Provisional calendar for 2009 announced

The organisation of the British Touring Car Championship has released the provisional race calendar for 2009. Just like this year the season will contain 10 rounds. The provisional calendar does not say on which tracks the BTCC will race, but only shows the dates on which there will be raced by the BTCC.

The organisation is early with releasing the dates for next year. According to Alan Gow, director of the BTCC, the decision to announce the dates early was done in the best interest of British motorsport. This way the tracks make a change of plan if necessary.

Alan Gow said: “This means our dates are at least marked on the UK motor sport calendar, so that other major motor sport organisers can plan their own events and avoid too many clashes with the BTCC – or at least be aware of when they will be.

“Inevitably our dates are largely driven by the desire to avoid as many F1 races and other major UK sporting events as possible, so as to maximise our live TV coverage and audiences. Again, for 2009, we find ourselves with a ‘mid-season break’ in order to avoid some clashing broadcast requirements – however it seems that many teams actually like such a break, so that they can recoup and prepare for the second half of the season.

“I anticipate confirming the actual venues in the very near future, but in the meantime at least for now our dates are known and can be put in everyone’s diaries.”

BTCC race dates 2009 (provisional):