B-TEC Development Series BTCC feeder category postponed to 2017

B-TEC, which was designed to give aspiring teams and drivers an introduction to tin-top racing, was revealed in January.

It was due to run at six club meetings and encompass 12 rounds and was going to run for former BTCC cars fitted with the older-specification GPRM-built standardised parts.

Over the course of 2016, series bosses aim to have track experience events to allow potential entrants to sample the series and to outline the plans to reignite the category in 2017.

The director of the B-TEC Development Series, Ian Harrison, said: "Naturally we are disappointed to have to postpone like this, but that is all it is, a postponement.

"We want to ensure that we have the strongest possible grid when we start, and at the moment there are a lot of carrots being dangled in front of potential entrants from other categories.

"During 2016, we will be running some on track experience events for entrants to come along and drive the cars.

"Hopefully this will confirm to them that the Development Series is a cost effective solution over an entire season. We will be announcing these events in due course."

The class was due to be operated by the British Automobile Racing Club and included rounds at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Croft, Pembrey, Rockingham and Anglesey.

BARC general manager Ian Watson said: "The idea of starting the series in 2016 was always going to be pushing the boundaries of what was possible to be achieved in the time and having a further 12 months to get everything in place will I am sure make a big difference."