General News

BTCC on pole at Autosport

What better way to kick off 2013 than with a visit to Autosport International? More so, perhaps, next month than ever before as, for the first time, the huge show staged at the NEC, Birmingham will feature a special display stand showcasing the very best of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Top drivers and cars from Britain's premier series will be appearing on the show's two public days (12-13 January), as members of a star-studded line-up.

Having claimed his maiden BTCC title in 2012, Gordon Shedden will be joined at the show by Honda Yuasa Racing Team stablemate and three-time BTCC champion Matt Neal. Both will be meeting fans, signing autographs and looking ahead to another action-packed season. Dual series champion Jason Plato (photo) and 2012 Independent Drivers' Champion Andrew Jordan will join the Honda pair, with more leading drivers to be announced.

Show-goers can also check out many of the BTCC's spectacular, 2.0-litre, 300hp turbo-charged race cars in the metal. A total of seven cars from seven different teams will be on display, led by the title-winning Team Dynamics Honda Civic.

Having pushed the Honda drivers in the championship battle, Plato’s MG KX Momentum Racing MG6 GT will be present, along with the Rob Austin Racing Audi A4, eBay Motors BMW 320si, Welch Motorsport Proton, Speedworks Motorsport Toyota Avensis and Team HARD. Vauxhall Insignia.

“The 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship was one of the most exciting and competitive in history, with nine different race winners, and a three-way title fight at the final round,” said Alan Gow, BTCC Series Director. “We can’t think of a better way to kick off 2013 than giving fans the opportunity to experience this phenomenal display at Autosport International.”

“The popularity of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship has never been in question, and we’re excited about showcasing such a comprehensive collection of cars from the series at Autosport International, along with giving fans the opportunity to meet top-line drivers including champions Gordon Shedden, Matt Neal and Jason Plato,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.

Among the other displays at Autosport International, all of the race winners will feature in a fleet of 2012 Formula One cars on the F1 Racing Grid, while cars driven by three-time F1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart and 2001 World Rally Champion Richard Burns will recognise the careers of two British legends from racing and rallying.

Stewart headlines the list of motor sport stars appearing at the 12-13 January show. He’ll be joined by Sahara Force India Formula One Team driver Paul Di Resta, multiple Le Mans 24 Hours victors Derek Bell and Allan McNish plus departing BBC F1 anchor Jake Humphrey.

Keep logging onto btcc.net later this week and over the Christmas holiday break for a great chance to win FREE tickets to the annual Autosport International extravaganza. In the meantime for more ticket information call 0844 581 1420 or visit www.autosportinternational.com.