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Full Version: BTCC 2010
Anyone looking forward to it this year. I know theres no manufacturers involved this season but surely this makes for a much closer contest. Personally im looking forward to seeing what Team AON can do and West surrey motorsport. Cant wait!
Sorry if theres already a thread.
Sorry if theres already a thread.
I cant wait, last season was great, what a finale! It doesnt bother me at all the missing manufacturer teams; its been predominantly independents for the last few years anyway. Has Turkington sorted a drive yet? I read somewhere a couple of weeks ago he was trying to do another series along with the BTCC?
they were talking about Turkington in WTCC a while back
RE: Turkington, had a look around for any news on him ad came across this article: http://www.crash.net/btcc/news/157076/1/be..._out_there.html
Basically, Dick Bennetts doesnt have the money to run him at the minute. What a shame it would be if Turkington wasnt there to defend his title. Still no entry list up on the BTCC website either but im as far as im aware Giovanardi is the only driver (apart from possibly Turkington), who isnt racing in the series this year?
Basically, Dick Bennetts doesnt have the money to run him at the minute. What a shame it would be if Turkington wasnt there to defend his title. Still no entry list up on the BTCC website either but im as far as im aware Giovanardi is the only driver (apart from possibly Turkington), who isnt racing in the series this year?
yeah i heard Herbert went to the Italian superstars series. pretty sure Team AON have chilton and onslow cole lined up but unconfirmed. Andrew Jordan is racing one the of Vectra's (Great livery on the pirtek car!) Matt Neal is back with his dads team in the Honda Civic. Collard is almost certain to return to the motorbase team.
Update!:
Neal + Shedden at Team Dynamics, renamed as Honda Racing#
Collard at WSR alongside Andy Neate
Onslow Cole and Chilton in LPG run Ford Aons
Looks like Plato + MacDowell in Chevvy Cruzes
Jackson expected at Motorbase alongside either Adam or someone else
Jelley has gone to the PCC
But more devastatingly, no Colin Turkington as he has no money for 2010
Neal + Shedden at Team Dynamics, renamed as Honda Racing#
Collard at WSR alongside Andy Neate
Onslow Cole and Chilton in LPG run Ford Aons
Looks like Plato + MacDowell in Chevvy Cruzes
Jackson expected at Motorbase alongside either Adam or someone else
Jelley has gone to the PCC
But more devastatingly, no Colin Turkington as he has no money for 2010
how can the champion have no money? 
QUOTE (froggy22 @ Mar 21 2010, 01:02) 
how can the champion have no money?
Welcome to the reality motorsport froggy22!
QUOTE (froggy22 @ Mar 21 2010, 01:02)
how can the champion have no money?
If there are paid drives in the field he is obviously not rated enough to get one.
Is he considered better than Plato? Is Plato paid or paying? Shouldn't he turf out Plato if Plato is a paid driver for example.
Dick Bennetts is still trying to work out a deal for Turkington to run a third WSR car but don't have too high hopes
¿ This cars have the same spec of wtcc in engine gear box and...?
QUOTE (V8 Fireworks @ Mar 21 2010, 02:36)
If there are paid drives in the field he is obviously not rated enough to get one.
Is he considered better than Plato? Is Plato paid or paying? Shouldn't he turf out Plato if Plato is a paid driver for example.
Is he considered better than Plato? Is Plato paid or paying? Shouldn't he turf out Plato if Plato is a paid driver for example.
Even if he was better than JP, who would chuck out someone who can bring the money to run a car for someone who can't?
No manufacturers, the 2 best drivers missing in 2010, what a pathetic joke of a series BTCC is now and has been for a number of years
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
QUOTE (MegaManson @ Mar 21 2010, 09:23)
No manufacturers, the 2 best drivers missing in 2010, what a pathetic joke of a series BTCC is now and has been for a number of years
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
How can you say that, Colin Turkington, James Thompson and Matt Neal were not really hard of before BTCC, and it's that series that made their careers so how can this year be any different with this field of drivers. BTCC has and always will be exciting.
QUOTE (MegaManson @ Mar 21 2010, 09:23)
No manufacturers, the 2 best drivers missing in 2010, what a pathetic joke of a series BTCC is now and has been for a number of years
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
Who gives a f*ck about 'names' when the racings still great to watch?
I think manufacturers will be back when the NGTC rules are in full force - I reckon they may wait to see how the series gets on in 2011 and then enter in 2012.
