WSR to enter 4-cylinder MG ZS? - 24/02/04

Last Friday’s test session at Thruxton saw Colin Turkington test a West Surrey Racing prepared MG ZS. There is nothing too unusual about that, after all, it is the car that the 21 year old has driven in the BTCC for the past two seasons. However there was a significant difference between this car and the one that finished the last race of the 2003 season.

The ZS running at Thruxton featured an interim version of the 4-cylinder MG K2000 engine, developed by race engine specialists Engine Developments Limited (EDL). Up until now, the MG BTCC contender has been powered by a V6 engine, which has often been touted as one of the principle factors preventing the MG from reaching its full potential.

West Surrey Racing Team Principal Dick Bennetts commented: “We were very encouraged by this first run with the engine having completed over 200km with no problems. The main advantage the K2000 gives us over the KV6 is a substantial weight saving and engine bay packaging.”

The prototype engine installation was designed and manufactured in-house by WSR in the space of six weeks.

After his first run using the new engine, Turkington commented: “It’s great to get back in the driving seat and put the car through its paces. The MG ZS was already a very good handling car, but this has improved it even further.”

MG Sport and Racing is yet to confirm or rule out its participation in the 2004 BTCC, but recent news has confirmed that Warren Hughes will not be continuing with the team. Negotiations with Anthony Reid and Colin Turkington are ongoing whilst WSR continue to search commercial sponsors.