drivers in a precarious position. Aron Taylor-Smith, seventh in the overall championship last season, is actively working on a deal to remain in the series. Meanwhile, those around Mikey Doble are also hopeful that he will be on the grid. Doble’s manager, Will Fewkes, told Autosport, “We’re still working hard on options for Mikey. There are options there for him but they’ve got to be realistic commercially – there are a few brands that are just about there to support him, and there are potentially some good ones that might give him a bit more long-term security.” The drivers’ determination and the support they are receiving offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging situation.
Impact of Pendragon’s Takeover
The abrupt withdrawal of sponsorship is partly attributed to the takeover of Pendragon by American giant Lithia in early 2024. This takeover, which occurred two years into the Power Maxed deal, led to the quick closure of CarStore, a key sponsor. More recently, Pendragon has been closing down Evans Halshaw branches, further complicating the financial landscape for PMR. The team’s boss, Adam Weaver, commented, “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 chapter!” Weaver’s remarks underscore the team’s resilience and the significance of its achievements.
Ongoing Efforts to Secure Future
Despite the challenges, PMR is not giving up. The team is working tirelessly to secure new sponsors and partnerships to continue its journey in the BTCC. Weaver added, “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.” The team’s perseverance and the potential for new commercial opportunities offer a ray of hope. The BTCC community and motorsport fans around the world are closely watching, hoping that PMR can find a way to continue its remarkable run and contribute to the thrilling world of touring car racing.
