TOCA NEWS - 27 JANUARY 2000

TOCA FORMS RELATIONSHIP WITH BRDC FOR 2000 BTCC CLASS B

TOCA Limited, organisers of the Auto Trader British Touring Car Championship, and the BRDC organised PowerTour are both pleased to announce that they have formed a mutually beneficial relationship in order to work more closely together in areas relating to race dates, regulations, marketing and promotion; the direct benefit of which will allow very close co-operation between both the BTCC and the Silverstone Insurance National Saloon Championship.

Commenting on the agreement, TOCA Ltd CEO Alan Gow said: "We have been in close communication with the manufacturers and the teams, many of whom have expressed a great desire to compete in both championships. This new relationship between TOCA and PowerTour will further strengthen both championships and everyone will benefit from this."

Roger Etcell, Director of PowerTour, commented: " PowerTour's aim is to nurture and market motor sport, for the good of the sport as a whole. This opportunity to co-operate with TOCA takes us a big step towards our goal."

Further details and benefits of this collaboration will be announced shortly. However, one immediate result of the alliance is that National Saloon Championship competitors will now be able to compete in both the BTCC and the NSC for the 2000 season.

In order to also clarify some other matters regarding BTCC Class B, the following is advised;

* Competing cars must comply, in their entirety, with FIA Appendix J article 261 (Super Production) or with FIA article 261 but incorporating the published and current variations applicable to the National Saloon Championship. For the avoidance of doubt, it will not be permitted to mix, match or otherwise combine any element of the two differing regulations on any competing car.

* Michelin Tyre plc are the nominated control tyre supplier for the BTCC, including Class B.

* The 2000 BTCC (inclusive of Class B) will be conducted under the MSA Permit No: 200001.