The British Touring Car Championships newest team on the block Plato Racing have acquired five time race winner Dan Rowbottom to pilot their Mercedes-AMG A35 this season. Rowbottom moves from one of the premier seats in the championship to lead the all new Plato Racing squad managed by the two time BTCC champion Jason Plato.
The keen eyed among you might have suspected this one for a while over the winter. Rowbottom and Plato have been part of a Youtube series with Kwikfit which sparked rumours that the pair would continue to work together for the 2026 season.
With the signing of Rowbottom also comes the support of Cataclean. The car care and performance brand have been supporting Rowbottom for multiple years and will continue to support him in his move to Plato Racing.
It’s also worth noting, Rowbottom has had experience driving a Mercedes in the BTCC before. He drove the Mercedes-Benz A-Class in his first BTCC season back in 2019.
Rowbottom’s Brilliant 2025
Since then, the driver from Kidderminster has risen through the ranks in the BTCC, claiming the Jack Sears trophy in his second full season back in 2021. Rowbo then moved to the Alliance Racing NAPA team in 2023 and claimed five podiums in his first year with the team. The 2025 season was a career high for Rowbottom, claiming three wins and eight podiums which secured him fifth place in the standings.
Rowbottom expressed his excitement to be partnering up with Plato ahead of the 2026 season. “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.”
His new boss Jason Plato talked about Dan’s journey as a driver and what they can achieve this year. “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.” “I’m confident that Plato Racing, with Dan and Cataclean on board, will be a true force in the BTCC this coming season.”
Main Image Credit: BTCC
Quotes Credit: BTCC