MG ZS BTCC

[Craner Curves]

I'm really interested in the history of the BTC-T era of the BTCC and have tried to compile a list of the 8 MG ZS BTCC cars that have been built. 2 Lola cars from 2001, 3 WSR-built cars from 2002 and 2 further WSR machines were built in 2003. Here's what I know, although a lot of it is guesswork and it may not be that correct. Hopefully some light can be shed on the subject here though.

EX259 Lola#1
Year 2001 MG Sport & Racing - Anthony Reid
Year 2002 Team Atomic Kitten - Colin Turkington

EX259 Lola#2
Year 2001 MG Sport & Racing - Warren Hughes
Year 2002 MG Sport & Racing - Warren Hughes: Rds 1-2/ Team Atomic Kitten - Gareth Howell: Rds 3-20

EX260 2002T-01
Year 2002 MG Sport & Racing - Anthony Reid
Year 2003-Now Unknown

EX260 2002T-02
Year 2002 MG Sport & Racing - Warren Hughes: Rds 3-20
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Warren Hughes
Year 2004 Kartworld Racing - Jason Hughes
Year 2005 Kartworld Racing - Jason Hughes
Year 2006 Kartworld Racing - Jason Hughes (Fitted with the K2000 engine from Rd 4)
Year 2007 Kartworld Racing - Jason Hughes
Year 2008 Team KWR - Jason Hughes

EX260 2002T-03
Year 2002 Unused
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Colin Turkington: Rds 15-20
Year 2004-Now Unknown

EX261 2003T-01
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Warren Hughes
Year 2004 Unused
Year 2005 German Super Production Championship - Maurer Motorsport: Mathias Schlappi
Year 2006 Team RAC - Rob Collard
Year 2007 Kartworld Racing - Fiona Leggate
Year 2008 Owned by Malcolm Leggate

EX261 2003T-02
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Anthony Reid
Year 2004 WSR - Anthony Reid: BTCC/German Super Production Championship final rounds (Fitted with K2000 engine)
Year 2005 German Super Production Championship - Maurer Motorsport: Rainer Bastuck
Year 2006 Team RAC - Colin Turkington
Year 2007-Now Owned by WSR - For Sale/Hire

EX261 2003T-03
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Colin Turkington
Year 2004 WSR - Colin Turkington (Fitted with K2000 engine)
Year 2005 WSR - Rob Collard
Year 2006-Now Owned by Trevor Turkington

One of the Lolas was used at the 2006 Autosport show as an RAC showcar.

[Jimmy Magnusson]

I think Turkington's dad still owns Colin's old EX259 - or is it the EX261 listed? Both?

[MG Rover Sport]

An interesting 'project' there 'Craner Curves' - I'll have to check my files to see if we have the same information.

I can help you regarding the 2006 Team RAC show car though, as I saw it at the MGCC Silverstone and BTCC Donington weekends and made a point of taking loads of photos. It is in fact one of the 2001 Lola EX259s - #001 to be precise. The inside of the doors was still yellow, which would back up it being a 2002 ex-Team Atomic Kitten chassis as well.

[Tomcat Racer]

I wonder how much WSR wants for the car ?

[MG Rover Sport]

My numbers work out slightly differently to your Craner Curves, in that I think there were only seven MGs built - two Lola designed EX259s for 2001, two WSR designed EX260s for 2002, and three WSR designed EX261s for 2003.

I was also led to believe that EX260 2002T-01 was updated, and renumbered into EX261 2003T-04 as a spare for the 2003 season. With all of the heavy damage that the team suffered during that season (Hughes at Rd 5 : Thruxton and Turks at Rd 13 : Snetterton) it was a good job the team had a spare!

That's how I understand it anyway.

[MG Rover Sport]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

EX261 2003T-01
Year 2006 Team RAC - Rob Collard
Year 2007 Kartworld Racing - Fiona Leggate
Year 2008 Owned by Malcolm Leggate

EX261 2003T-02
Year 2006 Team RAC - Colin Turkington
Year 2007 Now Owned by WSR - For Sale/Hire

The above looks about right based on what I have just seen mentioned on another forum regarding KWR (Kartworld Racing) acquiring a 2nd chassis for the 2009 season...

'The second car in its past life was orange! In 2006 Fiona Leggate's dad bought one of the WSR RAC cars (Collards I think) which KWR sprayed black and prepared in 2007 alongside Jason. Now the second RAC car is in KWRs ownership!!'

To me this implies that Malcolm Leggate still owns Fiona's ex-Rob Collard 2006 TeamRAC entry (2003T-01), but that KWR has acquired the ex-Colin Turkington 2006 TeamRAC entry (2003T-02) that is listed above as Now Owned by WSR - For Sale/Hire. Is that correct?

[Craner Curves]

Sorry for the late reply David. Yes I think you're right about the number of cars. I wasn't 100% sure about 2003, with the big shunts that you mentioned. I'll bow to your superior knowledge on the subject. Most of my list has been compiled from forum posts and photos on the internet. A lot of it is 2+2=5 probably, but I thought I'd try!

Feel free to post your list if you like.

