Silverstone, BTCC 1992. The best race ever? Yes. Here's why.

In this documentary style video we're asking if Round 15 of the 1992 British Touring Car Championship was the best race ever, and you'll see that yes, it was.
We have an introduction and a little documentary on the context of the race, before showing the whole race, totally unedited for you to enjoy.
#documentary #touringcars #btcc #racing #britishtouringcars

[@rustycopperpot]

Love Murray Walker on the commentary.

[@deanelsworth817]

Murray Walker was the best by far, none of the current commentators are a patch on him. It really grates when they try and imitate Murray at the start of F1 races. Try and be original rather than a sub par impersonation of the best ever.

[@kevinmott6205]

​@@deanelsworth817There are talentless people in many roles in media these days😢 I am sad to say.

[@MCsmileyB]

Murray walker is iconic. What a commentator!

[@krc1972]

My Only Claim to fame that's my Uncle Jeff Allam , Years before he took me around a track in his Rover SD1, I was about 5 or 6 and hanging onto the rear roll cage. Thanks for sharing, may have been there cant remember as I too old now!!!

[@Mickhanic-garage]

Fantastic era of touring cars, still have most of the early to mid 90s on VHS I recorded at the time.. Daft thing is the cars don't look any slower than BTCC today.. ❤

[@leeneal6969]

much better racing

[@khajiit8221]

If you can get used to the funny car handling, Toca Touring cars on the old PlayStation 1 is still worth a quick play.

[@OoVECTORMANoO]

Toca 2 was better as you got Australian and Japanese touring cars aswell but yeah the toca series were great games.

[@mattcannon8467]

​@@OoVECTORMANoO Toca 2 was the 1998 BTCC season. You must be thinking of Toca Race Driver 2 which was around 2003 I think.

[@LeighW1973]

I was 19 in 92, that race made me determined to get a Cavalier GSi. It took me until 97 to afford one, but I did it. Loved that car!

[@petecook1000]

I had one of those too due to it being in the BTCC. I seem to remember the BTCC one was based off the 4x4 version so that Vauxhall could run it as rear wheel drive.

[@sixonesix9429]

Fantastic!! John Cleland is an absolute muppet lol. Always dished it out but could never take it back at him. Cheers for the upload. Proper racing!

[@paulmason5152]

The mans an animal lol

[@markjefferson7492]

he was always angry at someone!

[@johna3421]

A joy to watch. Proper racing with proper driving in vehicles with a manual gearbox! Those were the days when it was uncool to drive an automatic.

[@robbrigham5926]

I was at that race (my first touring car race) and at that corner - stood 15 feet away from where John Cleland and Steve Soper ended in the barriers. Cleland was even less happy than the footage shows! And it was clear in person that Soper was on a deliberate mission, a definite case of the red mist at how he had been shoved around himself. It was an amazing recovery by Soper to get up to that position after his earlier contact. This race was why I fell in love with touring cars (later to lost interest again), so much more visceral than Formula 1 at the time...

[@soggysaunders9858]

Same here! 👍👍 I was a bit further around the corner 👍

[@mattylamb9194]

Steve Soper had a huge amount of pace that race. His car was of course rather light after he lost his rear bumper! He was known for come from behind drives

[@dude_1965]

Utterly brilliant Geoff 👌 Thanks for posting such a little treat.

[@philipoastler6845]

There’s no one better at motor racing commentary than Murray Walker. He could make a snail race exciting. Miss him so much and BTCC in the late eighties and nineties was the ultimate in excitement. Thanks Geoff! John Clelland total legend

[@alanfaultless]

19:44 “I’m going for 1st.” I’m sure he’s flipping him the bird but nice commentary from the legendary Murray Walker Remember this race well watching on tv as a child with my dad.

[@nicde800]

What a memory jolt.... I will always remember watching this race... That middle finger.. Murray "he's going for first"😂.. this period truly summed up "rubbing is racing". Cheers Geoff

[@krs4976]

Great race, I couldn't tell you my favourite race over the years. There have been so many but BTCC is still my favourite Motorsport 30+ years on. I gave up on F1 a few years back. I'm quite partial to Ginetta Jr's and the sorely missed Clio cup for exciting close races.

