BTCC: Champion Gravett returns

NEWS FROM THE AUTO TRADER RAC TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP, 16/4/97 Former champion Gravett returns Robb Gravett, the 1990 British Touring Car Champion, is an exciting late entry into this year's Auto Trader Championship. Having missed the first two rounds at Easter, the popular racer from Maidenhead will start his BTCC campaign this weekend (Apr 19/20) at Silverstone. Gravett has bought one of last year's Honda Accords which contested the German Super Touring series and has his sights set on winning the lucrative 250,000 Total Cup for Independents, as well as beating some of the manufacturer-funded, front-line entries. ''This is the best racing car I've ever driven,'' said Gravett after a familiarisation test at the Pembrey circuit. ''The two official Hondas raced by Gabriele Tarquini and James Thompson are among this season's pacesetters and, although this is last year's model, I'm looking forward to some great results. The BTCC is still the best championship of its kind anywhere in the world and I'm delighted to be rejoining the action.'' The Accord will be prepared by Graham Hathaway Racing with sponsorship from Rock-It Cargo. Tyres will be supplied by Dunlop, the company which helped all-conquering Audi to the 1996 BTCC crown. Gravett's return boosts the number of former champions competing in the 1997 Auto Trader RAC Touring Car Championship to six: John Cleland (1989 and '95), Robb Gravett (1990), Will Hoy (1991), Tim Harvey (1992), Gabriele Tarquini (1994) and Frank Biela (1996). ------- BTCC97 www.demon.co.uk/racing/