Gow: “Manufacturer involvement is not crucial”

British Touring Car Championship series director Alan Gow insists, after the announcement that Vauxhall retires next year, that manufacturer involvement is not crucial for the series any longer.
“A heavy degree of manufacturer involvement is no longer crucial to either the success or popularity of the championship,” said Gow in an official statement.

“It is important to remember that over the last six years we have seen direct manufacturer involvement decline within the BTCC – yet at the exact same time we have seen crowd figures rise, TV audiences rise, TV airtime rise, competitor numbers rise and the championship being as closely fought as ever.”

While Gow considers the retirement of Vauxhall regrettable, he sees it as understandable.

“Given the extremely difficult financial position in which GM finds itself, it’s inevitable that the company must make some drastic cutbacks in nearly all areas of its operations – and motor sport is certainly not immune, as we have witnessed in all major forms of our sport over the last 12 months.

“These are extraordinary times the world is going through and I’m sure everyone appreciates that some decisions, such as Vauxhall’s, are certainly not a reflection of its desire… it’s a direct result of the current market and financial climate.”

Gow also stated that he expects Vaxuhall to return when the economical times are right again.

“I know that Vauxhall made this decision with a very heavy heart – and I would bet good money on the fact that, in time, we will see them back again in the BTCC.

“I certainly thank Vauxhall for their exceptional participation in the BTCC over so many years and wish them every success, particularly through these difficult times.”