£75,000 Prizefund for BTCC Independents - 12/2/04

Independent competitors in the 2004 BTCC have today been boosted by the news that Toca has sealed a deal to offer an impressive cash prizefund for competitors in the 2004 Independents Cup. HarrierZeuros, a leading firm in Internet security and data protection, assumes the role of title sponsor of category and will award £2,500 to the winning independent driver of each race.

With £7,500 up for grabs each race weekend, the battles are sure to be fierce amongst the Independents.

In 2003, Independent race winners were rewarded with hotel rooms, but in 2004, they will be free to put the cash to its best possible use. Based on the same amount per race (although there were only 20 races last year, compared to 30 in 2004!), here is how the cash would have been shared over the course of last season:

Gavin Pyper: 5 wins - £12,500
Rob Collard: 5 wins - £12,500
James Kaye: 3 wins - £7,500
Carl Breeze: 3 wins - £5,000
Gareth Howell: 2 wins - £5,000

2003 Independent’s Cup Champion Rob Collard, currently enjoying a holiday in Spain, commented on the news: “It is a fantastic opportunity for the Independents. Alan Gow has done a great job in the short time that he has been in charge to move the championship to such a healthy position. The deal with HarrierZeuros makes the championship very attractive for Independents. It’s just a shame there wasn’t the same last year!

“I would have liked to have seen the money spread out over the top three finishers, but it’s still very positive. We may well see some last corner lunges amongst the Independents this year, with people desperate to win the money.”

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow said: “The considerable prize fund from HarrierZeuros is an excellent reward for our privateer competitors and helps to make their season even more cost-effective.

“We have sought to provide the Independents with a race cash prize fund, which they have not had for five years, and I’m extremely proud that in conjunction with HarrierZeuros we have been able to do so.”

Hilton who sponsored the Independents Cup in 2003, will continue its association with the BTCC, taking up sponsorship of the ‘Driver of the Day’ award. The prestigious Hotel chain will offer five rooms to the driver voted the best performer at each meeting by fans. The vote will take place via satellite channel Motors TV, at the track with Toca Radio, and on Tocatour.com.

These announcements come just a day after the confirmation that Green Flag will continue its title sponsorship of the BTCC in 2004, and leaves the series in a very healthy position ahead of the new season.