Reid: 150 not out!

When the lights turn to green on round four of the 2004 Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship this weekend at Brands Hatch, WSR MG driver Anthony Reid will have clocked up 150 BTCC race starts.

Anthony started his BTCC career back on 31 March 1997 at Donington Park where he drove a Nissan Primera Super Tourer. The following year he was runner-up in the championship after registering seven wins and eleven pole positions.

Following his stint with Nissan Anthony joined forces with Ford in 1999 and in the year 2000 narrowly missed out on title honours by two points.

With eyes now firmly fixed on the 2004 championship, Anthony hopes to continue the success he achieved in the MG ZS at the opening rounds at Thruxton.

Looking back on his career Anthony selects his three most memorable races.

Favourite:
"Winning with the MG ZS at Brands Hatch in 2001 on slick tyres has got to be my favourite. To be representing a British manufacturer, registering MG's first win and in its first year of BTCC competition is something I'm very proud of. MG was also the only manufacturer to break Vauxhall's stronghold on the championship that year. Simply great!"

Second favourite:
"This time back in 1998 at Brands Hatch when I effectively won both races but was later demoted to second place unfortunately, after a protest was upheld!"

Third favourite:
"Not down to my personal performance but more to do with being part of what was dubbed 'the greatest touring car race ever'. It was at Donington Park in 1998 when I had a furious fight for the lead with Nigel Mansell. Due to the wrong tyre choice and adverse conditions it meant that I was fighting for the lead. Unfortunately I ended up spinning and it was race over. Just to be involved and witness the media frenzy surrounding Nigel's entry into touring cars was truly memorable."

As for this season? "I'm delighted to still be involved in the championship in a strong car such as the MG ZS run by WSR," says Reid. "Alan Gow has done a great job in turning the corner and making touring cars back into a great series for competitors and spectators alike."