HGTCC set for record season The Heritage Grand Touring Car Challenge is set for its best-ever season in 2006, with unprecedented competitor support and a superb race calendar. Spectacular cars and star drivers will ensure the series appeals to drivers and fans alike.The HGTCC is one of the leading race series in Britain for sports, saloon and GT cars from the 1960s and 1970s and has been boosted by support from MotorSport Vision boss Jonathan Palmer. Six of the seven races will be at MSV venues, with the season kicking off at the F3/GT meeting at Oulton Park over the Easter weekend (April 15/17)."I'm delighted to welcome the HGTCC back to our circuits again this year and look forward to watching these powerful thoroughbred cars in action," says Palmer. Run by Heritage Racing Support and managed by seasoned racer Mike Youles, the class is home to a glorious range of cars; from Mini Coopers to Chevrolet Camaros; from Corvette Stingrays to Aston Martins. All the cars must remain in period specification and race on moulded treaded tyres."The response from competitors has been excellent," says Youles. We already have 35 registrations and are taking new enquiries all the time." A number of star names are set to appear during the season, including Tiff Needell, Tony Jardine and John Rhodes.After starting with three British F3/GT meetings, the HGTCC will have two high-profile support slots to the BTCC before concluding at the ever-popular Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch in October. At most events, the series will have two races.Youles is particularly keen to make the cars and drivers accessible to the fans and is working on several innovations to help race fans get closer to the action. "We want the fans to come and meet us in the paddock and get close to the cars," says Youles.With the option of two drivers per car, mini-enduro races and packed grids, the stage is set for a cracking 2006 season for the Heritage Grand Touring Car Challenge.