Dunlop chief 're-tyres'.

While the new Super 2000 era of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship was kicking off at Brands Hatch, another era drew to a close as Dunlop's chief motor sport technician Tony Leake completed his final race meeting in the role before retiring.

Leake, who will retire on Wednesday after 32 years service, was reduced to tears on the grid as he was presented with a special race wheel rim by series director Alan Gow - sporting the words 'Tony, it's about time you re-tyred' - to mark the occasion.

The 62-year-old was also given the honour of waving the chequered flag for the final race of the weekend, a race that saw Matt Neal secure the first victory for the new Team Halfords Honda Civic.

"It was one of the most emotional moments I've ever experienced - a bit of a shock, but very enjoyable and very moving," Leake, has been Dunlop's BTCC co-ordinator and chief technician since it became the championship's official tyre supplier in 2003, admitted. "I'll still be coming to BTCC meetings - the people in it are a great bunch to work with and I consider them good friends.

"I've had a few invites to be guests of teams at Rockingham in three weeks. I can just relax and eat their food!"

Crash.net wishes Tony all the best in his retirement.