Dennis extends BTCC deal.

Dennis Publishing, whose stable of magazines includes the highly popular Auto Express, Evo, Maxim and Test Drive titles, are to continue as official media partner to the British Touring Car Championship in 2005.

The series will receive increased coverage in the four titles during 2005, with bigger race reports, features and competitions. The BTCC will also feature prominently as part of the Auto Express website.

Maxim, one of Britain's best-selling monthly men's lifestyle magazines, will take over for one weekend when it uses a BTCC race meeting to tie in with its 'Little Black Book' promotion, with lucky entries from the book will be given the chance to become BTCC grid girls for a day. Auto Express and Evo logos will appear on all BTCC cars' door number panels in 2005, as well as the championship's television backdrop for driver interviews.

"Dennis benefited a huge amount from being part of the BTCC in 2004 so we needed no convincing to continue this season," director Phil Parker said. "The exposure the BTCC receives, particularly on television, is a huge draw for any potential partner of the championship. We are able to take advantage of the backdrop the BTCC provides to get closer to our readers, enabling us in turn to strengthen our position as a leader in the market place."

BTCC series director Alan Gow was also delighted with the extension of the deal.

"I am delighted that Dennis Publishing will be our official media partner again in 2005 - its involvement is of major importance and opens up the potential for some excellent marketing opportunities for our teams and their sponsors," he said. "Coverage for any motor racing championship in not just major motoring but also lifestyle-related magazines is a huge bonus - it doesn't really get any better than Dennis's four titles."