Inspired, apparently, by the simple, honest and fun Australian V8 supercars racing series, an entrepreneur, a racing driver and a racing engineer have started the Global Touring Car Series. Proposing a more affordable, more thrilling, and less complicated series than FIA World Turing Car Championship (WTCC), the GTC has already signed its first franchise in South Africa.
According to the Company, the purchase of a franchise allows the owner overall control to run the Global Touring Car championship in their country, and the freedom to explore commercial revenue streams and seek buy-in of individual teams. They don’t promise much in the way of profit, but they do promise a viable business opportunity, free of red tape and muddied regulations. Yes, you, Bernie Eccelstone!
We are more interested in the racing itself, and based on what GTC officials are saying, it is going to be pretty good. The cars are all 500bhp, V8-powered spaceframed machines with sequential transmissions, designed by Australian-based Paul Ceprnich. The spaceframe is designed to accept Original Equipment body panels based on versions of most saloon or hatchback-sized vehicles on the market. As you can see they have created a V8-powered Ford Focus here with this method.
Another interesting fact about the Global Touring Car Championship is that although series will be nationally run, as the franchises expand globally, leading teams and drivers will ultimately have the opportunity to compete in a World Cup event for a cash prize. Now, a few years ago a rich Arab entrepreneur decided to do the same with Formula cars and launched the A1 Grand Prix. He failed a year after and the series went bust. So we wish better luck for the guys behind GTC.
“We are introducing a revolutionary concept to global motorsport that is an exciting opportunity not only for racing fans, but sponsors and franchise owners, too,” says managing director, Gary Formato. “The purchase price and cost of running a GTC car will be significantly less than most serious touring cars currently racing in established series, but without compromising on performance, looks or build quality – we are not aware of another Touring Car series currently running 500bhp V8 engines in compact, mid-sized saloon car bodies. These factors make participation extremely attractive for potential promoters and teams, who may ultimately attract the interest of motor manufacturers’ participation, in addition to corporate sponsorship, and especially with the fan-orientated atmosphere created at the events designed to drive interest. With an increasing following at races, the series will grow in popularity and backing, driving future profitability and opening wider potential revenue streams for a sustainable and viable financial investment.”
