The top S2000 driver in the 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will be awarded with the ‘Jack Sears Trophy’, series director Alan Gow has confirmed.
Gow had mooted the idea of an S2000 Cup before the end of the season and the trophy has been confirmed and named after the legendary double-champion, who won the first ever BTCC title in 1958.
Despite confusion amongst some fans, the S2000 cars which have populated the grid since 2004 were always able to race next season if teams wanted to enter, and the promise of the Sears Trophy will be a welcome boost to smaller teams unable to afford the step up to the series’ new NGTC – which is set to dominate next season when the regulations swing in their favour.
Gow explained: “Ultimately the driver with the most ‘cups’ will be awarded the Jack Sears Trophy at the end of the season – named, fittingly, in recognition of not only a great double BTCC Champion but also the BTCC’s first ever Champion (in 1958).
“To receive the trophy from a true legend like Jack will be a real privilege for the winner…”
Known then as the British Saloon Car Championship, the Norfolk racer won a dramatic tie-breaker race and followed that up with a second crown in 1963, and the 82-year-old says it is an ‘honour’ to have the trophy in his name.
“It’ll be 55 years since I won my first title,” he said, “and 50 since I was fortunate enough to win it a second time – I feel very honoured that the championship wants to create a trophy in my name after all these years. It’s certainly a championship that values its heritage.
“The cars of course have improved hugely in that time and the S2000s have provided great entertainment and variety. It’s good to retain a type of car that has been successful and I’m sure, even though smaller in numbers in 2013, the S2000 runners will continue to put on a great show for the public. I very much look forward to presenting the trophy to the deserving winner next October on Finals Day at Brands Hatch – scene of my first title all those years ago.”
