Silverstone hosts stars past and present

On Thursday Silverstone was host to stars of the BTCC both past and present as they look forward to hosting the penultimate rounds of the BTCC. With just over two months to go, Silverstone invited the media to the circuit near Northamton to chat with current and past BTCC stars as well as showcase the latest BTCC machinary side by side with cars of the past.

Jason Plato, Matt Neal, Colin Turkington and Mat Jackson were joined by past legends Jack Sears, Andy Rouse, Tim Harvey and Dave Brodie at the event.

Past and present BTCC cars were on show during the day including Jason Plato’s SEAT Leon TDI, Colin Turkington’s BMW 320si, the 96 Audi Quattro of Frank Biela, the 68 Ford Escort of Frank Gardner, a 66 Ford Mustang, 50s Austin and a 1.5 Riley.

The event marks the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the British Touring Car Championship along with the 60th Anniversary of the iconic Silverstone Circuit and added to those celebrations are the British Racing Drivers Club who celebrate their 80th birthday this year.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said: “It’s great news for the fans that the British Touring Car Championship is coming back to Silverstone, and we are delighted to be back on the calendar, especially for 2008 when the series will be celebrating its 50th year. BTCC is a fantastic British championship and we look forward to hosting the ninth round.

“Silverstone promised to do everything possible to bring back BTCC for the loyal Silverstone fans, and we are thrilled that it has now been confirmed. As the home of British motorsport it seems fitting that one of the most prestigious UK racing series gets to battle it out at Silverstone a venue which has traditionally always had an association with the BTCC.”