Photo: PSP Images

Special Tuning Racing confirm commitment to the BTCC

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Special Tuning Racing have confirmed they plan to remain in the British Touring Car Championship next season with their two current NGTC-powered SEAT Leóns, but are also evaluating a possible WTCC entry.

The Preston-based team currently races a pair of ex-WTCC SEAT Leóns, modified to run with a BTCC Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) specification 2.0 litre turbocharged engine in this year’s BTCC, and took their first victory in the championship last weekend at Knockhill, following on from their first podium result earlier in the season at Thruxton.

The team have also been looking at a possible return to the WTCC next year, where Tom Boardman competed in the 2009 season, running one of the SUNRED’s new 1.6 turbocharged engines. Members of STR were present with the SUNRED WTCC team at the British round of the championship at Donington Park. The team have put out an announcement today confirming their commitment to the BTCC for 2012, but may also run a car in the WTCC.

“Following reports this week that Special Tuning Racing is to quit the BTCC at the end of the season, the team would like to clarify that the we remain fully committed to the championship and hope to be running two SEATs next season,” said the statement.

“Special Tuning Racing currently has four SEATs, one of which is race-prepared to WTCC specification, and the team is looking at the viability of running this car (in the WTCC) as well.”

STR Team Principal John Boardman added:
“The BTCC remains our priority. Over the course of this season we’ve proved that we’ve got two fast and reliable cars. We are achieving consistent results and are moving higher up in the championship standings and we look forward to improving on this again next year.”