Triple Eight are, apparently looking to run a single car, just waiting for a driver to come up with some cash. I think Phil Glew was in the frame at one point.
Triple Eight are, apparently looking to run a single car, just waiting for a driver to come up with some cash. I think Phil Glew was in the frame at one point.
QUOTE (MegaManson @ Mar 21 2010, 09:23)
No manufacturers, the 2 best drivers missing in 2010, what a pathetic joke of a series BTCC is now and has been for a number of years
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
You are an idiot.
Who are these 'has beens' and 'club racers'? And now we have Plato/Neal/Jackson/Chilton/Onslow-Cole/O'Neill who are all great drivers who would have given the super touring drivers a run for their money (some already have). And the series is starting to attract manufacturers again, Volvo should have been in this year and Chevrolet may possibly be in this year.
And how can you say that a successful series like BTCC which attracts thousands of viewers on TV and to its events should be shut down? And the series must be doing something right to attract ex F1 drivers such as Herbert!
QUOTE (MegaManson @ Mar 21 2010, 09:23)
No manufacturers, the 2 best drivers missing in 2010, what a pathetic joke of a series BTCC is now and has been for a number of years
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
Wow, you're an idiot aren't you? BTCC is the best touring car series (watch WTCC and DTM and just fall asleep). Yes, so there's no manufacturers, but so what? There's only 3 in F1 out of 12 teams. BTCC has 6.5hrs of live TV and usually 30,000 people attending every event. We're in the middle of an economic shit heap so of course there won't be as many entries, especially with manufacturers heading electric. There's still a few days before the media event and 2 weeks till Thruxton. Many usually leave it late anyway.
And what's wrong with the current crop of Plato/Neal/Shedden/Chilton/Onslow Cole/Collard etc
QUOTE (Pato @ Mar 21 2010, 09:46)
You are an idiot.
Who are these 'has beens' and 'club racers'? And now we have Plato/Neal/Jackson/Chilton/Onslow-Cole/O'Neill who are all great drivers who would have given the super touring drivers a run for their money (some already have). And the series is starting to attract manufacturers again, Volvo should have been in this year and Chevrolet may possibly be in this year.
And how can you say that a successful series like BTCC which attracts thousands of viewers on TV and to its events should be shut down? And the series must be doing something right to attract ex F1 drivers such as Herbert!
Who are these 'has beens' and 'club racers'? And now we have Plato/Neal/Jackson/Chilton/Onslow-Cole/O'Neill who are all great drivers who would have given the super touring drivers a run for their money (some already have). And the series is starting to attract manufacturers again, Volvo should have been in this year and Chevrolet may possibly be in this year.
And how can you say that a successful series like BTCC which attracts thousands of viewers on TV and to its events should be shut down? And the series must be doing something right to attract ex F1 drivers such as Herbert!
If Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Williams, Renault etc etc pulled out of F1 and it was left with HRT and Virgin and all those teams were replaced with F3 teams, assorted Asian GP2 teams and teams from Superleague and their drivers it would still be entitled to call itself F1, people would still pay to watch and it would legally be entitled to use the F1 name but it would NOT be F1 as we know it
BTCC may exist in name and the current set up entitled to use the BTCC name but it is NOT BTCC as we know it from the golden era
QUOTE (phil1993 @ Mar 21 2010, 10:24)
Wow, you're an idiot aren't you? BTCC is the best touring car series (watch WTCC and DTM and just fall asleep). Yes, so there's no manufacturers, but so what? There's only 3 in F1 out of 12 teams. BTCC has 6.5hrs of live TV and usually 30,000 people attending every event.
You can get 100,000 at DTM races though, some people like it better than BTCC and don't like things like pulling names out of a hat for qualifying position.
Although MegaManson is going over the top a bit, BTCC is a bit of a joke now and the defending champion not being able to get a drive anywhere in a decent series says a lot.
To be fair Colin can't get a drive because hes not prepared to pay, in fact he has previously said that he wants to earn out of driving.. Very few BTCC drives give a wage.
IMHO he should of looked at GT racing - its where O Neill went once he had his licence back, he absolutely loves touring cars but he earnt far better money as a GP driver. I think its added to his skills too, he had a great season last year.
IMHO he should of looked at GT racing - its where O Neill went once he had his licence back, he absolutely loves touring cars but he earnt far better money as a GP driver. I think its added to his skills too, he had a great season last year.
