Club-level BTCC feeder series set for 2016 debut

A new feeder series for the British Touring Car Championship is being launched by BTCC teams for 2016.

According to a report on Autosport.com, the B-TEC Development Series will be run at six club-level national meetings. BTCC NGTC cars with GPRM control parts are eligible to enter, following the BTCC’s phased switch over to RML parts from 2016 onwards.

Rob Austin Racing has confirmed it will run its two Audi A4s for the inaugural season.

One of the key figures behind the series is Triple Eight Racing team boss Ian Harrison, who believes the series will be the best way to give new drivers, engineers and mechanics a taste of the BTCC while keeping the budget under the six-figure mark.

BTCC head Alan Gow has reportedly given the green light to the concept, but there will be no link between TOCA, the BTCC organisers, and the new B-TEC Development Series.

The race format is likely to feature a 40 minute practice session and a 30 minute qualifying session on Saturdays, while Sundays will be made up of two 30 minute races.

A provisional calendar so far includes trips to Brands Hatch, Croft, Rockingham and Anglesey, with two circuits still to be announced.

B-TEC Development Series Provisional Calendar

Date – Event
March 28th – Brands Hatch Indy
April 24th – Croft
May 29th – Rockingham
TBA – TBA
September 4th – Anglesey
October 16th – TBA