Photo: BTCC

Alan Gow delighted by depth of BTCC field

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British Touring Car Championship chief executive Alan Gow has admitted his delight at the strong field that has come together for the 2021 season.

The series will feature a capacity grid of 29 cars despite the ongoing issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with no fewer than eleven brand new cars having been built across the winter That includes the new Cupra Leon, which debuts in the hands of Team HARD.

Despite the departure of Honda, three manufacturer/constructor teams will still feature after Motorbase elected to lodge a constructor entry alongside WSR/BMW and Speedworks/Toyotam whilst the return to the grid of both Gordon Shedden and Jason Plato means four former champions will be featured.

“To display such a high-quality capacity field – despite all the challenges faced over the last 12 months – is testament to the huge enthusiasm, determination and professionalism of everyone involved,” Gow said.

“The number of newly-built cars over the off-season is also unprecedented in recent times and only goes to further highlight the BTCC’s rude health, our ever-increasing appeal and the massive commitment shown by all the teams.

“Our loyal partners such as Kwik Fit, Goodyear and ITV – among many others – also play an enormous part in the success of the series as they continue to maximise their involvement in Britain’s biggest and best motorsport championship.

“Obviously it was a real wrench to have competed without the tens of thousands of spectators lining the banks and filling the grandstands at each event last season, so we simply cannot wait to welcome everyone back. The BTCC is just not the same without its fans trackside and no doubt the atmosphere they bring will add another fantastic ingredient to the season ahead.

“Those unable to follow trackside will of course still benefit from the extensive live, free-to-air UK coverage on ITV4, as well as our multiple platform live-streaming and catch-up options, meaning you won’t have to miss a moment of the action.

“Everyone is incredibly excited about what is sure to be a sensational 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – bring it on!”