QUOTE (MegaManson @ Mar 21 2010, 11:16)
If Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Williams, Renault etc etc pulled out of F1 and it was left with HRT and Virgin and all those teams were replaced with F3 teams, assorted Asian GP2 teams and teams from Superleague and their drivers it would still be entitled to call itself F1, people would still pay to watch and it would legally be entitled to use the F1 name but it would NOT be F1 as we know it
BTCC may exist in name and the current set up entitled to use the BTCC name but it is NOT BTCC as we know it from the golden era
BTCC may exist in name and the current set up entitled to use the BTCC name but it is NOT BTCC as we know it from the golden era
Oh for heaven's sake....
The BTCC has existed in various forms for just over over 50 years, and that 'golden era' with multiple manufacturers and wall-to-wall big name drivers you're talking about is a tiny spell that lasted less than 10 years of that 50- and rapidly proved utterly unsustainable. For the rest of that time, it's had good and bad spells, with grids featuring everything from current F1 drivers of the period to those 'club racers and has-beens' you're disparaging.
I started watching the BTCC 25 years ago, and back then the grid was largely made up of a small number of professionals- many of them guys like Andy Rouse who also ran their own teams- backed up by a cast of part-timers and amateurs paying for their drives or owning their own cars, much like it is now
We're in the grip of a recession, and sponsorship and paid drives aren't always easy to come by, no matter how successful you've been- at least one of that list of big-name drivers you miss so much (Rydell) is currently expected to sit out the season because of the shortage of paid WTCC drives....
QUOTE (MegaManson @ Mar 21 2010, 11:16)
If Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Williams, Renault etc etc pulled out of F1 and it was left with HRT and Virgin and all those teams were replaced with F3 teams, assorted Asian GP2 teams and teams from Superleague and their drivers it would still be entitled to call itself F1, people would still pay to watch and it would legally be entitled to use the F1 name but it would NOT be F1 as we know it
BTCC may exist in name and the current set up entitled to use the BTCC name but it is NOT BTCC as we know it from the golden era
BTCC may exist in name and the current set up entitled to use the BTCC name but it is NOT BTCC as we know it from the golden era
BTCC has been going strong a long time before those precious Manufacturers turned up, what, 10-15 years ago. BTCC used to have a lot of strong independant teams with top quality drivers before your "golden era"and BTCC is by far the best touring car series in the world atm. WTCC doesnt come close and dont get me started on the boring DTM....
BTCC is not F1.
DTM = boring
WTCC = boring + there aren't many manufacturers left. BMW scaled down to 2, Seat sport pulled out..
DTM = boring
WTCC = boring + there aren't many manufacturers left. BMW scaled down to 2, Seat sport pulled out..
QUOTE (MegaManson @ Mar 21 2010, 11:16)
If Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Williams, Renault etc etc pulled out of F1 and it was left with HRT and Virgin and all those teams were replaced with F3 teams, assorted Asian GP2 teams and teams from Superleague and their drivers it would still be entitled to call itself F1, people would still pay to watch and it would legally be entitled to use the F1 name but it would NOT be F1 as we know it
BTCC may exist in name and the current set up entitled to use the BTCC name but it is NOT BTCC as we know it from the golden era
BTCC may exist in name and the current set up entitled to use the BTCC name but it is NOT BTCC as we know it from the golden era
You can't make comparisons between BTCC and F1, the budgets in F1 are very different whereas in BTCC they are pretty much the same. If the top teams in F1 left it would be screwed, but because the budgets in BTCC are pretty much the same most teams can hold a title challenge similar to that of a works team.
And you could actually say that the current F1 is not F1 from it's real golden era in the 80's to early 90's when we had Senna/Prost/Mansell/Piquet/Rosberg and actual proper racing.
The BTCC's awesome. If anyone watched the last few seasons they would know this.
QUOTE (Crazy Ninja @ Mar 21 2010, 15:05)
The BTCC's awesome. If anyone watched the last few seasons they would know this.
QUOTE (MegaManson @ Mar 21 2010, 09:23)
No manufacturers, the 2 best drivers missing in 2010, what a pathetic joke of a series BTCC is now and has been for a number of years
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
Yet the racing is still as good as it's ever been.
QUOTE (froggy22 @ Mar 21 2010, 13:31)
and BTCC is by far the best touring car series in the world atm. WTCC doesnt come close and dont get me started on the boring DTM....
Bias anyone? You completely ignored Aussie V8, Brazil Stockcar, TC and TC2000 in your assessment
They have bigger grids I think.
