<p class="has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Ryan Bensley to join squad for remainder of the 2026 BTCC season</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Speedworks Corolla Racing has confirmed a change to its driver line-up ahead of the resumption of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton next weekend (25/26 July).</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ryan Bensley will take over the Toyota Corolla GR Sport for the remainder of the season, whilst Max Buxton will move into an expanded Driver Development &amp; Reserve Driver role within the organisation.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The move forms part of a wider long-term strategy and allows Buxton to remain fully integrated within the Speedworks programme, continuing his development both on and off track, which will help prepare him for a return to the grid at the earliest appropriate opportunity.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Since making his BTCC debut, Buxton has demonstrated maturity, professionalism and a strong work ethic. The young driver will continue supporting engineering development, simulator work, driver coaching within the team's Rising Stars programme and manufacturer activities, alongside fulfilling reserve driver responsibilities throughout the remainder of the season.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Bensley, who impressed during his BTCC appearances in 2025, arrives at Speedworks with enormous enthusiasm and determination to establish himself on the BTCC grid. His performances last season demonstrated both natural pace and an ability to learn quickly, while his professional attitude, technical feedback and willingness to work closely with engineers marked him out as one of the championship's most promising young talents.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With Thruxton presenting the fastest and arguably one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar, Bensley is eager to begin work with the team and maximise every opportunity available throughout the remainder of the campaign.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Christian Dick, Team Principal, Speedworks Corolla Racing, said: </strong>"Firstly, I'd like to thank Max for the professionalism he's shown throughout this process. He's an important part of our programme and that certainly doesn't change with this announcement.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">"We've always viewed driver development as a long-term journey, not simply what happens over a handful of race weekends. Max will continue to play a valuable role within the team, working closely with our engineers, coaching our Rising Stars Junior programme and remaining fully involved in our BTCC operation as Reserve Driver.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“At the same time, we're absolutely delighted to welcome Ryan to Speedworks Corolla Racing. He impressed everyone with his performances last year, and we've been following his progress closely. He's quick, technically minded, works exceptionally well with Josh, and we're excited to see what we can achieve together during the remainder of the season."</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Max Buxton, Driver Development &amp; Reserve Driver, Speedworks Corolla Racing, said: </strong>"I’ve loved the first part of the year and yes, naturally, every racing driver wants to be on the grid, but I’ll continue to keep working away behind the scenes. I'm grateful to Speedworks for continuing to invest in my development.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">"This certainly isn't the end of my BTCC journey – in many ways it's just another step along it. The goal is to be back on the grid as soon as possible, and I'll be using this opportunity to keep learning, keep developing and make myself an even stronger driver when that chance comes.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">"I'll still be with the team at every event, supporting Ryan and Josh, working alongside the engineering team, supporting the team’s Rising Stars programme and contributing wherever I can. I'm determined to keep improving and make sure I'm ready when the opportunity arrives."</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Ryan Bensley, Driver, Speedworks Corolla Racing, said: </strong>"I'm incredibly excited to be joining Speedworks Corolla Racing and I'd like to thank Christian, Danny and everyone involved for the opportunity.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Credit to Max, who I think showed great courage stepping into the BTCC at such a competitive time, and to hold his own was remarkable given his short racing career prior to joining.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It’s a dream to drive for Speedworks Corolla Racing! Competing in the BTCC has been my life goal, but to also driver alongside Josh Cook – who has been so instrumental in my career to date, gives me the best platform to learn quickly ensuring we have the best chance to succeed as a team this year and next. Thruxton will be a massive challenge, but it’s actually my favourite track and with the new format, I can’t wait to get stuck in.”</p>