In anticipation of the new racing season...........................

.................. I thought it would be good to look at what opportunities there are for Groups 1, 2 and A pre 1986 touring cars.

Motor Racing Legends is yet to announce its calendar for the Historic Touring Car Challenge other than the Donington Historic Festival from 03 to 05 May, but there are four rounds planned altogether.  Prior to that there is the Group 1/1B dedicated Gerry Marshal Trophy at Goodwood 29 and 30 March.

But having stuck a toe in the Group 1 to Group A water at Spa Francorchamps last year, Peter Auto has come up with a calendar of three events for what it calls the Heritage Touring Cup, again for Group 1 to Group A pre 1985 cars. These are: Spa-Classic (16-18 of May) with a special "Spirit of the 24H de Francorchamps" format, then the Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or (Dijon) (6-8 of June) and last, the Dix Mille Tours du Castellet (3-5 of October).

The formats for these last two events are 30' untimed practice session - 40' qualifying - 60' race (1 or 2 drivers), whereas the Spa-Classic Endurance is daytime free practice: 1 x 40' - nighttime free practice: 1 x 30' and  daytime Qualifying: 1 x 40' - Races: 2 x 60' (1 or 2 drivers)

Tyre regulations : Slicks for cars which ran on slicks in period, basically 1972 up to 1984. Threaded tyres for all others (modern pattern are forbidden (Yoko, etc..). So as long as Motor Racing Legends can fit its schedule around these dates then there are up to seven opportunities to race these cars in the UK and Europe this coming season.