FAQs: TOCA & BTCCWho is Alan Gow?You can’t talk about TOCA without mentioning Alan Gow. Since taking over the BTCC in 1991, Gow has been the driving force behind the series’ transformation and ongoing success. Gow’s sharp eye for commercial potential, paired with a deep respect for motorsport, has helped keep the BTCC not only alive, but thriving even during times when other series were struggling.
Is TOCA part of the FIA or Motorsport UK?No, TOCA operates independently. While it works alongside Motorsport UK (the UK’s governing body for motorsport) to ensure safety and regulation compliance, TOCA owns the commercial and organisational rights to the BTCC and runs it as a separate entity.
What is the TOCA engine?The TOCA engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit developed and supplied to BTCC teams who don’t use manufacturer-developed engines. It provides reliable, cost-effective performance and ensures a level playing field across the grid.
Are all BTCC cars built to TOCA specs?Yes. Since the introduction of NGTC regulations, all BTCC cars must be built to the TOCA technical specification. This ensures parity across the field, regardless of whether a team is manufacturer-backed or independent.
Who funds TOCA?TOCA operates commercially, funded through a mix of sponsorship deals, team entry fees, licensing, and broadcast rights. It is a private entity, not publicly funded or reliant on government or sport grants.
Did Alan Gow start the BTCC?No. The BTCC was founded in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship. But Gow is widely credited with saving and reshaping it into what we know today.
Is Alan Gow still in charge?Yes, as of 2025, Gow remains at the helm of TOCA and the BTCC. His continued involvement ensures the championship remains competitive, accessible, and proudly British.
You can’t talk about TOCA without mentioning Alan Gow. Since taking over the BTCC in 1991, Gow has been the driving force behind the series’ transformation and ongoing success. Gow’s sharp eye for commercial potential, paired with a deep respect for motorsport, has helped keep the BTCC not only alive, but thriving even during times when other series were struggling.
No, TOCA operates independently. While it works alongside Motorsport UK (the UK’s governing body for motorsport) to ensure safety and regulation compliance, TOCA owns the commercial and organisational rights to the BTCC and runs it as a separate entity.
The TOCA engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit developed and supplied to BTCC teams who don’t use manufacturer-developed engines. It provides reliable, cost-effective performance and ensures a level playing field across the grid.
Yes. Since the introduction of NGTC regulations, all BTCC cars must be built to the TOCA technical specification. This ensures parity across the field, regardless of whether a team is manufacturer-backed or independent.
TOCA operates commercially, funded through a mix of sponsorship deals, team entry fees, licensing, and broadcast rights. It is a private entity, not publicly funded or reliant on government or sport grants.
No. The BTCC was founded in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship. But Gow is widely credited with saving and reshaping it into what we know today.
Yes, as of 2025, Gow remains at the helm of TOCA and the BTCC. His continued involvement ensures the championship remains competitive, accessible, and proudly British.
