CHAMPIONS CONFIRM PLACE ON BTCC MASTERS GRID
Six past champions of the British Touring Car Championship
– John Cleland, Rob Gravett, Tim Harvey, Alain Menu,
Jason Plato and Gabriele Tarquini as well as double Touring
Car World Cup winner Paul Radisich – have confirmed
they will compete in the first ever ‘BTCC Masters’
race.
They become the first star names to announce their participation
in the event on Green Flag BTCC finals day at Donington Park
on Sunday, 26 September when a total of 18 specially invited
drivers will race identical SEAT Cupras.
Other past champions and heroes of the BTCC will be announced
in the coming weeks for what is one of the most eagerly anticipated
dates on the 2004 motor sport calendar.
John Cleland (GBR): BTCC Champion 1989 (Vauxhall
Astra) & 1995 (Vauxhall Cavalier)
“I think it’s a great idea and also quite brave.
It will raise the profile of the BTCC and remind everyone
of the level of international drivers that have taken part
in the championship. Everybody doing this is a pro’
or ex-pro’ and, as a consequence, every one of us will
want to win the race. The expectation is tremendous and it
will be a great spectacle. I’ve no scores to settle
and I don’t think anyone should go into it thinking
like that.”
Robb Gravett (GBR): BTCC Champion 1990 (Ford Sierra
Cosworth RS500)
“There will be some massive egos getting into those
cars. I don’t care what people say, all the drivers
will still want to win. I’m sure there’ll be some
paint exchanged and there’s no harm in that –
just so long as nobody goes out and does anything stupid.
I, of course, don’t do that sort of thing. It is a fantastic
event and I’m sure it’s going to attract an enormous
crowd. It is very good for Donington Park and very good for
the sport.”
Tim Harvey (GBR): BTCC Champion 1992 (BMW 320i)
“I’m obviously highly excited by this event.
It’s a wonderful idea and a great, great crowd puller
for the BTCC final race day of 2004. It will be marvellous
fun racing against some of the old characters. So long as
I beat John Cleland then everything will be fine, but that’s
a foregone conclusion anyway.”
Alain Menu (SUI): BTCC Champion 1997 (Renault Laguna)
& 2000 (Ford Mondeo)
“It would be nice to win, but really it’s about
having some fun. Touring Cars in the UK has always been very
big so, for sure, it is something the crowds are going to
enjoy. They are going to see some bodywork rubbing –
oh, yes, it will happen – and I hope SEAT is ready for
that! Donington Park brings back good memories – I remember
I split the Audis in 1997 when I overtook John Bintcliffe
on the last lap and I won in the Mondeo in 2000 with a lot
of ballast.”
Jason Plato (GBR): BTCC Champion 2001 (Vauxhall Astra)
“I’ve no scores to settle. There’s only
one person I’ve fallen out with and that’s Yvan
Muller, but he’s not doing it because Vauxhall won’t
let him. It will be great to race with the calibre of these
drivers. I can’t wait. What an event – it will
be amazing to be part of it. It’s going to be very hard
fought: none of this ‘after you, sir’. If people
don’t do it I think they’ll regret it, particularly
if they are available.”
Paul Radisich (NZL): Touring Car World Cup Winner
1993 & 1994 (Ford Mondeo)
“What a great event and a fabulous concept! I’m
flying all the way from Australia to do it, as it’s
just the type of race that everyone dreams about; to get all
the great names from the BTCC and throw them together in equal
cars will produce one of the most enjoyable, exciting and
competitive races that can be imagined. Anyone (spectators
or drivers) who misses this event will be kicking themselves
afterwards. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Gabriele Tarquini (ITA): BTCC Champion 1994 (Alfa
Romeo 155)
“I really like this idea and I’m very grateful
that Alfa Romeo has allowed me to take part. I really enjoyed
my time in the BTCC – the fans, the circuits, the whole
championship. It was a great atmosphere, like a big party.
I don’t have any big rivals. It will just be great again
to race against some of the drivers because they were all
at a very high level.”
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