MG unveil 3 year British Touring Car Championship deal
By MJP Media | 30 January 2012
In a special launch at MG's historic Birmingham HQ, the newly revitalised company announced the details of their British Touring Car Championship challenge.
Jason Plato and Andy Neate
With the team's principal sponsors and local MP Richard Burden, MG announced a full 3 year deal involving the MG6 GT next generation touring car, drivers Jason Plato and Andy Neate, sponsors Tesco Momentum 99 and KX energy drink and 888 Race Engineering. The first of the two new car shells has now been delivered to the team and the second shell is expected shortly. With the team's decision to use the TOCA engine package, the team are hopeful of getting the cars out testing during March. Realistically though, the team will have its work cut out to be competitive straight away as a lot of development work will take place during the early race rounds.
Guy Jones of MG was very confident that the team could certainly become competitive this season. Despite coming to the 2012 season quite late, he described "the proven track record of Jason Plato and 888 Race Engineering giving us immense experience, particularly given that Jason has worked with 888 in the past". Tesco's Peter Cattell was equally bullish about the team saying "In British Touring Cars we have an incredibly popular race series with massive TV audiences and a great fan base. The racing takes place throughout the UK and we have outlets near every race venue. We are very pleased to be associated with the series and the exposure that it gives us".
Richard Burden, the local MP, said the re-emergence of the MG brand was important to all in the community. "Having such an iconic brand back in business, providing employment in the area and now once again being part of British racing is fantastic".
Clearly MG hope that the appearance of the cars on track will re-ignite the British love affair with the MG brand. MG has always been renowned for its racing pedigree and the sporty nature of its cars. With the road-going MG6 GT, the critics have been unanimous in praising its handling. The cars first public outing for the fans is likely to be at the official Media Day launch for the 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season at Silverstone on Monday 19th March.
Jason Plato with Richard Burden MP
Doug Wallace launches the morning event
Peter Cattell, Jason Plato, Andy Neate, Ian Harrison and Guy Jones
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