In some of the ST era there were no more than 2-3 privateers, to have a field full of them now is quite good really. And the big name teams are still there like WSR, RML etc.
QUOTE (MegaManson @ Mar 21 2010, 09:23)
No manufacturers, the 2 best drivers missing in 2010, what a pathetic joke of a series BTCC is now and has been for a number of years
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
A series full of has been's and club racers, what a climbdown from watching Reid/Rydell/Warwick/Cleland/Mansell/Tarquini/Radisich etc in its heyday
Time BTCC was shut down altogether to save it from further embarrassment
You are completely wrong.
If BTCC needed manufacturers to survive, it would have ended a few years back when it was just SEAT and Vauxhall. Or even last year when it was just Vauxhall. But guess what? The viewing figures were HIGHER even than the days of the big-budget super-tourer manufacturer days, there were actually MORE people going to the track, more people interested in the series, and for the first time in a long long while, BTCC actually had an incredible over-seas interest. Sure, you expect the WTCC to have that seeing as it's the "World Touring Car Championship", but the BTCC? I personally didn't expect it to have that level of interest in other countries, and it's no suprise now that is is commonly referred to as one of the best forms of touring car racing.
Your logic doesn't work either. V8 Supercars only have 2 manufacturers, so does DTM with Audi and Mercedes. I personaly haven't heard of half the guys in V8 Supercars, but I respect their talent and the things they've achieved recently.
"Club racers?". Have you got your head in the clouds or something? There's been something called a RECESSION lately, you know? Hard to get budgets when your are not some manufacturer backed driver with money coming out your arse like in the WTCC. So you're calling Plato a "clubbie driver"? Mat Jackson a "clubbie driver?" Matt Neal a "clubbie driver"? Wow, clubbie standards must have really gone up since I last checked!
The BTCC doesn't NEED big budget manufacturers. Never has done, never will do. Sure, if a manufacturer pulls out in F1, it's a disaster. F1 is on the world stage whilst BTCC isn't as much. Because the hint is in the name. "Formula One WORLD Championship" and "BRITISH Touring Car Championship". It's close enough and competitive enough without. In the last three years in the BTCC the championship has gone down to the last round, last race. Just look at '09, 3 drivers went into the final race of the championship with an equal chance of winning the championship.
The BTCC for me is one of the best racing series in the world. Why? Because as well as all the above, it also has something called "fan friendliness". I don't know about you, but I don't want to be paying £100+ to go and see stuff like F1 where there isn't even half the level of excitement as in BTCC. Here, adults can get in for £25 and for that, they get to go into the paddock and meet the drivers, free of charge. Somehow, I can't see the F1 arsewipes ever doing that. No, you have to actually wait outside the hotel where the drivers stay to get even half a glimpse of them!
Sorry, but you clearly haven't atched BTCC since 2000. You post just stinks of utter stupidity and BS. If I could only watch one out of BTCC and F1, I'd choose BTCC any day of the week over F1.
1. There is no politics
2. There is no BS
3. It actually has something called 'overtaking'. Neat, huh?
QUOTE (Jamesy @ Mar 21 2010, 22:10)
. Just look at '09, 3 drivers went into the final race of the championship with an equal chance of winning the championship.
One of whom went into the first race not knowing if he had a drive.
QUOTE (Jamesy @ Mar 21 2010, 22:10)
You are completely wrong.
If BTCC needed manufacturers to survive, it would have ended a few years back when it was just SEAT and Vauxhall. Or even last year when it was just Vauxhall. But guess what? The viewing figures were HIGHER even than the days of the big-budget super-tourer manufacturer days, there were actually MORE people going to the track, more people interested in the series, and for the first time in a long long while, BTCC actually had an incredible over-seas interest. Sure, you expect the WTCC to have that seeing as it's the "World Touring Car Championship", but the BTCC? I personally didn't expect it to have that level of interest in other countries, and it's no suprise now that is is commonly referred to as one of the best forms of touring car racing.
Your logic doesn't work either. V8 Supercars only have 2 manufacturers, so does DTM with Audi and Mercedes. I personaly haven't heard of half the guys in V8 Supercars, but I respect their talent and the things they've achieved recently.
"Club racers?". Have you got your head in the clouds or something? There's been something called a RECESSION lately, you know? Hard to get budgets when your are not some manufacturer backed driver with money coming out your arse like in the WTCC. So you're calling Plato a "clubbie driver"? Mat Jackson a "clubbie driver?" Matt Neal a "clubbie driver"? Wow, clubbie standards must have really gone up since I last checked!
