Lexus says no to works BTCC entry

The firm, which have been represented this year by privateer team Total Motorsport Racing, was strongly tipped by BTCC insiders to join Vauxhall, Peugeot and MG with a factory entry, but has ruled out any such plan for the short-term.

Lexus, one of the fastest growing prestige car brands in the UK, commissioned a third party study to determine whether a BTCC entry would boost its profile. Although the study indicated that the BTCC was on the up again, Lexus GB bosses have opted to continue focusing their finances on building their dealer network rather than get involved in motorsport.

The possibility of Lexus racing in the BTCC in the future has not been ruled out, though.

Lexus GB director Stuart McCullough said: "There are many reasons to suggest than an official BTCC involvement would be good for Lexus. However, all things considered we are still a young brand - just 10 years old - and our immediate priorities lie with supporting our dealers and customers."

Although the news is a blow for the BTCC, as Lexus was one of only a few manufacturers tipped to enter the series next year, Total Motorsport Racing has already pledged to continue with an upgraded version of its current IS200 car on a privateer basis. The team's plans have been given official blessing by Lexus GB.

"It's a measure of the inherent performance abilities of the IS200 that a privateer team has done so well against the more affluent works teams and we understand that others have expressed an interest in running the IS200 next year," said McCullough. "We wish them well."