BTCC to celebrate 50 years at Birmingham show.

The HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship will kick off its 50th year with a special display of cars from past and present at the Autosport International show in Birmingham next month.

More than 20 cars are set to be on display at the NEC, including the Ford Sierra RS500 of Steve Soper, the Honda Integra that took Matt Neal to the 2006 title and the 1995 title winning Vauxhall Cavalier of John Cleland. A number of drivers from years gone by will also be in attendance to give their memories of the BTCC.

"The excitement on the track and the passion displayed by the many millions of fans who come through the gates or tune in to watch the BTCC is now among the greatest of any championship in the world," series director Alan Gow said. "In the Nineties, we were blessed with nine manufacturer-backed teams and this helped the BTCC's popularity go through the roof.

"However, it is important that any championship moves with the times and today we have, I believe, a BTCC that is as popular, competitive, exciting and captivating as at any other stage during those 50 years.

"I am extremely proud to be in charge of the BTCC as it prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday in what I am sure will be a season to truly savour."