Watford business owner's decade of backing helps local racing driver claim GT Cup wins

A decade-long partnership between a Watford business owner and a local racing driver has culminated in a breakthrough weekend in one of the UK's leading GT racing championships.

For more than ten years, Andy Williams, a multi-site franchise operator at Pirtek, has backed Aaron Cooke as he worked toward competing at the top levels of British motorsport. That long-term backing recently paid off in the GT Cup Championship, where Cooke claimed two race victories, a second-place finish and Driver of the Weekend honours.

Backing local talent on and off the track

What began as a shared enthusiasm for motorsport grew into a lasting working relationship. Alongside sponsorship, Williams provided Cooke with employment opportunities and mentoring at Pirtek Watford so he could build a career while continuing to race.

Progressing through motorsport carries steep financial hurdles, with the estimated cost of developing a driver from junior karting to the fringes of Formula One running into millions of pounds. For drivers without family wealth behind them, sustained backing from local employers and sponsors often determines whether they can stay on the grid.

Aaron Cooke competing in the number 37 Jolt Racing Team car in the GT Cup Championship. Photograph supplied by Pirtek UK via Skout PR.

"Built on a genuine passion for motorsport"

Andy Williams said: "As franchisees, we're part of the communities we serve and understand the importance of supporting local people wherever we can. Every community is full of talented individuals with ambitions and potential, and sometimes a bit of support can make a real difference.

"Aaron has shown tremendous dedication throughout the years I've known him. He's worked incredibly hard to create opportunities for himself and we're proud to have played a role in helping him on that journey. Seeing him achieve success at this level is fantastic and thoroughly deserved."

Aaron Cooke said: "Motorsport is an incredibly difficult sport to progress in because the costs involved are so high. Throughout my career, Andy and Pirtek have been a huge part of my journey, helping create opportunities that may otherwise have been out of reach. What has always made the relationship special is that it has never felt like a traditional sponsorship. It's been built on a genuine passion for motorsport and a shared desire to see people succeed.

"Getting the opportunity to compete in the GT Cup Championship was a huge milestone for me, and to come away with two race wins, a second-place finish and Driver of the Weekend was beyond anything I expected. I'm incredibly grateful for the support I've received over the years, particularly from Andy and the team at Pirtek."

Story and photographs supplied by James Weaver at Skout PR on behalf of Pirtek UK.