[@Readmedontbelieveme]

Totally agree about the Ginetta Jr’s. My favourite support race of the current format by a good distance.

[@krs4976]

@@Readmedontbelieveme they are utterly fearless

[@mattylamb9194]

Every so often you get a corking race in F1. German GP in 2019 must be one of the best of past ten years, helped by the changeable conditions

[@krs4976]

@@mattylamb9194 I don't doubt that , there will always be good races. But they were becoming fewer and further between year after year until I just lost interest . To me it just felt like all character was removed as more and more rules and restrictions were introduced causing a sterile feel to the races.

[@cactusthomas914]

Great days. Was working as a tech at a Vauxhall dealers back then in 92, won some gold vip tickets for a race at Knockhill in the monthly dealer draw. Got to meet John Cleland and Jeff Allam who were the works drivers. Sat down and had a drink and a 'spot of lunch' with them. Had a great convo with John about Gerry Marshall and Bertha. There was a cavalier outside the promo tent in full works livery and the guide said "this is the actual winning car from this years BTCC". Not with those non vented discs and stock pads I said. He replied "alright smart arse" most buy it. Priceless.

[@stevenaimson8286]

I'm 56 now , followed btcc for many years, Silverstone 92 probably the best race, as championship at stake, other decent races over the years but think Silverstone 92 edges it. Bmw should have had there abs brakes nipped in the bud! But didn't Harvey had a dig at Bailey hoy cleland as super did. Still believe cleland robbed! The best race, in the best era! Rip will hoy, David Leslie. Steven.

[@MassiveBenny]

This is bringing back marvellous memories. I was in awe of Soperman!

[@Bruce4lmighty]

He was my favourite driver too! Had me cracking up racing with his full beam on flashing the drivers ahead to get out his way 😂😂😂

[@MassiveBenny]

@@Bruce4lmighty such a quiet little feller out of the car - balls like watermelons when he saw a green light!

[@samwilliams5014]

Thanks Geoff! I had forgotten how awesome British Touring Cars was in the '90s. This brings back lots of memories of Cleland vs Radisich a few years later. Absolutely brilliant! Thanks again!!

[@Liddo77]

"He's signalling he's going for first" 🤣🤣🤣 So exciting back then, but must of cost the teams a fortune in shells and body panels 🤪

[@lookupparagliding]

90s was the best. My dad (who had 240glt, 760 turbo intercooler and 850glt 2.5) and I would watch every sunday and love every minute. To us though, the introduction of the 850s was pinnacle BTCC ...... those plucky Swedes ;) All the cars and drivers back then were characterful, halcyon days. Thanks for posting Mr Geoff. Eggmeister.

[@MontgomeryPisswhistle]

Proper racing! This sort of racing, using real, everyday cars will always mean more to me than the F1 ponce-fest. Nice one, Geoff

[@Readmedontbelieveme]

What a race! Soper drive like a demon after the first smash but deffo cleaned out Clelland for Harvey near the end.

[@MLC...]

Maybe, but maybe he was just furious about Cleland's desparate passing antics too.

[@vinalspin1000]

Maybe but having seen the other replays from different angles Clelland had forced Soper wide so he was braking with 2 wheels on the grass, no way he was going to make the corner without wiping them both out. Still great racing though!

[@YellowFTO]

Cleland only got past Soper in the first place because he drove into the side of Sopers car which helped him get round the corner, no way he would have got past if he didnt bash him out the way so what Soper did was fair play. Payback, karma!!

[@mattylamb9194]

@@YellowFTO And Tim Harvey blatantly punted Julian Bailey off the track earlier in the race!

[@YellowFTO]

@@mattylamb9194 At that stage of the race Harvey was way faster than Bailey hence why he caught him so quickly. He went for the gap that was there and Bailey closed the door too late which obviously resulted in a PIT manoeuvre taking Bailey out. I dont see it as 100% Harvey's fault.

[@animal355]

Thanks Geoff for making this video, it’s richly appreciated. It took me back to when I loved motor racing. And I thought it was quick, for its time. 👌 More videos like this please.

