Meanie Greenies Have Finally Found Us...

So, it's finally happened. They've got to us.

It was always just a matter of time, and now the greenies have infiltrated our sport.

This week, BTCC chiefs announced that it was to become the first racing series in the world of wheels and engines to stick a limit on CO2 emission levels produced by its competing cars.

As of 2009 - following a year of prepation and testing - emission testing will be introduced to all cars in the series.

All engines will be required to be below a maxium C02 emission level, which is expected to be the same as their showroom counterparts, as series director Alan Gow revealed explained this week:

“With both the motor industry and Government committed to reducing cars’ emission levels, we have an equal responsibility and opportunity to do the same – and this is the most positive and relevant step the BTCC can take to demonstrate our genuine, similar commitment," he said.

It may seem obvious from my apparent disdain, but I've never been a fan of the green squad.

It's not that I have a problem with what they stand for, and I certainly don't have a issue with making our planet a greener place, but I hate having it shoved down my throat at any given opportunity.

Nothing makes me reach for the TV remote quicker than hearing the words "carbon and footprint", particularly if they're preceded by the words "reduce and your", mainly because I'm bored of hearing it all of the time, everywhere you turn.

And now, it seems to have spread into motorsport, or at least in the world of four-wheelers anyway.

Cynics amongst us would say that it could be nothing more than a gimmick, a good marketing ploy to give a series which is starting to lose out to the two-wheelers in the popularity war something to keep it in the news.

Or perhaps it's that the powers that be genuinely want to make a difference, want to shake the image that motorsport is killing the environment, therefore - like everything else we dare to enjoy in life - is clearly bad for us.

Whatever it is, there is no doubt that this move could radically change the face of racing forever.

And who knows....it could even make the sport even more popular, if the environmentalists have nothing to moan at us about anymore.

My advice? All you carpet bowlers better watch out....they'll be after you next!!

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