BTCC 50''TH SEASON OPENS AT BRANDS
22 March 2008 - Motorsport Vision

Several teams have run quickly in winter testing.

It is an historic moment for Brands Hatch next weekend (29/30 March), as the circuit hosts the opening round of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship’s 50th season.

Get ready for fireworks

2008 is poised to be one of the closest fought competitions in British Touring Car history, with three title winners lining up on the grid: reigning champion VX Racing’s Fabrizio Giovanardi, his new teammate Matt Neal (2005/6 champion) and 2001 title holder, SEAT’s Jason Plato.

Several teams have run quickly in winter testing, so expect sparks to fly when the lights go out for the first time. SEAT will be a strong contender this year as the team has switched to diesel power, whilst BMW Dealer Team UK’s Mat Jackson is a frontrunner in the independent drivers’ championship. Mat will be driving World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx’s 2007 BMW 320si.

Local squad Motorbase Performance from Wrotham is also hoping for a good start to the season with new drivers Steven Kane and Rob Collard. The team has already tested at Brands Hatch three times this year with its ex-Schnitzer Motorsport BMWs.

Golden boys

As well as looking forward, the British Touring Car Championship has been celebrating the champions of yesteryear as 1958 title contenders Jack Sears and Tommy Sopwith recently visited the Kent circuit. Sears and Sopwith tied on points at the end of the BTCC’s first season, but Jack triumphed when the drivers went head-to-head in a shootout in two Rileys.

Step back in time

Writer Chas Parker will also be celebrating motorsport’s rich history next weekend, as he launches a book on the history of Brands Hatch on Sunday 30 March. Motorsport Vision’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Palmer, will be signing copies of the book with Parker in the Megastore at 1.15pm.

Jonathan Palmer said: “This weekend is both a celebration of tradition and an exciting look towards the future. Brands Hatch has such a rich history and I am thrilled to be part of the British Touring Car Championship’s half-century celebrations. We’re in for an historic contest this year and I look forward to seeing which drivers emerge at the front of the fight for the golden anniversary title.”

The opening round of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship will take place on 29/30 March. Tickets cost from £22 for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000 or click on the link below.

http://www.brandshatchcircuits.co.uk

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