Max Buxton, Toyota Gazoo Racing UK’s newest driver, is ‘extremely excited’ to make his début in the British Touring Car Championship at Croft this weekend.
The 19-year-old will take over in one of the team’s Toyota Corollas for the second half of the 2025 BTCC season, with the car having previously been campaigned by Ronan Pearson and Finn Leslie earlier in the year.
Although Buxton has had limited outings in the car, getting behind the wheel at Snetterton and Pembrey, he feels in a ogod place ahead of making his début, with key support coming from team-mates Gordon Shedden, Árón Taylor-Smith and James Dorlin, along with his father Danny, who is Speedworks Motorsport’s Head of Motorsport and himself a former BTCC racer.
Buxton will make his début at the top level of UK motorsport less than 18 months on from his first competitive outing in a car race.
“I’m extremely excited to be making my BTCC debut with Toyota Gazoo Racing UK with IAA at Croft this weekend,” said erstwhile Fiesta ST150 Championship racer Buxton.
“This is without doubt a dream come true for me so I intend to grab the opportunity with both hands and make the most of it.
“Everyone at Speedworks Motorsport has been very welcoming which has made me feel really at home. Preparations have been going really well, and I feel like I’m in a good place heading to Croft.
“I’m under no illusions that this weekend is going to be a huge learning curve but having the expertise of the team, as well as Gordon, Árón and James, is going to be vital in ensuring I’m heading in the right direction.
“I’m keeping my expectations realistic; the aim is to do the best I can and improve in every session.
“That in-turn will give me the best chance to learn and develop ahead of the remaining rounds, building towards a full campaign in 2026.”