Masters race draws the stars

John Cleland, Rob Gravett, Tim Harvey, Alain Menu, Jason Plato and Gabriele Tarquini as well as double Touring Car World Cup winner Paul Radisich are the first drivers to agree to race on Green Flag BTCC finals day at Donington Park on Sunday 26 September. A total of 18 specially-invited drivers will take part in the event racing identical SEAT Cupras.

There are certain to be big egos on track and past rivalries that are sure to be re-ignited, but all the champions are relishing the prospect of racing with their old foes once again.

BTCC Champion (1989, 1995) John Cleland believes it'll be a great display but he insists he has no scores to settle.

"I think it's a great idea and also quite brave," he said. "It will raise the profile of the BTCC and remind everyone of the level of international drivers that have taken part in the championship. The expectation is tremendous and it will be a great spectacle. I've no scores to settle and I don't think anyone should go into it thinking like that."

Cleland will have to watch out for his old adversary Tim Harvey, champion 1992, who is desperate to get his claws into his compatriot.

"I'm obviously highly excited by this event," he said. "It's a wonderful idea and a great, great crowd puller for the BTCC final race day of 2004. It will be marvellous fun racing against some of the old characters. So long as I beat John Cleland then everything will be fine, but that's a foregone conclusion anyway."

Swiss racer Alain Menu (1997 and 2000 champion) is expecting a tough race and hopes SEAT is prepared to be handed back some damaged machinery at the end of the day.

"Touring Cars in the UK has always been very big so, for sure, it is something the crowds are going to enjoy," he said. "They are going to see some bodywork rubbing - oh, yes, it will happen - and I hope SEAT is ready for that! Donington Park brings back good memories - I remember I split the Audis in 1997 when I overtook John Bintcliffe on the last lap and I won in the Mondeo in 2000 with a lot of ballast."

Other past champions and heroes of the BTCC will be announced in the coming weeks for what is one of the most eagerly anticipated dates on the 2004 motor sport calendar.