Independents battle for £10,000

The new package for privateers - which also includes guaranteed start money, free Michelin race tyres and no championship registration fees - is worth at least £91,000 to each Independent contesting the full championship.

Chief executive of the championship organiser TOCA, Alan Gow said: "I am delighted with the attractive financial package we have put together for Independent entrants this year and with Michelin's continued support of the category.

"This announcement confirms the championship's on-going assistance to Independent entries."

"The fund will aid competitors' budgetary requirements as well as ensuring all Independent entries get some significant funding."

The full details of the package mean that each registered entrant will be given £60,000 in guaranteed start money.

This will be paid in two halves - the first payment after a competitor has completed 50 per cent of the championship, the second after the completion of the remaining rounds.

To qualify for the pay-out a competitor must have qualified for and taken the start of each race at all 12 meetings.

In unforeseen circumstances - such as serious accident damage - payment will be made at TOCA's discretion.

During the season every competitor in the Michelin Cup for Independents will receive 48 free tyres from Michelin.

This equates to four tyres per car, per event, and an approximate saving of £7,000 per competitor.

A final prize of £10,000 will be awarded to the overall winner of the 2000 Michelin Cup for Independents.

The 2000 Auto Trader British Touring Car Championship kicks-off with Rounds 1 and 2 at Brands Hatch on Sunday, 9 April.