[@johnmoncrieff3034]

It was very quick for its time when all these cars in standard trim were lucky to hit the ton, & here they were doing as the legend MW kept saying 130 & 150pmh on the straights! Even todays F1 cars are seldom over 200mph for much of a lap on most circuits!

[@jabirucru6970]

That’s what I loved about racing from those days. It was a full bodied contact sport! And of course the late great Murray Walker

[@WeAreThePeople1690]

If memory serves me right, this used to be on BBC grandstand on saturdays. I was only 11 at the time, and I remember watching these races at my gran and grandads house, he never missed them. The seasons with the mondeo, laguna, volvo, vectras were great racing, too. Mansell raced then, too, if I remember right. And Murray Walker was brilliant, he got you so engrossed in whatever he was doing commentary on.

[@mattylamb9194]

Yes, it was indeed on (mainly) Saturday Grandstands. Often around lunchtime. Highlights shows two or three weeks after the event. Nigel Mansell was a guest driver in the end-of season shoot-out at Donington one year - got injured after a scary crash.

[@dannyhtheretrogamingmaster9548]

The perfect race! Loads of action? Check! Murray Walker commentating? Check! Thats all you needed for a great afternoon of motor racing.

[@capnsparkle]

My 1992 Nissan 2.0 eGT was the greatest car I've ever owned - finally gave up the ghost after 220,000 miles in Croydon - Thanks Geoff that brought a tear to my eye

[@markleadbeatter6196]

I used to love going to those BTCC races back in the day, when the cars looked like cars you could buy and the racing was fierce. I still have my Corgi John Clelland Cavalier model to remind me of all those great memories with my two eldest son’s happy days. Thanks for uploading this video Jeff, it was a great watch and I will now have to dig out my old VHS tapes of these championships

[@lordkered]

BTCC used to be epic. When it ended I didn't realise how much I missed watching it and got back into it later in life, after I moved to NZ where they're mad for the racing.

[@Poseiden2]

Thanks for this. I still remember this incredible showdown! F1 was going thru a Mansell-dominated season, but the BTCC was full of characters, great-sounding cars and the BBC highlights package was always tightly-edited and unmissable. It even brought the very best out of Murray: "A wiggle woggle, that's Becketts!" and the infamous "I'm going for first, says John Cleland!" (as he flips the bird!)

[@vossierebel]

Thanks Geoff that reminded me of why I followed motorsport... way back when! GGG!!!

[@NickB_Yorkshire]

Really enjoyed that Geoff. Thanks for posting 👍🏼😁 Remember watching it live on TV at the time (when I was in my 20s 😮). Loved it so much that I bought the video review. Rumour had it at the time that Steve Soper was paid to take Cleland out to gift Harvey the championship. Certainly looked that way.

[@AB-ob3lq]

Thanks for bringing this race to my attention. I was only 7 when this aired. You never see racing like this any more. What a glorious combination of commentary (cant beet Old Murry walker!), camera angels and a climax to a race season where anyone could take the trophy. Pure magic! It would be good to see this mix of racing again. Maybe pen it up to EV's and ICE vehicles battling it out too. Bet that would be fun to watch

[@arranhandsracing19]

20.00 The best commentary in a motorsport event ever! God bless Murray Walker

[@carlbarkham3115]

I remember watching it. Traditionally the last race of BTCC is always a demolition derby but this was fantastic

[@richwilliams7920]

'92-'96 were great years for the BTCC. I was able to go Oulton Park in '95 and '96 and it was great. The whole place was buzzing, you could meet the drivers, buy some merchandise and enjoy the racing. And the noise. Good times.

[@mattylamb9194]

I think the nineties were peak time for the automotive world. Cras in general were advanced enough to be comfortable, reliable etc whilst still being analogue enough for them to feel real behind the wheel. UK roads also weren't so much congested, pot-hole infested, ridiculous 20mph speed limit neutered hellholes then either

[@catmantech]

I remember my parents having this on when I was younger. You have to love Murray walker and his commentary. The racing definitely seemed more interesting and close back then, than touring car racing today. 🤔

[@J4Z666]

Wow takes me right back thanks GBC - Great post.

[@willyb3463]

I remember watching it as a child, excellent.

