Multiple BTCC race winner Daniel Rowbottom has been announced as the first driver for Plato Racing’s debut season in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.
Rowbottom will spearhead the new squad, founded by BTCC legend Jason Plato, in one of the team’s all-new Mercedes-AMG A35 Saloons designed and built by renowned engineering outfit RML.
The 36-year-old brings with him long-term backers Cataclean, who have supported Rowbottom throughout his BTCC career, during which he’s achieved five wins, five pole positions and 20 podiums.
Having made his debut in 2019, the Worcestershire racer switched to the Team Dynamics outfit in 2021 where he claimed the coveted Jack Sears Trophy. A move to Alliance Racing in 2023 would usher in further success, including helping the team claim consecutive Teams' Championship titles the following season.
Playing an integral role in the launch of the new team, Rowbottom will be hoping to establish himself as a championship challenger in the A35 saloon.
Plato Racing will announce Rowbottom's teammate in due course.
Daniel Rowbottom said: "This is without doubt the biggest move of my career so far. To be a partner with Jason at Plato Racing is a pretty special feeling and something that 10-year-old me would have never believed could be possible.
"The deal has been in the works for a while and as you would expect with Jason being involved, everything is being done properly and to the highest of levels. Being aligned with the team gives Cataclean much tighter control of our destiny and being able to maximise future opportunities.
"We've recruited some big names and the work that is going on back at base is pretty incredible; I'm confident that we've got something special with the Mercedes. For me personally, I'm really excited to be stepping into that role of leading a team and driving it forward too.
"Last season was my best yet in the BTCC and the target now is to build on that. I want to be BTCC Champion one day and believe this is the place where I can do just that. We've got a big year ahead of us but I believe we'll be mixing it for wins and podiums from the get-go."
Team owner Jason Plato added: "We are all very excited to have Dan and Cataclean as a part of Plato Racing for 2026 and beyond.
"On a personal level I'm very proud to have Dan in one of our race cars; the journey he has been on, to come through open heart surgery at the end of the 2024 season is remarkable. His performances last year were the best they have ever been and his focus and determination is second to none. We're all expecting great things from Dan.
"It's also fantastic to have the backing from Cataclean. They are a fantastic company who understand how to leverage this investment in the BTCC; we're all working hard to further expand their growth in the automotive sector.
"I'm confident that Plato Racing, with Dan and Cataclean on board, will be a true force in the BTCC this coming season."
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