Gow to run BTCC again?

racer69 · 29 May 2003, 12:16 (Ref:613456)

There is a story in this weeks Australian Auto Action which says that Alan Gow may replace Richard West in running the BTCC, is this true?

It goes on saying that BMP is behind the move, as it thinks Gow can restore the series to how it was in the mid-90s by attracting more manufacturers and getting bigger crowds, and that Alan will also look into the possibility of adopting the ETC regulations.

Is this what is happening, and if so, what do you all think?

maplex · 29 May 2003, 12:29 (Ref:613494)

As reported on BTCC Website

BMP today announces a revised management structure for the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship in order to further enhance the long term future of the Championship and TOCATour.

Richard West, the current Championship Administrator, through RWA Ltd., will henceforth focus on all commercial aspects of the Championship, generating new income streams and ensuring that existing sponsors and partners are provided with continued support. BMP recognises the excellent work Richard has completed in recent years and is confident that the ongoing relationship will be of benefit to all parties.

Alan Gow will take up the position of Championship Administrator with immediate effect and take responsibility relating to all Championship technical and sporting matters. Alan brings proven ability and experience to the team, which will be crucial in determining long term strategies.

Murray Smith, Chairman of BMP, says: "In Alan and Richard we have the most experienced and committed management team we could wish for to accelerate the progress of the Championship."

Richard West says: "There is enormous growth potential within the BTCC and TOCATour. I’m pleased that Alan is returning to an active role within the Championship and am sure that together we can achieve considerable success."

Alan Gow says: "We should recognise the success of the Championship and make sure that it remains one of the pre-eminent Touring Car Championships in the world. We need more manufacturers and more Touring Cars on the grid and I intend to use my position as Administrator to the full in order to achieve this. I look forward to working with Richard, the teams and manufacturers to make this happen."

**touringlegend** · 29 May 2003, 12:55 (Ref:613560)

Bloody hell! Didn't see this one coming at all, but Alan Gow's made a darn good job before so I don't see why he can't again.

Synopsis · 29 May 2003, 14:26 (Ref:613682)

At last!!!!

BootsOntheSide · 29 May 2003, 14:49 (Ref:613700)

This is interesting, and will surely mean changes in the future, possibly the regulations will mvoe closer to the ETCC's, so as to allow Alfa and BMW in, as discussed elsewhere.

What had Alan been up since Richard West took over?

Craner Curves · 29 May 2003, 15:05 (Ref:613716)

Can't change the regs. They're set in stone until 2006 thankfully.

Super Tourer · 29 May 2003, 15:06 (Ref:613718)

He's been heading up an MSA committe I believe, looking at co-ordinating national motorsport.

Kelvin · 29 May 2003, 15:17 (Ref:613729)

In terms of BTCC history I'm relatively new,& I have to admit to not ever hearing of Mr Gow before. (maybe I should have?)

Many of us on this forum and others have had quite a good reationship with RW, is Gow going to be approachable like Richard?

Kelvin

Sim_Da_BTCC_Man · 29 May 2003, 15:46 (Ref:613755)

See im not sure wether this is good or bad to be honest. Richard West was doing a fantastic job. I don't want Gow turning BTCC into ETCC which in my opinion is boring. Maybe im miss informed but I don't like the way we are heading towards the ETCC.

**Craig** · 29 May 2003, 16:04 (Ref:613789)

Alan Gow built the series into something really special last time he was in charge and I, for one, welcome him back to the role where he excelled in the nineties.

Having said that the arrival of Richard West was a breath of fresh air - the way ToCA now listen to the fans, in a way previously unthinkable, is something the pair MUST ensure they work to keep. To lose this relationship would be pure folly.

Gow is an astute businessman though and I'm sure he will realise this. If the pair can work together to bring the good times back then we will really have something to be proud of here.

The changes will obviously take a little time to bed down but it will be interesting to see how this pans out. I hope that BMP are serious about Richard continuing to be a key part of the series as I think he still has an awful lot to offer.

kmchow · 29 May 2003, 16:17 (Ref:613809)

Yeah, I did not think of Alan Gow ever since he was let go? It's kinda neat he has now been brought back. I think Alan Gow must feel a little vindication? To be ousted from the championship you helped to become the top and leading ST series.

