Alan Gow praises “explosion” in BTCC’s appeal

BTCC series supremo Alan Gow says the championship has seen an “explosion” of popularity in recent years, which has led to the bumper 2014 grid unveiled today.

Gow was speaking as the 31-car field was officially confirmed at media day at Donington Park, ahead of the new season starting at Brands Hatch at the end of the month.

And the TOCA boss said the current era of the championship will be looked back on as a golden era in years to come.

Gow said: “Since the formation of the two-litre class back in 1992 this is certainly the biggest grid we have ever had. And you also have to realise too that with the new licences, every car you see here is committed to do every round.

“It is great to see some of our old friends back. They wouldn’t be coming back to this championship if it wasn’t worth coming back to. To have this many champions on the grid is testament to the quality of the grid.

“These years are the ones we will be talking about in 10 or 20 years’ time. We have seen an explosion in the BTCC over the last couple of years. These will be the good old days.”

Gow also pointed to the success of the NGTC regulations, which now make up 100 per cent of the grid, and have seen the teams use common components used to make new cars.

He said: “Adam Morgan and Ciceley have built a new Mercedes-Benz, which came off the Toyota Avensis he ran last year. That bodyshell was sold to Lea Wood, and originally started life as Frank Wrathall’s car. One chassis has spawned three others.”