Auto Trader RAC British Touring Car Championship

The 1993 championship was full of great cars, drivers and teams but driving standards were going downhill with drivers getting away with that more often than not. The Schnitzer BMW team dominated the start of the season with first Soper and then Winkelhock, and managed to keep the lead to the end of the season where the front drive brigade had the upper hand. Thankfully for BMW, the teams took points away from each other. Since most of the teams had some sort of glory during the season, it is probably best to name them all.
BMW: though both Vic Lee and Prodrive left the BTCC, the latter since they were unsure if the car would be competitive, the gap was filled in by the brilliant Schnitzer team. At least when it was dry, the Yokohama tires were an advantage early in the season, the drivers did the rest.
Vauxhall: the CC team with Cleland and Allam slipped down the order during the season, only one race win for them - a miserable season by their standards. The Ecosse team with Mallock-built Cavaliers did better but Leslie was unlucky despite four poles (on Dunlop tires); finally, a win late in the season was some sort of a reward, together win a win in the TOCA shootout.
Toyota: four TOM’s Carinas were entered, two with a junior team, but the “works” team with Hoy and Bailey was clearly faster. The cars were regular top-5 qualifiers but a chance to shine for a big crowd at the Silverstone GP meeting ended in tears when the leading cars collided. There was a single win at Knockhill, but Hoy was unlucky while Bailey was consistent but shone only occasionally.
Nissan: apart from two Janspeed cars there was an extra car for Needell run by NME; a popular victory at the GP meeting, two seconds but not a lot more.
Ford: the Mondeo came late in the season, after experiments with rear-wheel drive did not work out. The car was fast from the start, and Radisich had a string of good results which enabled a third place in the standings - and the World Cup at Monza.
Peugeot: Gravett, O’Brien and Flux had a difficult season; a second at Brands was the best result.
Renault: the 19 was probably the wrong car to use; helped by its Michelin tires, an unexpected 1-2 at Donington gave the team some confidence, but instead of reigning champion Harvey it was young Menu who impressed most during the season.
Mazda: an under financed single car effort had limited success for Watts; the car was quick but no podium was achieved; the only car to do so.
The TOCA privateer cup was won by Neal (Dynamics BMW) only two points ahead of Khan (Cavalier).