BTCC Series Organiser TOCA has today (1 November) confirmed that the Legends Cars Championship will feature on the British Touring Car Championship support package for three events in 2023.
The announcement will see six of the popular and entertaining series' rounds run across three of the BTCC’s incredibly high-profile events – opening up the fast-paced, ‘bump-drafting’ Legends action to the biggest motor racing audience in the UK.
Appearing as part of the TOCA package at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent on 6/7 May, the Legends Cars will then run at back-to-back BTCC events mid-season at Croft on 29/30 July and Knockhill on 12/13 August.
Securing a golden ticket slot as part of the support bill, not only will the Legends Cars get to race in front of tens of thousands of trackside fans at each of the three race meetings, millions more will be able to watch the racing live on ITV4 and online at www.itv.com/btcc.
Marking, by far, the largest development in the almost three-decade history of Legends Cars racing in the UK, today’s announcement elevates the standing of the increasingly popular championship to even greater heights alongside the country’s premier motorsport series.
Phil Cooper, Legends Cars Championship Owner, said: “Announcements don’t come any bigger than this in the world of Legends Cars racing, we are absolutely elated with the developments for 2023 which will undoubtedly take our category onto another level. We’ve been working hard for some time on the plans which we’re now able to confirm. The opportunity to run alongside the British Touring Car Championship at three events next year, six rounds of Legends racing, is incredible and something I know our drivers and teams are going to make the most of. For a very long time people have said to us we ought to be racing with the BTCC – next year I am delighted to say we will be!”
Simon Belcher, Legends Cars Co-Championship Director, said: “After a lot of work behind the scenes with Phil [Cooper] I am delighted we have managed to secure six rounds of Legends Cars racing, across three weekends next year, as support to the British Touring Car Championship – it’s a spectacular development for the category. As a driver who started my car racing career in Legends Cars, before ultimately moving up into the BTCC, it’s fantastic we have a chance to showcase our series on the big stage, the biggest in the UK by far. I know the drivers, fans trackside and fans watching at home on TV are going to love the season ahead. I’d like to express our thanks to Alan Gow and his team at the BTCC, we’re looking forward to working with them.”
Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: "Legends Cars provides incredibly entertaining racing with their short, sharp, action-packed format. So, I'm sure they will very quickly prove to be a huge hit with our spectators and TV audiences when they appear at our Brands (Indy), Croft and Knockhill events."
Images courtesy of Graham Holbon.