The BTCC doesn't NEED big budget manufacturers. Never has done, never will do. Sure, if a manufacturer pulls out in F1, it's a disaster. F1 is on the world stage whilst BTCC isn't as much. Because the hint is in the name. "Formula One WORLD Championship" and "BRITISH Touring Car Championship". It's close enough and competitive enough without. In the last three years in the BTCC the championship has gone down to the last round, last race. Just look at '09, 3 drivers went into the final race of the championship with an equal chance of winning the championship.
The BTCC for me is one of the best racing series in the world. Why? Because as well as all the above, it also has something called "fan friendliness". I don't know about you, but I don't want to be paying £100+ to go and see stuff like F1 where there isn't even half the level of excitement as in BTCC. Here, adults can get in for £25 and for that, they get to go into the paddock and meet the drivers, free of charge. Somehow, I can't see the F1 arsewipes ever doing that. No, you have to actually wait outside the hotel where the drivers stay to get even half a glimpse of them!
Sorry, but you clearly haven't atched BTCC since 2000. You post just stinks of utter stupidity and BS. If I could only watch one out of BTCC and F1, I'd choose BTCC any day of the week over F1.
1. There is no politics
2. There is no BS
3. It actually has something called 'overtaking'. Neat, huh?
If BTCC needed manufacturers to survive, it would have ended a few years back when it was just SEAT and Vauxhall. Or even last year when it was just Vauxhall. But guess what? The viewing figures were HIGHER even than the days of the big-budget super-tourer manufacturer days, there were actually MORE people going to the track, more people interested in the series, and for the first time in a long long while, BTCC actually had an incredible over-seas interest. Sure, you expect the WTCC to have that seeing as it's the "World Touring Car Championship", but the BTCC? I personally didn't expect it to have that level of interest in other countries, and it's no suprise now that is is commonly referred to as one of the best forms of touring car racing.
Your logic doesn't work either. V8 Supercars only have 2 manufacturers, so does DTM with Audi and Mercedes. I personaly haven't heard of half the guys in V8 Supercars, but I respect their talent and the things they've achieved recently.
"Club racers?". Have you got your head in the clouds or something? There's been something called a RECESSION lately, you know? Hard to get budgets when your are not some manufacturer backed driver with money coming out your arse like in the WTCC. So you're calling Plato a "clubbie driver"? Mat Jackson a "clubbie driver?" Matt Neal a "clubbie driver"? Wow, clubbie standards must have really gone up since I last checked!
The BTCC doesn't NEED big budget manufacturers. Never has done, never will do. Sure, if a manufacturer pulls out in F1, it's a disaster. F1 is on the world stage whilst BTCC isn't as much. Because the hint is in the name. "Formula One WORLD Championship" and "BRITISH Touring Car Championship". It's close enough and competitive enough without. In the last three years in the BTCC the championship has gone down to the last round, last race. Just look at '09, 3 drivers went into the final race of the championship with an equal chance of winning the championship.
The BTCC for me is one of the best racing series in the world. Why? Because as well as all the above, it also has something called "fan friendliness". I don't know about you, but I don't want to be paying £100+ to go and see stuff like F1 where there isn't even half the level of excitement as in BTCC. Here, adults can get in for £25 and for that, they get to go into the paddock and meet the drivers, free of charge. Somehow, I can't see the F1 arsewipes ever doing that. No, you have to actually wait outside the hotel where the drivers stay to get even half a glimpse of them!
Sorry, but you clearly haven't atched BTCC since 2000. You post just stinks of utter stupidity and BS. If I could only watch one out of BTCC and F1, I'd choose BTCC any day of the week over F1.
1. There is no politics
2. There is no BS
3. It actually has something called 'overtaking'. Neat, huh?
Great post, agree with every point.
Speak of the devil and it will appear-
Chevrolet confirmed as a manufacturer for this season. There's 1 for you.
Chevrolet confirmed as a manufacturer for this season. There's 1 for you.
Plato + MacDowell confirmed at Chevrolet.
Media day at Brands Hatch tomorrow - expect last minute signings
Media day at Brands Hatch tomorrow - expect last minute signings
QUOTE (Crazy Ninja @ Mar 21 2010, 15:05)
The BTCC's awesome. If anyone watched the last few seasons they would know this.
This
Some of Jason's drives to the front (especially last season) are simply breathtaking...
QUOTE (Pato @ Mar 21 2010, 09:46)
You are an idiot.
