Claims BTCC Boss Alan Gow
Alan Gow, the man in charge of Britain's biggest motor racing championship - the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship - believes picking a winner in the series' opening rounds at Brands Hatch, Kent on 9 April is "too close to call".
According to Gow, more than half the field has the potential to win at Brands. Matt Neal (Team Halfords Honda) is a strong bet to retain his title, but the opposition includes some of the best touring car drivers in the world including Jason Plato and James Thompson (SEAT), Tom Chilton and Fabrizio Giovanardi (Vauxhall) and Colin Turkington and Rob Collard (Team RAC MGs).
Gow says: "As we've seen in a few other sports recently, 2006 seems to be the year for some shock results and I can see the same happening in the BTCC at Brands Hatch. The circuit always generates close, exciting and unpredictable races, plus we have probably as many as a dozen drivers who could conceivably come away with a race win that day.
"Without doubt, it's going to be very competitive right from the start and, for anyone looking for an action-packed day out, Brands Hatch on 9 April has to be a date in their diary. Certainly, our records show that many people become hooked by the BTCC on their first visit and then remain lifelong fans. There's always a lot for people to do and see at a BTCC race meeting, particularly at a circuit like Brands Hatch - a natural amphitheatre that probably provides the best spectator viewing of any motor racing venue in Britain."
The BTCC will be in race action three times at Brands Hatch on 9 April - Matt Neal will go there hoping to start the defence of his 2005 title with wins in his Team Halfords Honda Integra.
But adds Gow: "What Matt and his team achieved in 2005 was sensational - to win at this level requires an exceptional performance. But it was also a slap in the face for their rivals and you can bet your bottom dollar that the established big hitters such as Vauxhall, SEAT and Team RAC won't have liked that one bit. They will all have doubled their efforts to ensure they don't suffer the same in 2006 and will be planning to strike back at the very earliest opportunity... and that's at Brands Hatch.
"I genuinely believe that there are several smaller teams who could spring a major surprise on their debuts at Brands. Motorbase Performance, the local team, and Eurotech might be new to the game, but each is running one of last year's Halfords Hondas and are proven outfits in other categories. We have some smaller teams also out to make a big name for themselves. All that's certain is that it's too close to call."
Crowds travelling to Brands Hatch on 9 April will not just see the BTCC in race action three times, but also another eight supporting races from high-profile championships put on by top car manufacturers BMW, Porsche, Renault and SEAT. On race day, the pit lane will be opened free of charge to spectators and families to meet the BTCC drivers and grab give-aways during a special autograph session.
Admittance is free for children aged 12 and under and there is still a chance to buy adult tickets at discounted prices - booking online at brandshatch.co.uk costs just £20.