[@NigelMartinhome]

Got to agree with you that was epic! Very enjoyable viewing. Wild. 👍😎

[@0skar9193]

BTCC end to end full on big balls driving. When motor sport was top quality.

[@RedLimeVideo]

19.42.. Cleland 'slaute' :) Loved the old days of touring cars and still a fan today and head to watch live races as much as possible. Great vid Geoff.

[@jameznash]

I started going to BTCC in 91. My Fav ever races are the 1993 Knockhill rounds 10 and 11 Cleland vs Bailey for the wins in both races and the each won one. My dad and i camped over in a small village for the weekend. I was only 14 but i remember it so clearly. Its weekends like that that get you hooked on cars for life - and it feels like that sort of magic has now gone with the country we now live in. My dad even took me to the press day at Donington Park when they revealed the Volvo estate for the first time. I still have all my photos from that day.

[@mattylamb9194]

Very little magic in the world today. Everything is beige and boring

[@mattylamb9194]

Or should I say silver and boring in the automotive world

[@novaraine6671]

❤🎉"with cars we saw in the showroom" ❤🎉Indeed Mate🤘✨️

[@davidflamee]

First time watching this but, absolutely share your sentiments. First class, nail biting ride. Filming and commentary working in perfect synch with the actions on the track. Couldn't be better, raised my adrenalin levels for sure. Superb, thank you for sharing.

[@Everything_Evan]

Steve Soper was definitely one of the best drivers he just had soo much bad luck must of been frustrating for him. Watch the MG Montego Turbo promotional video it's very amusing you won't be disappointed.

[@davidlukey5189]

Man this brings back memories. Used to watch these races with my brother and my dad. Good times. Fantastic video Geoff 👍

[@lauriecooper8194]

Brilliant, thanks Geoff, I remember watching this race at the time. I loved motor racing then, proper cars and awesome drivers. Formula One, even then, became predictable and a bit boring to watch, but these guys were amazing - on the edge of my seat then and now watching this re-run. Can't be arsed watching it these days.

[@alundavies5171]

oh my what a race that was when motorsport was exciting for sure!! loved that!!

[@G58]

There was that race at Donington when Valentino Rossi crossed the finish line standing up on his footrests playing the air violin. Rather hard to beat. It was the only bike race I watched with my Dad. As he saw Rossi perform that stunt upon winning the race, he looked at me with an expression that asked “How could he Do That?” Car races and car drivers will never perform anything as spectacular as that, and no car race fans will ever experience such a dramatic stunt. Peace 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@DJEscreet]

Fworrrrr......❤ Lots of memories watching this sat on my grandparents sofa! Priceless. Nothing comes close to 90s BTCC. It had absolutely everything. Aussie v8's is about as near as you can get these days.

[@sib923]

This is absolutely fantastic analysis and much thanks for the upload of this glorious race! Fantastic as always with Murray commentating and as you say the camera work and editing is excitingly superior to any of todays!

[@karlsacher9054]

That was such a joy to watch again. Soper drove quali laps to get back into the fight. Early to mid 90's BTCC was the best.

[@warrenhudsonmt10]

Excellent video Geoff. Took me back to when I'd go watch them live, driving over from NI. Proper racing, thanks for the reminder!

[@MattCSLnut]

Fun-bloody-tastic Geoff 🤙🏼 I remember watching this race the 1st time round when I was a school kid 👍🏼 and thinking to myself “WOW, that’s some proper motor racing” Great to see it again 👍🏼

[@thatguyfromcetialphaV]

I watched this race on Grandstand in the day. After speaking to all the parties in person, I was a big BTCC fan in the day, this was all on Soper. I think he'd been at Vic Lee's secret stash that day.

[@micharrison529]

Lol, Vic Lee Supersnort...

[@philmclean2323]

A lovely & unexpected rainy Thurs night treat. Happy memories. Cheers Geoff

[@andyb6492]

Great race, great drivers, great cars. Murray walker cherry on the top. Thanks Geoff.

[@markbray2988]

Thanks Geoff. I'd completely forgotten that I had a Cavalier SRi in the mid 90's😂 only had it a year, when it failed it's MOT I was back in a Volvo.