Who are these 'has beens' and 'club racers'? And now we have Plato/Neal/Jackson/Chilton/Onslow-Cole/O'Neill who are all great drivers who would have given the super touring drivers a run for their money (some already have). And the series is starting to attract manufacturers again, Volvo should have been in this year and Chevrolet may possibly be in this year.
And how can you say that a successful series like BTCC which attracts thousands of viewers on TV and to its events should be shut down? And the series must be doing something right to attract ex F1 drivers such as Herbert!
Who are these 'has beens' and 'club racers'? And now we have Plato/Neal/Jackson/Chilton/Onslow-Cole/O'Neill who are all great drivers who would have given the super touring drivers a run for their money (some already have). And the series is starting to attract manufacturers again, Volvo should have been in this year and Chevrolet may possibly be in this year.
And how can you say that a successful series like BTCC which attracts thousands of viewers on TV and to its events should be shut down? And the series must be doing something right to attract ex F1 drivers such as Herbert!
Please spare us by not quoting him?
QUOTE (Bishy @ Mar 22 2010, 18:01)
This
Some of Jason's drives to the front (especially last season) are simply breathtaking...
Some of Jason's drives to the front (especially last season) are simply breathtaking...
Yep.
In fact just the save at Brands Hatch when Adam tipped him going into Paddock Hill was worth an entire seasons F1.
QUOTE (Jamesy @ Mar 22 2010, 17:15)
Speak of the devil and it will appear-
Chevrolet confirmed as a manufacturer for this season. There's 1 for you.
Chevrolet confirmed as a manufacturer for this season. There's 1 for you.
I was under the impression that they're not technically a manufacturer team, they just have the brand in their name. much like team dynamics/Honda Racing.
Great news if they are a full works effort though.
Now all we need is seat, alfa romeo, volvo and renault and it would be just as good as the super touring days.
Ill settle for Chevy, Honda, BMW and Ford anyday of the week at the moment!
I'm another of those who struggles to get as excited about it as I used to. It started to go wrong in 1997 when they went from one proper race to two shorter one. It then went really wrong in 2004 with the switch to three races. I understand why they went down that path, but I'm an unashamed snob in such matters; multiple short races are always worth significantly less than the equivalent single race.
For me the golden age was the mid 80s to early 90s before they switched to Super Touring. We didn't need the manufacturers then and we certainly don't need them now. You know what this video is before you even click on it. "I'm going for first' says John Cleland!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCij9mYIokA...feature=related
Absolute classic. You can count the factory cars on two fingers as the factory Cavaliers duke it out with private Toyotas, BMWs and David Leslie's hand-me-down Vauxhall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCij9mYIokA...feature=related
Absolute classic. You can count the factory cars on two fingers as the factory Cavaliers duke it out with private Toyotas, BMWs and David Leslie's hand-me-down Vauxhall.
QUOTE (MrAerodynamicist @ Mar 22 2010, 19:08)
I'm another of those who struggles to get as excited about it as I used to. It started to go wrong in 1997 when they went from one proper race to two shorter one. It then went really wrong in 2004 with the switch to three races. I understand why they went down that path, but I'm an unashamed snob in such matters; multiple short races are always worth significantly less than the equivalent single race.
I'd rather pay £25 to see 3 action packed BTCC races rather than over £100 for one processional F1 race. First and foremost, I'm a race fan. I don't "favour" any series, I just want to see great action and overtaking, and, well, BTCC delievers that in spades. F1 gives about 2-3 really "good" races a year, if that, whilst BTCC, every race seems to have the makings of a classic.
Brands Hatch 2009. Need I say more. That was an awesome Sunday
QUOTE (Burai @ Mar 22 2010, 20:21)
"I'm going for first' says John Cleland!"
Absolute classic
Media day latest: Jackson & Kane at Motorbase
QUOTE
Mat Jackson and Steven Kane will race for the Airwaves BMW team in this year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
The duo were officially confirmed as team-mates late last night, on the eve of the BTCC’s annual pre-season Media Day launch at Brands Hatch.
Warwickshire’s Jackson finished BTCC runner-up in 2008 in a BMW. That same season, Northern Irishman Kane, also in one of the German machines, starred with several podium finishes for David Bartrum’s Motorbase team before it ran under the Airwaves banner.
Team principal Bartrum told btcc.net: “In Mat and Steven we have a dream driver line-up which I defy anyone to rival.”
