Retiring Cleland to make BTCC history

The Vauxhall ace, who makes his final appearance in the series at Silverstone, will become the most experienced Touring Car driver ever when he starts Rounds 25 and 26, the final races of the season.

It will take his total number of races to 220, overtaking the record of 218 held by Tim Harvey.

In 11 seasons in the championship, all with Vauxhall, Cleland has won 17 races and two championships (1989 and 1995) and remains the last Briton to win the title.

'It's going to be sad to walk away from the BTCC,' said the Scot.

'I suppose it'll be the end of an era for me in a way after doing it for 11 years.

'It's going to be difficult but the time is right.

'Ideally the perfect end to my BTCC career would be to win a race or at the very least finish on the podium.

'If that doesn't happen I want to have two good races, have some fun and bring the car back in one piece, although the chances of doing that at the end of any BTCC season are pretty slim.

Cleland paid tribute to the Vauxhall team, which has supported his career for more than a decade.

He added, 'It is also going to be sad for me to break the association as a driver with Vauxhall, but hopefully it won't be the end of the relationship.

'Vauxhall have always given me the product to win races and championships and I'm very grateful to them for that.

'It will be a sad day, I just hope I finish on a high.'