JOHN CLELAND ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT FROM BTCC

After last weekend's races at Thruxton double BTCC champion John Cleland announced his retirement from BTCC racing - surprising everybody, including Vauxhall, with whom John has driven with since 1989. Cleland, now 47 years old, won his two titles with Vauxhall - in 1989 and 1995. He has not been the most successful driver this season but his most recent win was only last year. At Donington Park he beat Nigel Mansell in the Ford Mondeo. The Scot hopes to finish on a high note though with at least one podium finish before the end of the season at Silverstone on September 19. There are only eight races (4 meetings), but the Vectra is certainly competitive for points placings, if not the top two places. Cleland is not hanging up his racing gloves though - he is seeking a new challenge.

He had this to say: "I am quitting Touring Cars only, not motorsport.I want to keep going and look at different things. Hopefully my association with Vauxhall will continue in some form. The people at Vauxhall have been very good to me over the years and my memories of racing for them are good. I've had two championships with Vauxhall, I've won more races than anyone else competing today in Touring Cars apart from one driver, and I've probably been on the podium more than any other driver. I'd like to do sportscar racing or something like that as I know I can still race with the best of them and win races.

I will be trying my hardest until the end of the year, as I usually do, and I hope, for myself and the boys that work on the car, that I can get on the podium for a final time in Touring Cars before the end of the season."

Mike Nicholson, Vauxhall's Motorsport Manager, said: "We have enjoyed working with John over the years. He brought the drivers' title to Vauxhall twice, he's a great driver and a great character in the sport and will be missed by spectators, his fellow competitors and us. We are sorry to see him leave the Vauxhall team and the BTCC, and we wish him well in the future, in whatever direction he decides to go."

Designed & maintained by caint.com