BTCC to take to Milton Keynes streets.

Following on from the hugely successful quayside demonstration in NewcastleGateshead in July, and the Forth Road Bridge crossing last weekend, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is to hold its second city centre demonstration run in Milton Keynes ahead of the next round of the year at Silverstone.

The normally tranquil, tree-lined Avebury Boulevard will be closed at 18.30 on Thursday 15 September before spectacularly coming alive to the sight and sound of Britain's most exciting racing cars for more than an hour.

Drivers will demonstrate their BTCC cars down the Boulevard before tackling one of the cities many roundabouts and returning on the opposite carriageway between Milton Keynes' massive indoor leisure complex Xscape and the city's indoor shopping centre - the biggest of its kind in Europe - thecentre:mk. All nine BTCC teams have pledged to field a car, while a car from each of the BTCC support package will also be running on the day, with coverage of the event included in ITV1's broadcast from Silverstone on BTCC race day.

Cars from the BTCC and the different support series will be on display in thecentre:mk's grand Middleton Hall throughout the day from 9am onwards, with drivers present to meet shoppers for autographs and photographs and tickets for the Silverstone BTCC race weekend available to buy.

Crowds will also be able to meet the drivers during a special autograph session during the evening outside Xscape when there will be plenty of giveaways from teams and BTCC title sponsor Dunlop.

"We are delighted to announce this event in Milton Keynes - it is going to be absolutely fantastic and is sure to attract a great many people from not just Milton Keynes, but also neighbouring cities and towns such as Oxford , Northampton , Aylesbury and Luton," BTCC series director Alan Gow said. "To be able to run an event in the Midlands following such a successful maiden event in the North-East is of huge importance. We are all about taking the show to the people and Milton Keynes ' central location means we can entertain a whole new audience. It's a spectacular show for everybody to come and enjoy and the roundabout is a must!

"It is worth noting that the BTCC's two big manufacturer teams, SEAT and Vauxhall, are based in Milton Keynes and Luton, so both I'm sure will make the most of this event in terms of promotion. Our support championships also know the importance of this type of event and their inclusion will undoubtedly add to the evening's excitement."

Gow was also full of praise for Milton Keynes, which has demonstrated a receptive attitude since the start of talks with the BTCC.

"It's been a pleasure to work with the very dynamic people of Milton Keynes Council, thecentre:mk and Xscape," he said. "They clearly know how to get behind an event and it is clear to see why the city enjoys such a vibrant, cultural atmosphere and huge commercial success. Silverstone's input into this event, which has been significant, should also be recognised."

Isobel McCall, leader of Milton Keynes Council, admitted she was delighted to be welcoming the BTCC to the city.

"This is a fabulous event to be coming to Milton Keynes and we have worked very closely with various partners in the business and cultural community to make it happen," she said. "The city has a very close association with the motor racing world so it seems a natural progression to respond to the BTCC that takes place at nearby Silverstone the following weekend.

"This event will give a free community exhibition of the cars at competition speeds right here where our divided road and roundabout will provide great viewing."