With the new low-cost BTC Touring rules encouraging private teams to build their own cars, Cheshire-based ABG Motorsport decided to construct a Lexus IS200 for 2001. Converted from a roadcar into a racing machine, the car missed the first meeting at Brands Hatch, but appeared at Thruxton for the second event of the season and made an instant impression with its all-black paintjob. Initially driven by Kurt Luby, he stepped down after round 12, and was replaced by Brazilian Thomas Erdos, originally contracted to drive a second IS200, but construction of a second chassis was never undertaken. The Lexus was a reasonably competitive machine, taking several top six finishes behind the works Vauxhalls, usually competing with the works Peugeot 406 Coupes. Autocar magazine journalist Steve Sutclif