And he added in a statement: “Frankly, I couldn’t be happier. We know Steven’s potential well, having worked with him in the Carrera Cup before the BTCC, but then the chance to add Mat to the line-up was something really worth working for – his record in just three seasons in the BTCC speaks for itself.”
News that the popular Wrigley's high street brand Airwaves will continue to title-sponsor the Wrotham-based Motorbase team is a major boost for Bartrum. In addition, Leyland Paints will increase its backing during the 2010 season, while The Money Shop – the UK’s leading cheque-cashing business – has also added its support for 2010.
In just three seasons, Jackson has achieved 11 race wins in the BTCC. He was officially voted the ‘Fans Favourite’ in 2008 and last year became the first driver of the BTCC’s triple-header era to finish on the podium in every race at two consecutive events (as part of a sensational run of eight top-three results in a row).
The 28-year-old, from Henley-in-Arden, said: “It’s fantastic to be back in a BMW and with Airwaves on board its definitely time to kick up a gear! It would be an understatement to say that exciting times lie ahead. I feel this could be a great partnership – all of the team have the same focus and mine is no different… to win. With our new team partner Moneyshop.tv, I just hope that we can be cashing in as early as round one at Thruxton!”
Kane, meanwhile, will be eager to make it two BTCC titles in a row for Northern Ireland after fellow Ulsterman Colin Turkington lifted the crown last season. The 29-year-old commented: “It’s great to be back in the BTCC, especially with Motorbase Performance and Airwaves BMW – the last time I raced the BMW at Brands Hatch, I finished second twice… time to kick up a gear and start winning!
“I tested the car at the end of last year, back at Brands, and it’s very clear the team and car have moved on. I have great respect for David Bartrum and I think he has really put a great team together – with Mat, I will have a fantastic team-mate and I'm sure we will form a good partnership both on and off the track. This will enable both of us to have a real good shot at the title.”
Finally, Bartrum is eager for the start of the season at Thruxton on Easter Sunday 4 April, particularly as both his new drivers are proven winners around the high-speed circuit. Jackson has twice tasted victory there in the BTCC as well as in SEAT Cupras, while Kane took all four Carrera Cup wins at the Hants track in 2007.
Bartrum said: “Our guys have a pretty solid record round there, while I know that some of the other teams don’t… but we’ll see, come Easter weekend.”
The duo were officially confirmed as team-mates late last night, on the eve of the BTCC’s annual pre-season Media Day launch at Brands Hatch.
Warwickshire’s Jackson finished BTCC runner-up in 2008 in a BMW. That same season, Northern Irishman Kane, also in one of the German machines, starred with several podium finishes for David Bartrum’s Motorbase team before it ran under the Airwaves banner.
Team principal Bartrum told btcc.net: “In Mat and Steven we have a dream driver line-up which I defy anyone to rival.”
And he added in a statement: “Frankly, I couldn’t be happier. We know Steven’s potential well, having worked with him in the Carrera Cup before the BTCC, but then the chance to add Mat to the line-up was something really worth working for – his record in just three seasons in the BTCC speaks for itself.”
News that the popular Wrigley's high street brand Airwaves will continue to title-sponsor the Wrotham-based Motorbase team is a major boost for Bartrum. In addition, Leyland Paints will increase its backing during the 2010 season, while The Money Shop – the UK’s leading cheque-cashing business – has also added its support for 2010.
In just three seasons, Jackson has achieved 11 race wins in the BTCC. He was officially voted the ‘Fans Favourite’ in 2008 and last year became the first driver of the BTCC’s triple-header era to finish on the podium in every race at two consecutive events (as part of a sensational run of eight top-three results in a row).
The 28-year-old, from Henley-in-Arden, said: “It’s fantastic to be back in a BMW and with Airwaves on board its definitely time to kick up a gear! It would be an understatement to say that exciting times lie ahead. I feel this could be a great partnership – all of the team have the same focus and mine is no different… to win. With our new team partner Moneyshop.tv, I just hope that we can be cashing in as early as round one at Thruxton!”
Kane, meanwhile, will be eager to make it two BTCC titles in a row for Northern Ireland after fellow Ulsterman Colin Turkington lifted the crown last season. The 29-year-old commented: “It’s great to be back in the BTCC, especially with Motorbase Performance and Airwaves BMW – the last time I raced the BMW at Brands Hatch, I finished second twice… time to kick up a gear and start winning!
