Two-litre Touring Car tales

I VERY MUCH ENJOYED the interview in Octane 211 with Andy Rouse [above]. Andy is probably the most successful owner-driver of all, because he really did design and build his own cars, drove them with great precision, mechanical sympathy and good manners on the track, and often won with speed in reserve: the mark of a great driver. He is also a really nice guy!

I was lucky enough to work with Andy on the Touring Car committee and as the Touring Car Coordinator during the 1988-89 seasons. What may be of interest is that the introduction of the 2-litre Touring Car formula was initially not supported by Andy in our committee meetings. He favoured the more practical one-spec RWD tubular chassis/driveline with a V8-spec engine and gearbox, and manufacturers’ lightweight copy bodywork covering the whole. This way you could have cheaper racing and still retain the identity of the various OEM cars, along with a great V8 sound reverberating from the stands.

The discussions were quite lively. There was Peter Ashcroft from