Let's hope he does take the BTCC over to the dark (ETCC) side!!!

Craner Curves · 29 May 2003, 17:14 (Ref:613874)

I think RW will be better suited to his new role. It's his specialist subject.

rdjones · 29 May 2003, 19:08 (Ref:613984)

I see from the TOCA site that they have added an ask Alan section to there forum.

Sim_Da_BTCC_Man · 29 May 2003, 19:14 (Ref:613991)

Quote:

Originally posted by rdjones
I see from the TOCA site that they have added an ask Alan section to there forum.

Could be worse. Could be Ask Jeeves.

. Im sorry.

Craner Curves · 29 May 2003, 19:21 (Ref:614006)

Why is that forum full of people panicking about him turning it into the ETCC? No chance!

kristof14 · 29 May 2003, 23:45 (Ref:614220)

Quote:

Originally posted by Craner Curves
Can't change the regs. They're set in stone until 2006 thankfully.

But surely if all the teams, manufacturers and drivers were onboard for reg changes then there would be no problem?

MikeH · 30 May 2003, 00:46 (Ref:614233)

Thank God!!

racer69 · 30 May 2003, 07:05 (Ref:614402)

Quote:

Originally posted by BootsOntheSide
What had Alan been up since Richard West took over?

James Courtney's manager as well as what Super Tourer said

***Chris Y*** · 30 May 2003, 10:23 (Ref:614565)

He's also been racing 2CVs

Ayjay · 30 May 2003, 15:01 (Ref:614825)

Firstly, many thanks for all the words of support.

Just to clarify something....I wasn't "let go" by BMP or anything of the kind.

I sold my company (TOCA) to Octagon/BMP in 2000, after they made an offer to buy it. It was a simple business decision and sale.

I was asked to stay and continue to run TOCA for the new owners, (and they asked me a number of times over the last couple of years to come back) but instead I took the opportunity of doing some other things with my life that I always wanted to do, and which I had neglected whilst I ran the BTCC.

I've had a good break, I'm re-energised and it's great to be back. Richard will continue to manage the sponsorship/marketing side, which he's expert at, whilst I concentrate on the sporting and regulation aspects.

I would like to say a big thank you to you all, for your continued enthusiasm for the BTCC. It is a great championship and will become even greater as time goes on. Things don't happen overnight, but positive and continual progress is always my strategy.

I look forward to seeing you all at the races.

Kindest regards,
Alan Gow

kmchow · 30 May 2003, 15:58 (Ref:614897)

Awwww shucks, now we gotta watch what we say about Alan Gow b/c he also visits ten-tenths!!

How come you never joined us before? I hope you can use us ten-tenths fans as a focus group for future BTCC ideas! All we request in return is a case of beer.

OTOH, we're so desperate for attention, heck, we'll waive the case of beer b/c it's you!!

**Craig** · 30 May 2003, 16:12 (Ref:614928)

*You* waive as much beer as you want pal. Personally I think the drinks should be on Alan at Silverstone. Shall I start a poll and see what everyone else thinks?

**touringlegend** · 30 May 2003, 16:19 (Ref:614935)

The result would be pretty conclusive but, yeh, why not..

Les · 30 May 2003, 18:59 (Ref:615115)

I do hope that the fan/boss(es) relationship is kept. I have to say Westie has been a real breath of fresh air to motorsport - someone who actually listens to fans and acts on their advice.

I knew the series under Gow - or rather I watched the demise of it - spiralling costs and fights between the teams - not that I am blaming Alan at all as it was just that time for things to change. In two years I probably spoke to him twice.

I have to say I enjoy it so much more now and probably because of the open-ness of it to the fans and that I put that firmly at Westies feet.

I do hope that Westie and Alan do work together to take the series even further.

Michael H · 7 Jun 2003, 12:22 (Ref:623812)

Welcome back, Mr Gow!
In Australia (as you will know) we no longer get BTCC coverage. Fox Sports have dropped the coverage.
As for the series itself - I cannot judge, as I've never seen a race, but I do prefer to watch sedans rather than hatches.

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