Vauxhall’s reasons behind its decision to continue in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship are a “massive endorsement” of the series, according to its boss Alan Gow.
This morning the British manufacturer – one of the most successful in BTCC history – confirmed it would contest the UK’s most popular motor racing championship for the 18th year in a row in 2007. It cited an increase in grid sizes, crowd figures and television audiences as being behind its decision.
Next year will mark a technical challenge for Vauxhall as it will need to switch its cars to meet the new Super 2000 technical regulations in order to fight for outright BTCC crowns.
BTCC Series Director Gow said: “It is a continuing pleasure to have Vauxhall as a very important part of our grid next season. Vauxhall has been a great supporter of the BTCC over the years, providing the championship with some of its most exciting cars, drivers and moments. Its participation – and very clear reasons for competing – is a massive endorsement of the championship’s growth.
“I am also confident that, having had a difficult season by its very high standards, Vauxhall will see the birth of new technical regulations as an opportunity to move back towards the front of the grid. Vauxhall has always relished a challenge and it will be fascinating to see what it has in store for the BTCC’s many millions of fans around the world.”
After a lean season in terms of results, Vauxhall yesterday achieved its 101st victory in the BTCC when its Italian driver Fabrizio Giovanardi won at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent. Only Ford has won more races. Vauxhall first entered the BTCC in 1989 and has since gone on to lift seven Drivers’ and six Manufacturers’ titles.
Vauxhall brand manager Stuart Harris said: “The BTCC is definitely on the ascent. The competition is diversifying with more teams entering and larger grids, which is attracting a great fan base – we’d be crazy to pull out now.
“There’s no denying that 2006 has been a difficult year for us but that’s all the more reason to redouble our efforts, regroup and attack."
Following yesterday's Brands Hatch fixture, the BTCC title race will go down to the wire on Finals Day at the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire on 15 October between three drivers - Team Halfords Honda driver Matt Neal, SEAT's Jason Plato and Colin Turkington, in Team RAC's bio-ethanol-fuelled MG.
Admission for children aged under 16 is free, while Adult race day tickets are just £15.00 if booked in advance - this can be done on the home page of the BTCC's official website btcc.net, Silverstone's website silverstone.co.uk or by calling the ticket hot line 08704 588260.