[@robincook3367]

I met John Cleland at that year's Motor Show. Andy Rouse is from Dymock, just outside Newent. David Leslie and Kieth O'dor (son of Janspeed founder Jan O'dor) no longer with us, sadly. Great days and proper racing.

[@mattylamb9194]

Neither is Will Hoy. Died far too young from cancer, I believe

[@tommcglone2867]

Kieth O'Dor died in 1995 in a horrible crash at AVUS. Got absolutely drilled in the drivers side by Frank Biela if i recall.

[@gavinivers8941]

Super Touring Cars replaced the Group A cars which had come to the end of their life. Agreed, the cars at this time looked like the car you could buy in your local dealer showroom.

[@totallyaddicted2bricks989]

I rememebr this race like it was yesterday, in particular Steve Soper from the back to the front, so close but no cigar. John Cleland to be fare was always my favourite, Touring Cars back then was just awesome!

[@timhodson1648]

Thanks for bring the memories back Geoff, remember it well and miss Murray Walker's infectious enthusiasm!

[@Ryanux]

Peak racing and peak cars. Even the laguna mk1 looked fantastic in BTCC

[@BionicRusty]

They did. My brother had an Airflow Laguna as a company car in deep green, metallic. It was gorgeous.

[@ptaylor5014]

The commentary is what makes races so special, and this commentary is what i remember and love most from these great days of racing.

[@Chadkn]

Loved that I'm always watching old touring cars and DTM racing, Go to watch some of these iconic cars at Super Touring Brands Hatch circuit awesome !! Murray Walker the best commentator ever !! 😃👍

[@user-tn1vc1xz5d]

1990s BTCC was the best. Where else would you see Volvo estates and V6 Mondeos battling it out? Mind you the 2000s were also good (Neal vs Plato etc.). I'm still a fan.

[@ben539090]

I was 13 years old, sat in the old woodcote grandstands with my dad watching this live. Great memories, thanks ❤

[@richardpickering2452]

Soper was a beast.

[@Sierra747]

What a fantastic race I really enjoyed it. Brilliant commentary from a much missed Murray walker too. Only let down being a Ford man was no cosworths lol

[@batmanatvbl]

I was fortunate enough to have been there that day along with several other meetings during the 92 season and onwards ! The BTCC of those glorious days was the epitome of spectator enjoyment , to my mind NEVER beaten.

[@davidalton8634]

SLOW you say , even today this is fast super fast.

[@scottgraham4683]

This was definitely the best season for me. Would have been nice to have captured some of the Soper story in that season, eg: was fully committed to the DTM season, but helped out as BMW's 'hired gun' latter in the season to support Harvey. A few times that season he overtook Harvey after great drives from the back of the field but swapped places to help him out. Round 5 at Brands Hatch on the GP was a particular favourite of mine, not only being my local circuit, but the first of many Soper drives form the back of the field to make his way up the front. Great video.

[@AlexLancashirePersonalView]

My Uncle Ray Lancashire, a founder member of the MCMC, used to take me to Oulton Park when I was a sprog. No restrictions on where you could go, except the paddock,. Wish I could find my old b&w photos taken on box brownie in them days, but lost in the mists of time. That is when I first started taking pics.

[@IanHeyer-fn1fd]

What a decade of BTCC this was, no interference from the organisers and the tyres lasted the whole race

[@Rich77UK]

I remember this race well. It was THE race that made me love the BTCC over ALL other forms of motorsport. Murray Walker is legendary, and I still miss his commentary. The death...well beginning of the death of BTCC was the addition of aero. The DTM also died in the late 90s.

[@ps36081]

This was a fantastic race! My favourite era was the 155 and 850 Estates

[@ps36081]

BTCC always has drama. The Plato/Neale rivalry where they almost had a fight at Rockingham. Best racing is in Touring Cars. I think WTCC/WTCR has gone electric now

[@nigewot9535]

Now that's real racing. I remember it like it was yesterday! Murray Walker was a legend! And you're right about the camerawork - real raw!

