Gow says BTCC will remain strong

Vauxhall is the only manufacturer confirmed to compete in the 2009 BTCC and, although the grid numbers may ultimately drop, Gow still thinks the series will be as strong as ever this season.

"We're looking pretty good," Gow said on stage at the Autosport International show. "We have another four months to go so it is hard to come up with (grid) numbers.

"But it is the strongest championship in the country and, in these hard economic times, the strong championships will do well. Our grid number might drop a little bit but it won't be dramatic."

Gow said there were no plans to change the BTCC regulations, as he was satisfied with how well the current sporting and technical rules had been accepted by fans and teams.

"We hit the sweet spot over the past few years," he explained. "We have 30 races, with three races each meeting. And the way the reverse grids work it has thrown up a tremendous championship for the last few years. So if it is ain't broke, don't fix it."

He added that despite tracks being keen to host more races, he would not expand the calendar beyond the current 10 events.

"All the venues love our championship. It is one of the few money making opportunities they can bank on," said Gow. "They want more races, but we are sticking to 10 events this year, because to expand would incur greater expense for the teams."