Brazilian Automobile Confederation (CBA) has announced a new national racing series, based on the Touring concept.
The country already has one main racing series that's subject to many discussions regarding its actual concept. Some say it's closer to Stock Car racing, some say it's a prototype racing series and there are those who even say it's GT - I'm referring to Stock Car Brasil, its name has varied throughout the years, but basically it's a national championship that exists officially since 1979.
But this time, CBA has decided to create a parallel new racing series based strictly on Touring concept, planned to be Stock Car Brasil's counterpart - having direct influence from the interested Manufacturers, providing and developing all the technologies involved and of course, the engines. Making comparisons, it's going to be like Germany's DTM, Australia's V8 Supercars, Argentina's TC 2000 and Britain's BTCC.
Honda, Chevrolet and Ford are the Manufacturers announced for the first year, that's already 2011 and they're going to put on track the cars that are selling hits in Brazilian market: Honda Civic, Chevrolet Astra and Ford Focus.
Petrobrás is the main financial thread. Pirelli will supply the tyres.
2011 Schedule
1. Curitiba 05/25
2. Tarumã 06/12
3. Sao Paulo 07/17
4. Rio de Janeiro 07/31
5. Velopark 08/21
6. Rio de Janeiro 09/25
7. Brasilia 10/30
8. Curitiba 11/20
There is still no official website, it's probably going to be released next month and there are no details regarding the TV broadcast for Brasil and other countries, but negotiations are going on. There's still a lot to do in order to improve racing as a sport in Brasil and South America as a whole, but it's a great new start and I wish we can make it right. With our Economy improving, it's possible to make Touring in this country without any trauma or fear. Years ago, talk about "Touring" in Brazil was almost like insult, it was considered extremely expensive, economically impracticable and etc. I believe now we can do it and do it well.
