Lexus say "no" to works BTCC effort for 2002

[Sodemo2]

Just read it at Autosport.com

They said however that they would not rule out a BTCC works program in the near future.

[BIG OLLIE]

What a shame about Lexus....

[touringlegend]

I am really dissapointed... I thought there was a very good chance of a works campaign in 2002, but at least we've still got the two TMSR IS200's for the time being.

Also, we've got Proton entering and Vauxhall withdrawing to look forward to - just what the BTCC needs...

[Super Tourer]

What did I tell you.......Sorry folks, but as a rule spending money on motorsport is item 123,569 on the marketing plan.

[Stephen Green]

As I understand it the reason for Lexus not entering the BTCC was because they wish to grow their dealer network before entering motor sport.

[touringlegend]

Super Tourer, I think the BTCC is very high on the Lexus marketing plan.

There UK MD said that a third party research campaign had indicated that the BTCC would be very good for Lexus, but he also said that he would rather build a good dealership base first, like Stephen said, so then people could get access to the cars easier. I can see that being very logical for Lexus.

And he wished TMSR luck next year - I reckon there'll be a few Lexus badges on that teams cars - that way there advertising the IS200 cheaply for themselves.

[Eddie_harasym]

Originally posted by touringlegend


Also, we've got Proton entering and Vauxhall withdrawing to look forward to - just what the BTCC needs...

Did I miss something, are these confirmed?

[touringlegend]

Well, just nearly. Vauxhall are defintely reducing their money being spent on the BTCC, some are saying they have already decided to quit.

Proton seem to be entering - a 'strong BTCC source' told Autosport that they have signed a 3-year deal, but still official announcement to come from Proton or TOCA yet.

[BootsOntheSide]

So will the arrangement be the same as this year? Will there be 1 or 2 peivcate Lexus cars ran by the same people as this year? Will Thomas Erdos still be behind the wheel? Will VIncent Radermacker get his chance?

[Eddie_harasym]

I hope TMSR/ABG do carry on with the Lexus next year, they had begun to really show promise with that car.

[hunttheshunt]

And i hope Tommy Erdos stays on at TMSR....

I expect Lexus to give TMSR a bit more financial support for next year, though, whatever they say.

[touringlegend]

I suspect Lexus will give TMSR some sort of support next year too hunttheshunt, it'd pay them too.

Many of my family & friends think this years cars are works cars - the casual BTCC goer sees "Lexus" or "IS200" plastered over the car and they automatically assume that it is the actual company, it's only us that know the full story.