Historic Sports Car Club today announced a triple-class touring car series promoted by Dunlop. The series will be called Dunlop Saloon Car Cup.
The cars will represent three eras of touring car with classes being named on legendary drivers like Tom Walkinshaw.
The race calendar consists of 4 races, all on British tracks like Brands Hatch (Grand Prix Circuit), Oulton Park, Silverstone and Donington Park.
There are 3 different types of cars in 3 different classes, a very similar format to that of sportscar racing. Super Touring cars are due to race in David Leslie cup, Group A in Tim Harvey Trophy and Group 1 cars will race in Tom Walkinshaw Trophy.
The Super Touring Car category is named after David Leslie, who passed away in 2008. He was a successful driver in BTCC, finishing as a runner-up in 1999. Aside from Touring Cars, Leslie also made several appearances at Le Mans, finishing 8th in 1987.
The Scot's family supported the series with his wife Jane Leslie saying:
“There are endless happy memories.
“It was a fantastic era of technology and competition and the family are truly honoured that David’s legacy will be celebrated with this event.”
The Group A class, named after Tim Harvey include several great cars like Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth and BMW E30 M3.
“My first BTCC win was in the V8 Rover Vitesse in 1987, but it was the Ford Sierra RS500 that became the fans’ favourite," said Harvey about his career.
“I’m proud of my victories in the Labatt’s liveried Sierra. It’s going to be fabulous to see these cars emerge from collections and allow a new generation of fans to experience the sights and sounds of a brilliant era of touring car racing.”
Harvey won 1992 BTCC, as wll as Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain in2008 and 2010.
The final class includes Group 1 car and is named after Tom Walkinshaw, as Tom Walkinshaw made name in this class.
He won ETCC in 1984 with Jaguar XJS and also got victory at 24 Hours of Spa.
In 1991, Walkinshaw was recruited at Benetton Formula 1 team as Engineering Director. He was also one of key figures in convincing Michael Schumacher to Benetton.
He passed away in 2010 due to cancer.
Talking about the honorary namesake to the class, Sean Walkinshaw, son of Tom said:
“I’m really grateful that the Trophy is using dad’s name.
“He achieved so much in touring car racing, both as a driver and team owner and it all started in the 70s Group 1 era. Touring cars were always my dad’s passion and it was the building block to what TWR eventually became.”
Talking about the support from all 3 drivers' families, CEO of HSCC Andy-Dee Crowne said:
“We’re delighted to have the support of the Leslie and Walkinshaw families and the endorsement from Tim Harvey.
“The three eras of Touring Car racing appeal to different generations and for the HSCC it marks a new opportunity. It widens our span of racing to include the ‘modern era’ of the mid-2000s and will attract a new fanbase to HSCC events.
“It is wonderful to have Dunlop’s support. They have been part of the BTCC since the very first season in 1958 and Dunlop tyres have been used by race winners in each of the three eras we are showcasing.
“They are a fantastic technical partner to the Cup and their investment builds a strong bridge to their involvement in contemporary BTCC.”
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