The BTCC organisation has launched a trophy for drivers taking part in S2000 specification cars in next year’s British Touring Car Championship called Jack Sears Trophy.
“Ultimately the driver with the most ‘cups’ will be awarded the Jack Sears Trophy at the end of the season – named, fittingly, in recognition of not only a great double BTCC Champion but also the BTCC’s first ever Champion. To receive the trophy from a true legend like Jack will be a real privilege for the winner,” said series director Alan Gow.
S2000 cars, which were introduced in BTCC 2004, will still be allowed next year, but will not get the same performance parity with the NGTC cars. A number of teams are expected to continue to run S2000 cars in 2013 and the best performing S2000 driver of each race will get a Jack Sears Trophy.
Sears was the first ever BTCC champion in 1958, a title which he followed up in 1963, and is today 82 years old.
“It’ll be 55 years since I won my first title and 50 since I was fortunate enough to win it a second time – I feel very honoured that the championship wants to create a trophy in my name after all these years. It’s certainly a championship that values its heritage.
“The cars of course have improved hugely in that time and the S2000s have provided great entertainment and variety. It’s good to retain a type of car that has been successful and I’m sure, even though smaller in numbers in 2013, the S2000 runners will continue to put on a great show for the public. I very much look forward to presenting the trophy to the deserving winner next October on Finals Day at Brands Hatch – scene of my first title all those years ago,” said Sears.
