By Mick Palmer

Dan Rowbottom has officially been unveiled as the first driver to join the new Plato Racing team for their 2026 BTCC debut season.

After a long and quiet off-season where the Kidderminster driver has been linked to the new squad, the reveal gets the ball rolling for the outfit as they build towards putting their new Mercedes A35 Saloon entries on the track for testing.

Rowbottom was installed as the favourite for the first Plato seat at the end of the 2025 BTCC season. When approached by Touring Car Magazine during the final TCR UK round at Brands Hatch at the end of October he offered a wink, a knowing smile and a chuckle accompanied by a quick “I don’t know what you’re talking about” in response to the rumour.

“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,” Rowbottom stated in the official press release.

Long term partner Cataclean will make the move with Rowbottom – who became a director at the firm in the middle of the 2023 season. The company has appeared on his cars from his BTCC entry with Ciceley (also in a Mercedes) before heading off to Team Dynamics and Alliance Racing.

“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.”

The Rowbo/Plato rumours were fuelled thanks to their chemistry and pairing – along with Jodie Kidd – in ‘The Scenic Route,’ a YouTube Road Trip series. With the opening episode landing last year (filmed during the BTCC season) Plato and Rowbottom were perfectly matched. That it was delivered during what has to date been the most successful BTCC season to date for Rowbottom, it set tongues wagging and connecting the pair after the Plato Racing announcement at Silverstone in September.

“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,” Rowbottom added.

Three wins were taken last term in what was ultimately a frustrating season for Rowbottom. Over the last few seasons with Alliance/NAPA (who he was originally contracted to for 2026,) he has essentially been driver #3 in an eco-system that naturally favours four-time champion Ash Sutton. Rowbottom will now have the opportunity to push a car towards his development preferences.

Having Jason Plato as a team boss will be a blessing for Rowbottom. Beside the fact that Plato holds the record for the most wins in BTCC history, he is only three years removed from racing in the championship, which includes competing in NGTC from 2012 to 2022. Unlike other team owners he will have a solid understanding of the trials that Rowbottom will face bringing a new undeveloped car to the grid, having experienced that himself during the current ruleset with MG and Subaru.

“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,” Plato stated.

“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.”