Day two of the Autosport International and Performance car shows took place on Friday and the BTCC managed to grab the headlines once again.
Colin Turkington sensationally revealed that he is to leave Team BMR who run the works backed Subaru Levorgs. The double BTCC champion (2009 and 2014) spoke about the decision;
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Team BMR and will savour the success we shared together over the past two seasons, however, the time has come to part company and apply the focus to each of our own individual goals and needs.”
“I sincerely value the journey we have shared together, securing the Teams’ Championship in 2015, winning my fifth Independents’ title and of course the thrilling year we have just had with the Subaru Levorg. I have been fortunate to work with some of the best in the business at BMR and it has been a valuable experience and certainly helped me grow and improve.
“The BTCC is surely one of the toughest championships in the world to win, and to finish last season with a realistic shot at winning the title in a new car was a tremendous achievement. I wish Team BMR every success going forward and I hope that they are just as proud of our two seasons together as I am.”
There are strong rumours that he may return to WSR, the team he won both his titles with but there has been no official confirmation.
His now ex team boss Warren Scott put out a statement praising his former driver;
“Colin has been an absolute pleasure to work with over the past two seasons and has brought a tremendous amount of knowledge to the team, which has aided BMR in its growth and development as a front-running BTCC team,” Scott commented. “I wish Colin good luck for the forthcoming season and would like to thank him for all his efforts and great achievements that he has brought to BMR.”
Today was the final day for Autosport engineering, the part of the show where car component and tool manufacturers show off their latest products. There is now a dramatic transformation overnight as the many engineering stands are dismantled and replaced with the Oval racing and extreme sports area of the show. By Saturday morning the halls will be filled with various, Stock cars, Autograss cars, dragsters and maybe even the odd Monster truck. The show within a show also has it’s own stage where you can see interviews with various personalities from the different championships.
The live action show really ramps up on the two public days with seven shows on each day. Terry Grant was thrilling the crowds today with an incredible loop the loops stunt which is well worth seeing as part of the hour long live action show. The show features old favourites such as the Autograss and stock cars plus some new elements including a shoot out between various BTCC drivers in Ginetta G55s.
The now traditional F1 Racing car display shows off cars from most of the teams that competed in 2016 including the championship winning Mercedes. Nearby is the Autosport Stage where many well known drivers are interviewed throughout the day, today included ex F1 star Derek Warwick, Nick Tandy, works Porsche driver, and Lando Norris who looks set to be a star of the future after winning the 2016 BRDC Mclaren Autosport award.
But surrounding the Autosport is another incredible display from the Williams team. Following up from their popular line up of cars last year, they’re once again showing off some of their successful former cars. There also some unusual displays including a pitstop shown in the form of Modern dance!
Saturday, the first public day will see more stars of the sport visiting with Williams drivers past and future, Jacques Villeneuve and Lance Stroll. Four times indycar champion Dario Franchitti MBE will also be at the show.
Saturday will also see the presentation of the winner of the British Women racing drivers club Gold Star award. The award, which has been presented since 2009, sees three nominees this year; 2016 JSCC Champion Katie Milner, Abbi Pulling TKM vice champion in 2016 and Trish Cecille-Pritchard Healeysport Speed Championship champion.
Tickets are available at the show and no further snow is forecast for the rest of the weekend. With the Birmingham international train station based actually inside the NEC, you could find a show that’s easier to get to. By Marc Waller
