Organisers are pleased to announce that the Goodyear Touring Car Trophy incorporating TCR UK will embark on an exciting new era in 2021, when a fresh calendar of events and a change of organising club will bring with it a range of benefits and higher profile for drivers, teams and commercial partners. Further changes include a move to Goodyear tyres, an arrangement that sees the established manufacturer become title sponsor.
Revisions for next year will see competitors benefit from more track time, increased publicity, greater spectator attendance and a reduction in entry fees – factors that lead organisers to predict bigger grids and thereby closer racing. Also planned for 2021 is Live Streaming TV and a series of well-attended car shows at four of the season’s six meetings, five of which will host rounds of the hugely popular Time Attack Championship.
Organisers are confident this intriguing initiative will place the Goodyear Touring Car Trophy in a unique position, as it will not only provide a stepping-stone to other touring car championships in Britain and overseas but will establish the series as a ‘destination’ in its own right.
“2021 is shaping up to be a very special year for us and one that we strongly believe will uncover the true potential of the Goodyear Touring Car Trophy and TCR UK concept”, explains Series Manager Stewart Lines.
“Our plan is to make it the ‘series of choice’ that reaches-out to a wide variety of teams and drivers, while providing the perfect format for those intending to progress in the sport – right up to World Touring Car level. With the package on offer, we are confident it will stand-up as the place to be for many leading saloon car competitors. In fact, I’m delighted to report we are already generating interest and receiving enquiries from manufacturers, professional teams and some very quick drivers. Exciting times ahead!”
A total of 14 races are planned for the Goodyear Touring Car Trophy’s busiest season ever, the calendar including visits to six different venues. All meetings will feature a Free Practice and Qualifying session, followed by 1×20-minute and 1×25-minute race at the four one-day events, with 2×20-minute and 1×25-minute races at both two-day events.
The series is open to a wide-range of touring cars, including: TCR, NGTC, Super 2000, International and National 2-litre turbocharged, Seat Leon Europcup and Super Copa 2 models. TCR cars will run in a specifically allocated class that organisers predict will see more of these globally-campaigned machines competing in the UK than ever before.
Organisers may also allow other vehicles to enter provided they are deemed appropriate for inclusion. And to keep the competition as close as possible, all cars will be fitted with a performance monitoring device and be subject to balance of performance regulations.
In keeping with the arrangements put in place for 2020, Goodyear Touring Car Trophy grids will be boosted by the addition of the Volkswagen Racing Cup. The inclusion of one of the most popular and fiercely competitive single-make championships in the UK will add further spectacle to what promises be a landmark season for the Goodyear Touring Car Trophy and TCR UK.
