RE: Powertour Peters Out

[PetrolTed]

What a balls up! What''s occurred to cause it? With the Interactive Sports car Championship getting up to speed there may only be GTO cars left in the Privilege by next year. Dumping the whole package isn''t going to improve things. It was a great package (not sure about the marching band) with the Porkers, Tuscans, F3 and various invitation races. What''s going to draw the crowds next year...?

[jamesc]

They (BMP) have wanted to kill it off for a long time, so they can get more interest in the bland TOCA package. They have got rid of good staff and imposed conditions on the competitors not in the interest of the series. I know Mike Jordon has stood up for the teams and try and solve the problems. However Rob Bain wants to kill the Powertour and his mind is made up. Shame because it was a good package.

[Don]

Yes it WAS a good package. GT/Porsche/Tuscans ALL ON THE SAME BILL! FANTASTIC. The wife and I were *delighted* this year when it all came together. I. for one, am VERY disappointed that Powertour will not continue in its present format (if at all). TOCA tour is OK but who wants to watch a Peugeot/Vauxhall line-up when you can watch Porsche/TVR?

[PetrolTed]

Someone pointed out to me that the tracks that won't be having pit lane walkabouts (or its at their discretion) are the Octagon owned circuits. Looks like there's too much politics in British racing now...

[jamesc]

I remember all the hard work that Roger Etcell and Jock Simpson put in to make the Powertour work. The Powertour was based on the successful "Summerfest" meeting and attracted new fans to motorsport. Roger should be kept on because he got the sponsors and the TV coverage and was working on abolishing entry fees. He also improved the prize money, giving the teams and drivers a better deal. On the other hand Bain has gone out of his way to destroy Powertour and now wants to turn Brands Hatch into a housing estate.