British Touring Cars - even faster at fifty!

2008 heralds 50 years of Touring Cars in Britain and what better place to celebrate the anniversary than at Europe’s largest motorsport show, the Autosport International Show.

More than 20 race cars from through its history will be on display with past and present drivers coming along to talk to fans and share their memories from the Autosport Stage.

Among the car line-up are John Cleland’s 1995 Championship winning Vauxhall Cavalier, Matt Neal’s Honda Integra in which he became the 2006 title holder as well as Steve Soper’s iconic Ford Sierra RS500.

Since 1958 the British public has embraced the touring cars where they have watched racing versions of their road cars from the Austin A105 which won the first title to this year’s Championship-winning car, the Vauxhall Vectra. Minis, Sunbeams, Fords and BMWs have also taken part over the years.

While always popular, the BTCC boomed in the nineties. The championship grew in terms of manufacturers involved and popularity on television as well as trackside spectators.

“The excitement on the track and the passion displayed by the many millions of fans who come through the gates or tune in to watch the BTCC is now among the greatest of any championship in the world,” said Alan Gow, BTCC Series Director.

“In the Nineties, we were blessed with nine manufacturer-backed teams and this helped the BTCC’s popularity go through the roof. However, it is important that any championship moves with the times and today we have, I believe, a BTCC that is as popular, competitive, exciting and captivating as at any other stage during those 50 years.

“I am extremely proud to be in charge of the BTCC as it prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday in what I am sure will be a season to truly savour.”

Haymarket Exhibition’s Event Presenter Ian France added: “Touring Cars have raced in the UK for as long as I can remember. It has not only been dynamic and exiting racing but has also become the back-bone of the British motorsport scene.

“I’m really pleased to be working with the BTCC on the celebration of such an incredible milestone.”

Autosport International will be open to the public on Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 January 2008 with trade days on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 January. Adult tickets start at £28.00 per day with children’s tickets costing £18.50. To book, visit autosport-international.com.