New B-TEC Development Series postponed but will schedule track events over 2016

The planned B-TEC Development Series, which is scheduled to be a touring car learning category for older-spec machines, has been postponed.

The initiative, which was designed to give aspiring teams and drivers an introduction to tin-top racing, was revealed in January. It was due to run at six 2016 club meetings and encompass 12 rounds. It was going to run for former BTCC cars fitted with the olderspecification Gprm-built standardised parts.

Over the course of 2016, series bosses aim to have track experience events to allow potential entrants to sample the series and to outline the plans to reignite the category in 2017.

The director of the B-TEC Development Series, Ian Harrison, said: “Naturally we are disappointed to have to postpone like this, but that is all it is, a postponement. We want to ensure that we have the strongest possible grid when we start, and at the moment there are a lot of carrots being dangled in front of potential entrants from other categories.

“During 2016, we will be running some on-track experience events for entrants to come along and drive the cars. Hopefully this will confirm to them that the Development Series is a cost-effective solution over an entire season. We will be announcing details soon.”

The class was due to be run by the British Automobile Racing Club and included rounds at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Croft, Pembrey, Rockingham and Anglesey.

BARC’S Ian Watson said: “We are obviously disappointed but believe it is right to postpone the start of what I am sure will be an interesting option for both drivers and teams.”