Race Drivers Inc.

Pink And Green Should Always Be Seen

 Following the release of Xbox phenomenon Call of Duty last month, most of the male population are still lost in a virtual world where success is measured by kill counts. For men like Tony Gilham however, the allure of real adrenaline-fuelled success is what drives them forwards.

As one of the most unmissable drivers in the British Touring Car Championship – namely due to the vibrant pink & green livery of his race car – the former cage fighter from Kent was no stranger to taking a few hits to his bodywork as he tore around UK race circuits in his distinctive pink and green cars.

Speaking on his during his debut season, Tony said; I really enjoyed being part of the 2011 British Touring Car Championship, although it could have been a lot better. Hopefully, the experience will stand us in good stead if we can raise the required budget in order to compete again this year. The team are working really hard in trying to secure funds and we are keeping all options open before finalising a seat for 2012.

Following championship wins in the 2005 MR2 Championships as well as the 2007 VW Cup, Tony spent three successful years in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB (2008 - 2nd, 2009 - 4th, 2010 - 3rd) which included him running his own team, before moving up into the British Touring Car Championship in 2011. 

With trackside audiences in excess of 350,000 spectators, the crowd figures at circuits far outnumbered that of your average Premiership football match namely as a result of  the sport’s uniqueness in having an open paddock policy at the majority of events, allowing fans to meet the stars of the show.

Thanks to the millions of fans across the UK, the BTCC enjoys unprecedented levels of national television coverage from ITV; a massive 19.4 million UK viewers tuned in to watch the 2011 series unfold. Added to that the 1.6 billion+ cumulative global TV reach, there is little doubt that the BTCC provides the perfect platform for teams, drivers and sponsors to raise both their national and international profiles and reputations.

The BTCC is undoubtedly the ultimate goal for many ‘tin top’ racers, and as one of the most popular drivers in the BTCC paddock, the affable driver enters this year with the aim of being financially able to compete in each round of the 2012 British Touring Car Championships.

Tony is determined to keep his dream of competition at the very top of Tin Top racing saying; “I want to go into 2012 with the continued backing of sponsors, who can not only support me in my bid to finish higher up the grid next season. And, as with all partnerships, we like to work with our sponsors and involve them in everything we do in order that they can maximise any potential opportunities”. 

The changes in the regulations will see the BTCC lead the way in introducing increasingly spectacular, higher performance cars whilst also drastically reducing costs. These ‘Next Generation Touring Car’ (NGTC) have already drawn widespread global interest and acclaim.

The ethos behind the NGTC regulations is to drive down budgets on all fronts – cars, engines, construction and running costs – and to make it more affordable for teams to be a part of, and succeed in, one of the world’s most celebrated motor sporting arenas. 

Becoming a part of the BTCC at such an exciting time, is one many people do not want to miss.

Story : Ruth Harrison