Gas powered Civic for BTCC - 12/03/04

The BTCC will see yet another first this year, as Mardi Gras Motorsport enters a gas-powered ETCC spec Honda Civic Type-R for driver John George.

The LPG-powered car has undergone an engine conversion at specialist company Prins Autogassystemen BV’s factory in Holland and will make its race debut in the BTCC’s opening three rounds at Thruxton on 11th April.

Each time the car runs low on fuel, a new gas tank will be installed. Mardi Gras team boss Paul Hetherington explained, “This will avoid the hazard of parking a refill tank in the paddock. We will transport half a dozen fresh tanks to each race and simply fit a new one whenever we need more fuel.

“The car’s performance is a complete unknown, but I think that makes us underdogs and will help to generate a lot of interest among the fans and the media.”

Mardi Gras has previously competed in the BTCC in the mid-Nineties but John George will be making his debut in the series having competed in the Clio Cup for three years. He commented, “After surviving three years of the Clio Cup, which at times can become extremely hectic, I’m confident of being able to handle myself in the cut and thrust of the BTCC.”

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow said: “The BTCC is well aware of the need to embrace alternative energy sources for the future and we are now probably the only touring car championship in the world that is open to petrol, diesel and gas-powered cars.

“Mardi Gras’ entry is certainly going to capture the imagination and is extremely welcome on our grid. Going by the team’s excellent run of success in various saloon car racing categories, I’m sure it will do an extremely professional job with this new technology.”