You can imagine my excitement when I was given the job of covering the launch of three new MG competition cars at the NEC in Birmingham (Thursday 26th April). I am a great MG fan as well as a motorsport fan obviously, so what a treat for me! MG have embraced not just one branch of motorsport but three - the MG Lola for Le Mans, the MG Touring Car and finally the MG Rally car.

Before the unveiling of the cars each member of 'Team MG' was introduced to the worlds press. Michelle Newman a well known TV motoring jounalist (whose first car was an MG Midget) interviewed each of the key team members, each explaining their racing pedigree and their part as team member.

As the Union Jack covers were drawn back at NEC the assembled journalists and photographers were treated to a dramatic unveiling of MG Rover's line-up of these three sensational new competition cars.

The cars were stunning all finished in the new racing livery of silver metallic grey and luminous green stripes and MG logos.

Rob Oldaker MG Rover's director of product development as well as MG Sports & Racing described the philosophy behind MG Rover's latest competition initiative as "Outrageous fun for all". He went on to describe the way that the competition programme will come under the umbrella of MG Sport & Racing Ltd. and its associated sub-brand MG X-power. "MG X power will become well known worldwide as it is seen emblazoned on the flanks of our competition cars, team clothing and on merchandise.

Mr. Oldaker summed up the approach of MG's new competition programme: "This is our learning year but it doesn't mean that we are not hungry for success."

The flagship project will be the Le Mans 24 hour sports car race entered by the MG Lola EX257 designed and built by Lola Cars International. Powered by an MG X power 2 litre, four cylinder turbo unit from advanced engine specialists AER. Two EX257s have been entered and will be driven by a team of British drivers: Mark Blundell, Julian Bailey, Anthony Reid, Warren Hughes, Kevin McGarrity and Jonny Kane.

Mark Blundell said "I think we will surprise a lot of people. We have a really good package to get a good result. It is great to be driving an MG, supporting a British manufacturer and flying the flag."

Popular rally driver Gwyndaf Evans will be campaigning the MG ZR EX258 rally car in the new Formula 3 Super 1600 category. Testing begins in June and the first outing for the Cardiff-based Rally GB will be on November 22-26.

The MG ZS EX259 Touring car was also unveiled, and this is the car I really wanted to see. This racing saloon which is being prepared for the TOCA Tour series, is using a race tuned 2.0-litre KV6 engine. It is due to start track testing in July and debut at the Silverstone International meeting on September 8/9. Anthony Reid and Warren Hughes are the drivers.

Reaction from MG Enthusiasts the world over have been positive. Touring Car fans with no previous experience of the brand have also been enthusiastic, say its the best looking car in the current series.