First stars confirmed for Masters Race

BTCC News | Fri 16th July 2004

The grid for the first ever BTCC Masters’ race is starting to take shape, with the news that six formers champions have confirmed their participation in the event. 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 all confirmed they will line up at Donington Park in September.

Cleland, who won the BTCC title in 1989 (Vauxhall Astra) & 1995 (Vauxhall Cavalier), commented: “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.”

The most recent champion (2001, Vauxhall Astra Coupé) to confirm his participation, unsurprisingly is Seat Sport UK driver, Jason Plato. It is Plato’s current employer that will provide their Cupra Cup cars for this somewhat special event. Plato said: “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.”

The champions may be playing down the prospect of panel-bashing action, but this is one-off event will feature some proven ‘rough racers’. “There will be some massive egos getting into those cars”, said 1990 champion (Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500) Robb Gravett. “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.”

Driving a BMW 320i to championship glory in 1992, Tim Harvey is more accustomed to the rear-wheel drive power of a Porsche these days, and that is when he is not to be found in the Motors TV commentary box. As far as September’s race is concerned though, he has just one clear priority: “So long as I beat John Cleland then everything will be fine, but that’s a foregone conclusion anyway.”

Foreign flair is guaranteed with Italian Tarquini (champion in 1994, Alfa Romeo 155), Swiss Menu (1997, Renault Laguna & 2000, Ford Mondeo) and New Zealander Paul Radisich (Touring Car World Cup Winner 1993 & 1994, Ford Mondeo).

Tarquini said: “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.”

Radisich is the only non-BTCC champion to be confirmed so far, and he is more than a little keen to be there: “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.”

Expect more news on the line-up in the coming weeks, but two champions likely to be missing from the event are current Vauxhall duo James Thompson and Yvan Muller, with contract restrictions set to force them to sit it out.

The mouth-watering event is summed up by Alain Menu: “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!”

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First stars confirmed for Masters Race

BTCC News | Fri 16th July 2004

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