[@JeffPower-dv3zl]

Love the sound of those Gear Boxes ❤🎉😊

[@ROBINBAISH]

I was there as an 11 year old watching that race live. Can remember the contact between the cav and Beemer well. So exciting watching it on that corner.Crowd went nuts!!

[@Willems378]

Love the racing and the commentary of Murray Walker. Those where the days but I must admit BTCC still is one that i like to watch on KZbin. Its a still some good racing and even if I am Belgian if you like racing you still appreciate it.

[@andofthedrew5171]

good drinking game everytime Murray Walker says "130 mph" 😂 miss that legend ❤

[@nikkic36]

First race I went to see live. Thx for putting this up

[@moorgunandmarshes]

I enjoyed that Geoff. It was the time when the "no contact sport" meant just really, really close racing, and it was only poor aero that spun your opponent off. Lol

[@jonobaywindow]

Brilliant, edge of your seat racing at its absolute pinnacle. An adrenaline rush all the way. Thanks for uploading

[@pauldavies5655]

LOOK at the commentators these days ?? NOW listen to that ! BRILLIANT RACE . BRILLIANT COMMENTARY .

[@donaljamescaddye3805]

I saw that live ! We've had no decent racing since - It was all down to the driver there, man against man - there was something medieval about the BTCC When John Cleland had the Vectra he took his drivers side mirror off at Copse - it landed right at my feet - I took it back to the pits after the race and the team told me to keep it - John came out from the back and autographed it - What an absolute gentleman- I still have it and its my prize possession

[@rickpaine2828]

Great video Geoff, brightened up my rainy afternoon at work, cheers 🎉

[@MLC...]

Super Touring Car Racing was the best! And this race as well. One can really relate to these cars. It is because of these racing cars that I bought E36 BMW's and an Alfa Romeo 155 as road cars.

[@norfolkmountainman4332]

Cheers Geoff... That was a huge blast of nostalgia and I needed it.

[@karloswhite]

I remember it well, I was there on that very corner!! 💥 Great to see again 👍🏻

[@crazyforcars]

Just epic! That was real racing. Even though Steve Soper clearly decided the championship for BMW by intentionally kicking Cleland out of the race.

[@YellowFTO]

Cleland clearly bashed into the side of Sopers car to pass him and used his car to get round the corner so he got what he deserved in the end. Its called karma for Cleland 😁

[@crazyforcars]

@@YellowFTO I don't agree. A lot of cars in this race had contact with others, made them spin or whatsoever. But Soper had absolutely no chance to pass Cleland in this corner. He just took him out of the race 100% intentionally and that's no sportsmanship.

[@YellowFTO]

@@crazyforcars Did you watch a different video? Lol. You are a Cleland supporter i guess seeing as you think he did nothing wrong. Cleland bashed Soper out the way, Soper then returned the favour.

[@crazyforcars]

@@YellowFTO I am not even really into the BTCC, I saw Soper in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) and he drove quite the same. So if you are a Soper or BMW fan you might have seen "another" video.

[@Bruce4lmighty]

I preferred BTCC to all other motorsport back then and I can remember watching that race live! Thanks for the memory Geoff 👍🏻

[@maggi0310]

Yes exactly dont see races like this anymore well done geoff brilliant❤

[@zzhughesd]

oh my gosh. The 155 black Alfa and the saloon and Estate 850s. And primeras. Oh my. These times were totally ace. How sorry today is. Truck fest was good in rain other day. Didn’t even know would like a tractor cab. That Cav looked well

[@johnmoncrieff3034]

This certainly was the closest racing I have seen for a very long time, but as John Clelland asked "Is this Stock cars or motor racing" ! Silverstone has changed since I used to go there in the 60's when the IMP's, Mini's and Anglia's used to do battle with the massive V8 yank tanks. Then the Cortina's and Escort's started to dominate!

[@stuartgibson9755]

Magnificent trip down Memory Lane, and the Legend that is Murray Walker. Fantastic.

[@jasonuren3479]

They don't make them like that anymore. Top stuff 👍

[@TwinTowerTwo]

Wow incredible scenes there, something engrossing about it and the commentary as well, thanks for posting 👍

[@paulbailey1849]

Brilliant video Geoff, really miss those days. More of this kind of thing please