Speedworks Corolla Racing has confirmed a driver change for the remainder of the 2026 British Touring Car Championship season, with Ryan Bensley replacing Max Buxton in one of the team’s Toyota Corollas.
Buxton joined the grid at Croft in 2025, in the wake of a shakeup of the team’s line-up which began when Ronan Pearson left the team several weeks earlier.
Since then, Buxton has contested 27 races, although the 20-year-old only scored points on three occasions, all of which came in 2025, as he recorded a best finish of 12th in his début weekend.
With Bensley returning to the BTCC, having contested a one-off event with EXCELR8 Motorsport at Snetterton in 2025, Buxton will move into an ‘expanded’ Driver Development & Reserve Driver role at Speedworks.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank Max for the professionalism he’s shown throughout this process,” said Speedworks Team Principal Christian Dick. “He’s an important part of our programme and that certainly doesn’t change with this announcement.
“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.
“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 [Cook], and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together during the remainder of the season.”
Bensley, 39, is looking forward to returning to the BTCC from next weekend’s event at Thruxton onwards, with previous driver coach Cook acting as his team-mate.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Speedworks Corolla Racing and I’d like to thank Christian, Danny [Buxton] and everyone involved for the opportunity,” said Bensley.
“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.
“It’s a dream to drive for Speedworks Corolla Racing! Competing in the BTCC has been my life goal, but to also drive 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.”
Max Buxton is adamant that he will return to the BTCC grid in due course.
“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,” added Buxton.
“I’m grateful to Speedworks for continuing to invest in my development.
“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.
“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.”