BTCC boss Alan Gow plays down chances of a street race

British prime minister David Cameron said that a Deregulation Bill currently going through parliament will enable more road races for GB motorsport.

Although series boss Alan Gow welcomed the move - and said it would open the door to demonstration events - he pointed to other obstacles to a BTCC street race.

"Of course we would like to have a street race in our calendar - who wouldn't?" Gow told AUTOSPORT.

"But the reality is that the cost of staging one doesn't alter - and that will still remain as the primary reason we don't have a major street event in a large city.

"Unless the government, local or national, are prepared to underwrite the very considerable cost of staging one, then I don't think we will see a 'major' street race for some time."

Gow, who is also the chairman of the Motor Sports Association and has held BTCC street demonstration events in the past, believes legislation has not always been the main reason street races have not been held up to this point.

"I can't remember a time when the existing legislation was ever the cause for a major street race not being held," he added. "It was always the cost.

"But in the absence of a street race, this new legislation does provide the BTCC with many more opportunities for demonstration events in major cities.

"The move is also a great opportunity for national, regional and club motorsport. That's just fantastic for national motorsport, who all helped the MSA in getting this agreed by the government."