The BTCC... the what?

What car would you rather drive; a 1988 Mclaren MP4/4 driven by the legendary Ayrton Senna or a Volvo S40? I'm guessing you would also prefer the Lotus 79 with the 'JPS' livery to an Audi A4? Would you rather be seen behind the wheel of last year's RB6 which took Sebastian Vettel to his first world title or a Nissan Primera? For those of you reading this post, the answer will probably be pretty straightforward but to me it isn't. You see, instead of watching Formula One religiously as a child, I was engulfed by the British Touring Car Championship. For me, drivers such as Alain Menu, Frank Biela and Rickard Rydell were idolised while names such as James Thompson, Yvan Muller and Gabriele Tarquini were respected. I'm guessing none of you have ever heard of them? I thought so.

The BTCC was actually pretty big back in the 90's believe it or not, producing far better on-track action than any other category including Formula One. A number of factors helped the BTCC rise to prominence; a large number of manufacturers provided powerful saloon cars and employed drivers with international pedigree (some home grown). In its prime, the BTCC could boast up to ten manufacturers competing in twenty six rounds of racing. And when I say racing, I mean racing. In F1, an overtake is celebrated because it happens so rarely but, in the BTCC, an overtake is celebrated because it happens so frequently. Because the drivers are racing saloon cars, contact was inevitable and crashes in the BTCC became the norm. Although aggravating for the drivers and their teams, it was thrilling for the casual spectator. Crashes were common and constant panel-bashing between some very skilled drivers was a sight to behold.



The BBC, with the expert Steve Ryder presenting and the iconic voice of Murray Walker commentating, provided outstanding coverage of the BTCC to give it maximum public exposure during it's 90's heyday. Towards the latter stages of the decade, Walker focused solely on F1 so Charlie Cox and John Watson took over the reigns with similar success. Due to such coverage, I have cherished memories of watching the BTCC as a child far more so than F1. The scream of the '96 BMW which I imitated incessantly for hours as I pretended I was their star driver Joachim Winkelhock is one of many. I remember vividly watching history as Matt Neal became the first ever independant driver to win a race, storming to victory in his year old Nissan Primera. Nevertheless my standout memory occured the previous year and it involved one of my not-so-favourite drivers; Nigel Mansell. Mansell made three guest appearances during the 1998 season and although largely uncompetitive, he shone in the rain at Donington Park. The clip below will reveal all.



Mansell put the BTCC onto the back pages instead of just a brief column four pages from the back. Although Mansell, the 1992 F1 champion, won 31 races in his career I am convinced those eight or so minutes behind the wheel of the '98 Mondeo were the most exciting of his career. Sadly all good things must come to an end and in 1999 the BTCC was showing signs of a rapid decline. With household names such as Audi and Peugeot leaving the sport, Renault, Volvo and Nissan swiftly followed suit. The 2000 campaign was the last to run under the 'Super Touring' rules and only three manufacturers, Ford, Vauxhall and Honda remained. And although the season provided one of the most beautiful looking cars in the history of the sport, the '00 RapidFit Mondeo, it signalled the end of my interest in touring cars. Costs to run competitively in the sport had reached onscene levels and in 2001 teams ran on a much cheaper budget. Although the intense action remained, racing in less powerful hatchbacks just seemed a stop gap, and to me the BTCC has never recovered.



I have been meaning to write a piece on the BTCC for years. I find all forms of motorsport exciting but touring cars and Formula One are head and shoulders above the rest. In F1, the tension within the sport generates the excitement, whereas in touring cars the on track action produces the exhilaration amongst the viewers. How many of you enjoyed the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, the first ever night race in F1? And when I say enjoyed, I mean the racing and not just the location. Compare this, however, to the BTCC's inaugural night race at the Snetterton circuit in Norfolk. I will put the video clip below, so you can draw your own conclusions. You may be slightly surprised.

Josh.