“I tested the car at the end of last year, back at Brands, and it’s very clear the team and car have moved on. I have great respect for David Bartrum and I think he has really put a great team together – with Mat, I will have a fantastic team-mate and I'm sure we will form a good partnership both on and off the track. This will enable both of us to have a real good shot at the title.”
Finally, Bartrum is eager for the start of the season at Thruxton on Easter Sunday 4 April, particularly as both his new drivers are proven winners around the high-speed circuit. Jackson has twice tasted victory there in the BTCC as well as in SEAT Cupras, while Kane took all four Carrera Cup wins at the Hants track in 2007.
Bartrum said: “Our guys have a pretty solid record round there, while I know that some of the other teams don’t… but we’ll see, come Easter weekend.”
Entry list:
No Driver Team Car
2 Jason Plato Chevrolet Chevrolet Cruze
4 Matt Neal Team Honda Honda Civic
5 Mat Jackson Motorbase Performance BMW 320si
6 Rob Collard WSR BMW 320si
11 Steven Kane Motorbase Performance BMW 320si
20 Alex MacDowall Chevrolet Chevrolet Cruze
21 Tom Onslow-Cole Arena Motorsport Ford Focus ST
22 Tom Boardman Special Tuning UK SEAT Leon TFSI
23 Tom Chilton Arena Motorsport Ford Focus ST
27 Martin Johnson Boulevard Team Racing Vauxhall Astra Coupe
28 John George Tech-Speed Motorsport Honda Integra-R
29 Paul O?Neill Tech-Speed Motorsport Honda Integra-R
30 Martin Depper Forster Motorsport BMW 320si
37 Arthur Forster Forster Motorsport BMW 320si
43 Lea Wood Team Wood Racing Honda Integra-R
44 Andy Neate WSR BMW 320si
52 Gordon Shedden Team Honda Hona Civic
55 David Pinkney Pinkney Motorsport Vauxhall Vectra
77 Andrew Jordan Eurotech Racing Vauxhall Vectra
88 TBA Triple 8 Engineering Vauxhall Vectra
98 Matt Hamilton TH Motorsport Honda Civic-R
99 Shaun Hollamby AmD Technik Volkswagen Golf
888 TBA Triple 8 Engineering Vauxhall Vectra
No Driver Team Car
2 Jason Plato Chevrolet Chevrolet Cruze
4 Matt Neal Team Honda Honda Civic
5 Mat Jackson Motorbase Performance BMW 320si
6 Rob Collard WSR BMW 320si
11 Steven Kane Motorbase Performance BMW 320si
20 Alex MacDowall Chevrolet Chevrolet Cruze
21 Tom Onslow-Cole Arena Motorsport Ford Focus ST
22 Tom Boardman Special Tuning UK SEAT Leon TFSI
23 Tom Chilton Arena Motorsport Ford Focus ST
27 Martin Johnson Boulevard Team Racing Vauxhall Astra Coupe
28 John George Tech-Speed Motorsport Honda Integra-R
29 Paul O?Neill Tech-Speed Motorsport Honda Integra-R
30 Martin Depper Forster Motorsport BMW 320si
37 Arthur Forster Forster Motorsport BMW 320si
43 Lea Wood Team Wood Racing Honda Integra-R
44 Andy Neate WSR BMW 320si
52 Gordon Shedden Team Honda Hona Civic
55 David Pinkney Pinkney Motorsport Vauxhall Vectra
77 Andrew Jordan Eurotech Racing Vauxhall Vectra
88 TBA Triple 8 Engineering Vauxhall Vectra
98 Matt Hamilton TH Motorsport Honda Civic-R
99 Shaun Hollamby AmD Technik Volkswagen Golf
888 TBA Triple 8 Engineering Vauxhall Vectra
I have a real soft spot for BTCC.
The 90's Super Tourers was the greatest spectator motorsport series ever.
The 90's Super Tourers was the greatest spectator motorsport series ever.
Triple 8 carrying on is a welcome surprise. That's two top seats opened up out of nowhere
What an awesome looking car!
QUOTE (Burai @ Mar 23 2010, 18:29)
Triple 8 carrying on is a welcome surprise. That's two top seats opened up out of nowhere
Only one, and they struggled to get the car on pace last year, coupled with a few driver mistakes (*cough* Mr Neal *cough*) meant they didn't win the drivers championship, they did win the team one, mainly due to 3 cars.
Phil Glew did test for Triple 8 a few weeks ago, I think its all down to the driver stumping up a budget.
There are two seats at 888
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