CROFT Circuit, near Darlington, will again stage a round of Britain's premier motor racing series - the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship - in 2008.

The venue, which always draws a bumper BTCC crowd, will host the championship on Sunday, June 1.

As in 2007, the fixture will play a vital role in the BTCC title race as it will mark the calendar's halfway point before a month-long, mid-season break.

In 2008, meanwhile, the BTCC will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Since its inaugural season in 1958, the BTCC has gone on to establish itself as the UK's most popular motor racing attraction and enjoys a worldwide following.

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow says: "I am delighted that Croft will be part of the BTCC's 50th birthday celebrations in 2008.

"The circuit, which itself celebrated a decade of BTCC in 2007, is regarded as a great challenge among the drivers and, year on year, never fails to attract one of our largest and most welcoming crowds.

"The fans are among the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable that we race in front of, making the annual trip to the North-East one of the most popular on the BTCC calendar."