BTCC Time Line

1958
The first series of the British Saloon Car Championship was run by the British Racing and Sports Car Club and was divided into four classes:

1. up to 1200cc
2. 1201 to 1600cc
3. 1601 to 2700cc
4. 2701cc & over

1966
New regulations introduced relaxing restrictions on tuning and modifications to suspension, although stricter rules governing bodywork were instigated.

1968
RACMSA take over control of championship from BRSCC.

1974
New class regulations introduced:
1. up to 1600cc
2. 1601 to 2500cc
3. 2501 to 4000cc
4. Over 4000cc

1976
Class structure revised further to:

1. up to 1300cc

2. up to 1600cc

3. up to 2300cc

4. up to 3000cc

1980
Upper class engine capacity limit raised to 3500cc.

1987
Series sponsorship adopted by Dunlop and series inherits the title of British Touring Car Championship. Class structure now:

1. up to 1600cc
2. 1601 to 2000cc
3. 2001 to 2500cc
4. 2501 and over

1989
Esso take over as title sponsor.

1990
Series reduced to two classes, one for cars up to 2000cc, the other for cars over 2000cc.

1991
'Super tourer ' Single class system introduced with cars limited to 2000cc.

Will Hoy wins the first Super Tourer championship in the BMW M3.

1994
Series sponsorship adopted by Autotrader.

1998
Race format changed to double header meetings for all rounds of the championship. A sprint race would be followed by a feature race consisting of mandatory pit stops.

1999
First BTCC night races held, at Snetterton.

2000
Last year of the Super Tourer class. In an effort to increase cars on the starting grid, NSC cars allowed to race in new class B category.

The last year of the Super Tourer class sees Ford win the Drivers, Manufacturers and Team titles.

2001
TOCA hand control of series to British Motorsport Promoters (BMP). The AA take over sponsorship of the series. As in 2000 championship run in two classes, now classified as BTC(Touring) and BTC(Production). Rolling start introduced for feature races.

The first year of the new BTC(T) class see Vauxhall lift all the championship silverware

2002
Series sponsorship adopted by Green Flag. Series format assured for next six years. Championship also stages first race in Northern Ireland at Mondello Park.

2003
Series race format changed further. Both races of equal distance with mandatory pit-stops with grid line start.

2004
Race format changed to triple header meetings for all rounds of the championship. All races now of equal length with no compulsory pit stops. Series opened to 'Super 2000' regulation cars and the Production class is abandoned.

2005

Series sponsorship adopted by Dunlop and title changed to Dunlop MSA British touring Car Championship