About the BTCC

What is the BTCC?

The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) is one of the most famous motor racing championships in the world. Since its inception in 1958, the BTCC has captivated millions of fans globally, showcasing thrilling races and competitive spirit. Over the years, iconic brands such as Jaguar, Ford, and Mini have recognized the BTCC’s significance and claimed victory in the early years of the championship.

The Evolution of BTCC Cars

The BTCC has evolved to exclusively feature 2-litre cars, attracting high-profile manufacturers, teams, and drivers. The cars used in the BTCC resemble modified versions of everyday road cars, including compact saloons and family hatchbacks like the Hyundai i30N, Ford Focus ST, and Toyota Corolla. These cars adhere to Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) rules, incorporating standardised parts for various components to reduce costs.

Teams and Drivers

The BTCC provides a level playing field for both major vehicle manufacturers such as Toyota and BMW, and independently-run teams like us at Restart Racing in our Cupra Leon. The driver line-up includes experienced drivers alongside newcomers aiming to make their mark in the championship. Many drivers have worked their way up from a young age, racing in Ginetta juniors, karting, and support series such as the MINI CHALLENGE.

Teams
Drivers

Season Schedule and Venues

The BTCC season runs annually from April to October, with events held every few weeks across various tracks in the UK. Iconic venues such as Silverstone and Brands Hatch host the championship, entertaining fans nationwide. The race weekends are structured with two BTCC Free Practice (FP) sessions, three Qualifying sessions on Saturday, and three races on Sunday, each lasting about 30 minutes.

BTCC Calendar

Watching the BTCC

Fans can enjoy the BTCC action live by purchasing tickets online via the race track or BTCC website, or at the race circuit on the day. For those unable to attend in person, the BTCC enjoys extensive television coverage on ITV4 and ITVX, with qualifying sessions also streamed online. In 2024, races will also be streamed live on TikTok for global audiences to enjoy.

Live Stream

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new qualifying format for 2024?
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The 2024 season introduced a unique ‘Quick Six’ qualifying format. After FP2, cars are divided into two groups based on their positions. The fastest six from each group advance to Qualifying 2: ‘Top 12’. The fastest six from this session then advance to Qualifying 3: the ‘Quick Six’, determining the top six grid positions for Race 1.

How are the race grids determined?
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The grid for each race is determined differently to ensure competitive racing:

  • Race 1: Based on Saturday’s qualifying session.
  • Race 2: Based on the finishing order of Race 1.
  • Race 3: Includes a reverse grid element based on the finishing positions of Race 2.

What is the reverse grid format?
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In Race 3, the numbers representing cars that finished from 6th to 12th in Race 2 are put into a bowl, with one number drawn at random. The selected car starts on pole, with the cars that finished ahead of it reversed, ensuring unpredictable and exciting races.

Is contact allowed in BTCC races?
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While BTCC is officially a non-contact series, the close racing and competitive nature often lead to on-track contact. However, the championship organisers enforce strict rules against unnecessary collisions, with penalties imposed by a panel of stewards.

What are the technical requirements for BTCC cars?
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All cars in the BTCC adhere to NGTC regulations, using common components to reduce costs while maintaining competitiveness. Engines are either TOCA’s unbranded NGTC-spec engines or developed by teams within specified parameters, including 350+bhp 2-litre turbo-charged engines.

How does the scoring system work?
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Points are awarded to the top 15 finishers in each race, with the scoring system as follows:

  • 1st place: 20 points
  • 2nd place: 17 points
  • 3rd place: 15 points
  • 4th place: 13 points
  • 5th place: 11 points
  • 6th place: 10 points
  • Decreasing incrementally by 1 point until 15th place: 1 point

What is the BTCC hybrid power technology?
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In 2022, the BTCC introduced hybrid power technology, offering an extra performance boost. Several enhancements have been made to maximise its impact, including varied deployment regulations based on championship positions and a new ‘Quick Six’ qualifying format.

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