Vauxhall series out of TOCA package

Vauxhall has handed the organisation of the two series to the BARC. Both will now be run independently of the TOCA package, occasionally forming part of the Formula Three bill.

Vauxhall motorsport boss Mike Nicholson said the company was withdrawing support from the two junior categories to concentrate fully on their BTCC and Rallying programmes.

'We've taken a long, hard look at our entire motorsport programme,' he said. 'and we've reached the conclusion we should re-focus on our core activities, the BTCC and BRC, and really push to raise our game in those areas.

'Our support of two championships within the TOCA package is costing huge sums of money. To put more into touring cars and rallying, we have to take a step down from the TOCA support package.

'I honestly believe this could be a great boost to the two championships. Moving outside the TOCA package should lower the costs of taking part in 2000.'

TOCA chief executive Alan Gow paid tribute to Vauxhall's contribution to British junior motorsport, and confirmed that Ford and Renault were still committed to the support package. He claimed he was in 'no hurry' to reveal what would replace FVauxhall and the Vectra's next year.

'I expect to make an exciting announcement in the near future on the composition of the TOCA support race package from 2000, which will continue to provide British motorsport fans with the best entertainment.'

The performance of both the Vauxhall Vectra touring car and the Astra F2 rally car has been disappointing this year.

When the original Formula Vauxhall series was dropped from TOCA in 1996, it survived with the BARC for one season before collapsing at the beginning of 1998. Few high-profile junior championships have lasted long without manufacturer or TOCA support.