SPORTS CAR / TOURING CAR

Touring car racing is a type of motorsport road racing that features heavily modified road-going cars.The cars used in touring car races have some similarities to fans' own vehicles, which makes for entertaining and well-supported racing. While not as fast as some other types of races, the touring race cars' minimal use of aerodynamics makes it easier for following cars to pass, and the larger bodies of the cars make subtle contact during overtaking more acceptable. Endurance races lasting up to 24 hours also test the reliability of the cars and the skill of the drivers and pit crews. Touring car racing is popular in many countries like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Germany, Sweden and Norway.

The sport originated in Europe in the early 20th century, and the first touring car race was held in France in 1899.During the 1950s and 60s, this sports car racing became more organized and regulated, establishing various national championships. In the UK, the British Saloon Car Championship was founded in 1958 and later renamed the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The FIA also established regulations for international touring car races, which led to the creation of the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in 2005. Today, touring car racing remains a popular motorsport, with various national and international championships held around the world. 

 

Types of Touring Car Races

 

World Touring Car Cup (WTCR):

 

The World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) is an international touring car racing championship that was established in 2018. It is the successor to the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), which ran from 2005 to 2017. The series features a mix of factory and independent teams, with drivers competing in identical cars to promote close racing.The championship is contested over a series of races held across the world where points are awarded for each race, and the driver and team with the most points at the end of the season are crowned champions.

 

The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC):

 

The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) is a touring car racing series that was founded in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship and was renamed as the British Touring Car Championship in 1987. The BTCC features a mix of factory and independent teams, with drivers competing in heavily modified production-based cars. It is known for its close racing, with the use of equalizing weight penalties and a reverse-grid system for the second race of each event.  The series is contested over a season of around ten race weekends, with three races held at each event. 

 

The Supercars Championship:

 

The Supercars Championship is a touring car racing series that is contested in Australia and New Zealand.The series was renamed to the V8 Supercars Championship in 1997, and then to its current name in 2017. This Championship features a mix of factory and independent teams, with drivers competing in modified production-based touring race cars.

It is contested over a season of around 15 race weekends, with multiple races held at each eventThe series also features iconic races such as the Bathurst 1000, which is one of the most famous sports car racing in the world.

 

DTM Series:

 

The DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) series is a touring car racing championship that is contested in Germany and some other European countries. The championship is contested over a season of around 10 race weekends, with two races held at each eventThe DTM is known for its close and competitive racing, with many races featuring multiple lead changes and thrilling overtaking maneuvers.