THE Australian Performance Car Championship (GTP) for production-based touring cars will start its 2007 season next month with the best schedule of national television coverage in its 10-year history.
Live telecasts from three rounds will feature in more than 4.5 hours of GTP racing on the Seven Network, which has a long-term agreement to cover the V8 Supercar Championship Series and all support categories.
The eight-round GTP championship, showcasing popular high-performance road cars such as the Holden HSV, Ford FPV, BMW M3 and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, will run exclusively at V8 Supercar events, starting on 30 March-1 April at Goulburn’s Wakefield Park circuit.
GTP category manager Craig Nayda said the television deal finalised late last week with V8 Supercars Australia promised fans, competitors and sponsors an exciting combination of live and post-event coverage, higher production quality and confirmed time-slots tied to V8 Supercar shows. 2007
“The Seven deal will expose our championship to a significantly larger audience than ever before. It puts in place the final part of our 2007 plans and now we can’t wait to start the season, †Mr Nayda said.
“It’s going to be a big year for GTP. From this season we have moved exclusively to the V8 Supercar calendar – including Bathurst and Indy - secured Seven Network coverage, signed a long-term deal for Pirelli control tyres, welcomed some new competitors and updated our technical and sporting regulations. â€
Long-term GTP competitor Beric Lynton, who finished second in the championship last year in his BMW M3, said the Seven Network deal was an important development for the category and its supporters.
“It’s a coup for GTP, especially the live component. Everyone is excited about what Seven will do for the championship, †Lynton said.
“I think my sponsors are going to particularly pleased with the plans for 40 minutes of live TV three times during the season. â€
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