GOW VOWS TO “EXPLODE A FEW MYTHS” ABOUT BTCC AT TEAMS FORUM
Alan Gow, the man in charge of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, has vowed to “explode a few myths” about joining his series at a special teams’ forum in September.
Gow is inviting all prospective independent teams and drivers aiming to enter Britain’s biggest motor racing championship in 2006 to the forum, to be held at the BAR Honda Formula One team’s headquarters at Brackley, Northamptonshire on Monday 12 September.
BTCC Series Director Gow says: “There still seems to be a misnomer within the sport that competing as an independent in the BTCC is much more expensive than it actually is or can be. This event will enable us to outline what the BTCC is all about and of the costs and benefits of competing.”
The BTCC is Britain’s most high-profile and professionally-run motor racing championship. In 2005, seven of its ten race meetings receive live air time on the UK’s number one commercial terrestrial television channel ITV1 with viewing figures breaking the 1.5 million mark. The BTCC also races in front of what are by far Britain’s biggest domestic four-wheel motor sport crowds.
Independent teams and drivers are increasingly enjoying more success in the BTCC. In 2004, the WSR team with its MGs took the title fight against Vauxhall’s official ‘works’ team to the final round. In 2005, independent squad Team Halfords currently leads the overall BTCC standings ahead of Vauxhall and SEAT. Its drivers Matt Neal and Dan Eaves have also won nine of the 21 races held so far this season.
In addition, Arena Motorsports has won three times meaning independent teams have taken victory in more than half the season’s races so far.
New independent entry HPI Racing with Friends Reunited has also provided plenty of colour and media interest with its pair of bright green Lexus since graduating to the BTCC from its supporting Elf Renault Clio Cup series.
Gow adds: “Interest from prospective entrants – from championships within our support paddock and elsewhere – for 2006 is at an all-time high and so we feel it is only appropriate to give those people the information they need to help their entry into the BTCC.
“It’s not uncommon for us to receive calls from interested individuals who have become disillusioned with broken promises made by other series, only to find themselves struggling to make the leap into the BTCC because they’ve blown their budget.
“It’s time to explode a few myths that surround the BTCC and show people that a detailed and well-organised approach – for which they will be able to plan following this forum – can reap tremendous rewards. I’m sure many will be surprised at just how relatively inexpensive and cost-effective the BTCC can be for the competitor.”
Also in attendance will be many current BTCC team managers and drivers, who will give their views and experiences on the championship, as well as answering any questions from prospective entrants.
Numbers are strictly limited and parties who wish to attend the BTCC Teams Forum at BAR Honda, Brackley between 19.00-20.30 must register their interest with Dan Mayo, BTCC Co-ordinator by emailing dan@motorsportpr.com prior to Wednesday 7 September.
