Series boosted by £800,000 AA website deal

The link-up with www.theAA.com was announced today (Monday) at the media launch of the 2001 BTCC season. All 36 cars and drivers will sport its logos and the AA will also have branding around the eight race tracks that will hold this year's 13 race meetings.

"This sponsorship represents a highly significant step in the growth and development of the new BTCC format," said Richard West, series director for the BTCC and TOCA Tour. "It brings to us and our competitors a premium brand and service via www.theAA.com. I am truly delighted that we will now be able to communicate both the AA's services and at the same time extend the BTCC's profile to millions of new consumers.

"It's a great opportunity to take touring cars to the masses. There are millions of untapped fans out there, and this could lead us right to them.

"It's probably one of the most significant sponsorships in UK motorsport that has been achieved in recent times. We are potentially talking to a mass audience through companies like the AA, and through Egg, which Vauxhall has attracted. It lays down a statement that major blue chip corporations look at British motorsport and see it as a sound platform for investment."

Signage to each of the 13 race meetings will be provided by AA Signs, and TOCA Radio will also broadcast AA Roadwatch traffic and travel information during each race weekend.

"Our brand, with its 96 years of motoring history and today's accessible online information, makes www.theAA.com a powerful combination and the ideal sponsor for the BTCC's events in 2001," said Matthew Thompson, Director of Centrica Information Services.

The opening round of this year's www.theAA.com-backed series will be held at Brands Hatch on April 16.