BTCC preview

Can the best get any better? The series has rarely seen anything more electrifying than the superb finale to last year’s Auto Express-backed British Touring Car Championship, which climaxed with a three-way title tussle going right down to the final corner of the final lap of the final race.

It’s hard to imagine a more nailbiting conclusion to this year’s 30-round campaign, which blasts off at Thruxton on Easter Sunday. The early signs, though, are very promising.

Last week, boss Alan Gow announced an expanded 23-car grid – and on the opposite page we focus on the leading contenders. Gow is confidently predicting an exciting Dunlop-sponsored championship between now and what could very well be another edge-of-the-seat conclusion at Brands Hatch in early October.

"It promises to be another phenomenal season,” said Gow. “Globally, motorsport has felt the pinch following a very cruel recession. Yet the BTCC continues to buck that trend and set an example for many other high-profile series around the world –as shown by our 2010 entry list.  “I’m immensely proud of the huge efforts made by the teams, drivers and sponsors during the winter to ensure they are here. But the fact they continue to want to compete and succeed speaks volumes for this championship’s ability to excite, inspire and reward at the very highest level in the UK.

“No doubt, as normal, even more will join during the course of the season – further testament to the BTCC as being Britain’s biggest drawcard for teams, drivers and sponsors.”

While other championships have tried to spice up their on-track entertainment with new regulations, Gow is sticking to his successful formula. “What’s the point in us making changes when what we have never fails to produce plenty ofunpredictable action, lots of overtaking and a gripping title race? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

With more than 300 BTCC starts under his belt, Jason Plato knows just how tough it is at the sharp end of Britain’s favourite race series. He won outright in 2001 but, since then, has been runner-up three times, most recently in 2009. This year, he again starts as one of the men to beat – more so as he has swapped his ageing Lacetti for Chevrolet’s latest Cruze.

“It is an important year for us and this time second simply won’t be good enough,” admitted Plato, who has thrown down the gauntlet by showing lap-record pace in pre-season testing.

“It’s important we make a fast start, but the BTCC regulations are so clever – they ensure no one has a massive advantage. We’re all set for another great season. It’s going to be tough to win – I know that from the number of times I’ve finished second!”

Matt Neal is another former champ targeting further success. After two below-par terms with Vauxhall, the Midlander returns to the Honda Civic pocket rocket run by his family’s Team Dynamics outfit – this year with official backing from the Japanese manufacturer.

“I won my two titles with Honda, so it’s great to be back in the fold. The car feels really racy, but once again the oppositionis very strong,” he warned.

Having been treated to so many epic finishes, Gow certainly isn’t tipping Plato, Neal or anyone else to lift this year’s BTCC crown. “As ever, the spectators will be the real winners,” he promised.

Verdict

Thruxton                        4 April
Rockingham                   25 April  
Brands Hatch GP            2 May
Oulton Park                    6 June
Croft                             20 June
Snetterton                     8 August
Silverstone                    22 August
Knockhill                        5 Sept
Donington Park              19 Sept
Brands Hatch Indy          10 Oct