RACE FORMAT
The Regulations for 2002 are not significantly differently to the 2001 regulations, which first brought in the new style BTCC cars.

Each meeting featured two rounds, the first being a shorter 'Sprint Race' and the second, a longer 'Feature Race'. Both classes run together in each race but the drivers and teams score points only within their own class.

QUALIFYING SESSIONS
There is a single 43 minute qualifying session the day before the race. Both classes take part in the same session. The first 20 minutes set times for the sprint race. There then follows a 3 minute 'neutral period' during which times are not counted, but cars may remain on the track. The second 20 minute period determines the grid for the feature race. BTCP cars will always form their grid behind the BTC Touring cars in the feature race, irrespective of qualifying times. This decision was taken on safety grounds.

UNTIMED SESSIONS
Cars are permitted two 40-minute practice sessions, where times do not count towards qualifying position. These take place in morning on two day meetings or on the first day of 3 day meetings.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS SYSTEM
Within the BTC Touring class there are championships for drivers, manufacturers, teams and the independents cup. The BTC Production class has its own driver and team championships. Each category uses the same basic points scoring system:

1st - 15 points
2nd - 12
3rd - 10
4th - 8
5th - 6
6th - 5
7th - 4
8th - 3
9th - 2
10th - 1

An additional point is awarded for setting pole position, and for fastest lap, at each sprint race and feature race. An extra point was also awarded for being classified as the race leader in the feature race only. (Only one point is awarded, irrespective of how many times a driver leads.) These additional points were awarded only in the driver championships. The BTC Production class ran as a championship within a championship. Therefore, cars were eligible for bonus points (lap lead/fastest lap/pole position) irrespective of their overall position in the race. Independent entries in the touring class score points in the respective touring class championships, in addition the drivers could also score points in the independents cup.

MANUFACTURERS
BTC Touring manufacturers/importers must nominate a maximum of three cars prior to each round. Only these cars will be eligible for points. Points can be scored in both the sprint and feature races.

TEAMS
Only the feature race counted towards this series. Points were awarded to the two highest-placed cars from each team. The BTC Touring and BTC Production categories each have their own Teams Championship.

PIT STOPS
Feature Race pit stops were mandatory for all BTC Touring cars, with the exception of the round at Knockhill. Two complete wheels must be changed during the stop, which must take place between five laps and 70 per cent of the race distance. Stops were not mandatory for BTCP cars. A maximum of seven personnel are permitted in the pit lane to carry out a pit stop for one and two-car teams. Seven extra personnel are permitted for three and four-car teams. The pit lane speed limit is 40mph (64kph).

TYRES
BF Goodrich is the nominated tyre supplier for the championship. BTC Touring cars are limited to 20 dry/slick tyres each meeting, including untimed practice sessions. BTC production cars are limited to 16 tyres each meeting. There is no limit to the number of grooved tyres used. The use of tyre warmers is prohibited.

SUCCESS BALLAST
Drivers in both BTC-Touring and BTC-Production will this year once again be awarded 'success ballast' based on their finishing position in a race. However changes have been made to the way that this will take place, which the following attempts to explain:

Firstly, unlike in 2001, 'success ballast' will not accumulate. Ballast awarded for the finishing position in the sprint race at a meeting, will be applied to the driver's car for ONLY the feature race at the same meeting. Ballast awarded for the finishing position in a feature race at a meeting, must be carried for practice sessions, qualifying, and the sprint race at the following meeting.

Ballast will be awarded to Touring class drivers as follows:

1st position: +42 Kg
2nd: +30 Kg
3rd: +18 Kg
4th: +9 Kg
5th: +0 Kg
6th: -9 Kg
7th: -15 Kg
8th: -21 Kg
9th or lower: -24 Kg (Includes DNS/DNF)

The standard weight for a BTC Touring car (with driver) is 1174 Kg. Any driver finishing in 6th position or lower will be permitted to remove the specified amount of weight from the car. For example, a driver finishing in 8th position in the Sprint Race would be permitted to run with a car weighing 1153 Kg or more in the Feature Race. The weight reductions ARE NOT compulsory, however, the carrying any extra ballast awarded is.

In the Production class, the following applies:
1st position: +42 Kg
2nd: +30 Kg
3rd: +18 Kg
4th: +9 Kg
5th or lower: +/- 0Kg
As shown above, there are no permitted weight reductions in the Production class, however the extra ballast must be carried the same as in the Touring class.

DRIVER DISCIPLINE
A range of penalties can be imposed against a driver or team deemed to be in breach of the regulations. These include: a pit "drive-through" during the race; a time penalty; reprimand; fine; docking of points; or exclusion from future events. Video evidence from the TOCA-nominated 1V company will be accepted.

SAFETY CAR
The Safety Car may be deployed at any stage. The first five laps behind the Safety Car will not be counted as race laps. Thereafter, each lap will count towards the race. When the Safety Car pulls into the pits, racing must not resume until cars pass a green flag waved at the start/finish line.

SPARE CARS
No replacement cars are permitted at any TOCA meeting or test.

SPARE ENGINES
Each driver is permitted a maximum of four sealed engines during the course of the championship. The BTCC Clerk may deduct a maximum of 15 championship points for every subsequent change of engine above the permitted limit.

What follows are images taken at GA's rebuild facility at Thruxton.