Aron Taylor-Smith joins TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK for 2025 BTCC season with Hako’s support
Aron Taylor-Smith is set to take on an exciting new challenge in the 2025 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) after securing a coveted seat with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK. With Hako proudly supporting him every step of the way, the Irish racing star is gearing up for what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons of his career.
Fresh off an outstanding 2024 campaign, Taylor-Smith made headlines last year by clinching the Independents Championship at Brands Hatch. His season was nothing short of remarkable, boasting 20 class victories, multiple outright podium finishes, and a unique achievement—he was the only driver to score points in every single race. This consistency, combined with his raw speed and racecraft, made him one of the most sought-after talents in the BTCC paddock.
His impressive performances have now earned him a place in one of the most successful cars in modern BTCC history—the Toyota Corolla GR Sport, run by Speedworks Motorsport. Since its introduction in 2019, the Corolla has racked up 17 race wins, 30 further podiums, five pole positions, and 10 fastest laps, making it a formidable challenger for the upcoming season.
A Career Renaissance for Taylor-Smith
Taylor-Smith’s move to a manufacturer-backed team marks a significant milestone in his BTCC career, which has already spanned nearly 300 races since his debut in 2011. With four outright race wins, 22 podium finishes, and almost 1,500 championship points to his name, he now sets his sights on achieving even greater success with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK.
Pre-season testing will begin in the coming weeks, where he will get his first laps in the Toyota Corolla alongside his new teammate, Ronan Pearson. The season officially kicks off at Donington Park on April 27-28, where Taylor-Smith will be aiming to start his campaign on the front foot.
Aron Taylor-Smith: “A Proud Moment in My Career”
Speaking about his new opportunity, Taylor-Smith expressed his excitement and gratitude: “It’s an incredible feeling to be standing here as a TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK driver for 2025. This is undoubtedly one of the proudest moments of my career. The moment I met with Christian [Dick] and Danny [Buxton], I knew this was the right team for me. They’ve been working hard all winter on developing the Corolla GR Sport, and it was already one of the most competitive cars on the grid to begin with!”
“I’ve spent the last two seasons trying to beat the manufacturer-backed teams, and now, to be part of one, it’s a surreal but incredibly motivating experience. I truly believe this move gives me the best chance yet to fight for podiums, race wins, and maybe even a championship. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Christian Dick: “Aron is a Perfect Fit for Our Team”
Christian Dick, Team Principal of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, echoed Taylor-Smith’s enthusiasm: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Aron to the team. From our first conversations, it was clear he was a fantastic fit for Speedworks Motorsport, and vice versa. His performances over the past two years have been outstanding, and we firmly believe that, in the right car, he can be a consistent contender for podiums and race wins.”
“We’ve worked hard over the winter to develop the Toyota Corolla GR Sport even further, and we’re excited to see what Aron can achieve behind the wheel. His experience, talent, and determination make him a real asset to our team, and we believe he can help push us to even greater heights in 2025 and beyond.”
Hako: Supporting Taylor-Smith every step of the way
As Taylor-Smith embarks on this exciting new journey, Hako Machines is proud to stand alongside him as a trusted partner. Just as Hako delivers top-tier cleaning technology and reliability, Taylor-Smith brings the same dedication and excellence to the track. Together, we are ready to take on the 2025 season with ambition and confidence.
With a proven race-winning car, an experienced and highly motivated driver, and the backing of an established manufacturer team, Aron Taylor-Smith and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK are gearing up for an electrifying season ahead. Fans won’t want to miss a second of the action when the BTCC season roars into life at Donington Park this April.