I've seen the post you quoted from the MG forum and agree with you. They must have purchased the ex-Turkington car from 2006. For some reason I thought that was the car Trevor Turkington had, as there was reference to it being Colin's car in 2005, when Rob Collard was driving it. David from Kartworld seems to think Jason has an ex-Atomic Kitten car, as does their website?

[MG Rover Sport]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Sorry for the late reply David.

No problems Craner Curves - appreciate we all have other things 'on' in our lives from time to time, so I didn't really expect a response straightaway anyway.

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

I've seen the post you quoted from the MG forum and agree with you. They must have purchased the ex-Turkington car from 2006. For some reason I thought that was the car Trevor Turkington had, as there was reference to it being Colin's car in 2005, when Rob Collard was driving it. David from Kartworld seems to think Jason has an ex-Atomic Kitten car, as does their website?

Maybe he is getting confused with Colin's 2006 TeamRAC car, unless Jason ALSO owns his Team Atomic Kitten car as well? I cannot really see Jason going on about updating the car to the latest specification for 2009, and doing it to a 2001 Lola designed EX259 - which is what he would be doing if he was using Colin's 2002 ex-Team Atomic Kitten car as a basis for the 2nd 2009 entry.

I'll be going down to the Media Day at Rockingham next month, so I will try and find out there if we haven't sorted it in the meantime that is.

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Yes I think you're right about the number of cars. I wasn't 100% sure about 2003, with the big shunts that you mentioned.

Here are two photos of the damaged cars in 2003. Firstly, Hughes at Rd 5 : Thruxton and secondly, Turkington at Rd 13 : Snetterton. The spare 2003T-04 was a must by my reckoning!...

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by MG Rover Sport

Maybe he is getting confused with Colin's 2006 TeamRAC car, unless Jason ALSO owns his Team Atomic Kitten car as well? I cannot really see Jason going on about updating the car to the latest specification for 2009, and doing it to a 2001 Lola designed EX259 - which is what he would be doing if he was using Colin's 2002 ex-Team Atomic Kitten car as a basis for the 2nd 2009 entry.

I've seen photos of the chassis no. on the Kartworld car that Jason has been using since 2004 and it's the ex-Warren Hughes car from 2002. Perhaps the webmaster is thinking it's the car Warren used initially in 2002 that went onto Team Atomic Kitten?

[MG Rover Sport]

I have photos too - Jason's is deffo Warren's 2002T-02 chassis!

In fact everytime I see a works or ex-works MG or Rover in competition I try and get a photo of the chassis number. If not a photo, then at least I try and scribble it down on a scrap of paper!

Rockingham will most certainly prove the identity of the second car beyond doubt, but I will try and ask the webmaster to confirm the chassis number before then anyway.

[MG Rover Sport]

This are a couple of photos taken from Brit Cars (with grateful thanks) which clearly shows the second TeamKWR car being rebuilt for the 2009 season, and from the evidence of the doors (interior and exterior) it would suggest that it was an ex-TeamRAC entry in 2006 and used by Fiona Leggate in 2007.

[Craner Curves]

Excellent find. So it's safe to assume that WSR still possess the 2006 car of Colin Turkington then, as that was the ex-Rob Collard car that Fiona drove in 2007.

[MG Rover Sport]

No problems Craner Curves - happy to be the bearer of fresh news when I have some. Just like I am now, by reposting something that I have seen elsewhere on the www this evening. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news on this occasion...

Team KWR will not be present at Rockingham tomorrow (Thursday, 19th March) for the official launch of the 2009 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship, because team owner and lead driver Jason Hughes is still battling with his knee following surgery.

The operation which Hughes had to his knee at the beginning of February was expected to be corrected by now, but following a routine medical check this week prior to him stepping back in the MG ZS which Team KWR will run this year, was given the advice to stay well clear of driving the car.

“It is such a shame that I cannot be at the Media day to show off and test the new parts on the car. I have been instructed by the medical team that I am not allowed to drive the car in case there are any repercussions on the surgery that I had on my knee.”

Although making slow progress, there are still two weeks until the season’s opening rounds at Brands Hatch.

“All this time that I spend out of the car will certainly fire me up for the first rounds at Brands Hatch in two weeks.

“The MG has always driven well at Brands Hatch, so the team and I just have to focus on giving the public something to talk about, by producing some extra special results!”

This news comes at the same time that the team were dealt another disappointing blow, when a part that had been promised for the beginning of this week, which would finalise the car’s rebuild – following its complete strip down through the closed season – will not be arriving until the beginning of next week.

“Once I was given the news that I wouldn’t be driving the car at Rockingham, the aim was to get the car rebuilt in time so we could display it at Rockingham tomorrow. Unfortunately, the car is still in pieces as we await this final part.”

The team are still upbeat though that this season could see a few wild card performances. “There are so many unknown quantities this year with new cars, new drivers and new teams, who knows what could happen! We certainly cannot wait to get out there.”

There will be Team KWR personnel present at Media Day, so that the KWR name is visible, and to answer any questions.

Also just a reminder if people can donate to our charity Make-A-Wish Foundation UK that'd be great! Click on www.justgiving.com/TeamKWRto make your donation. Any amount large or small would be fantastic! And remember whoever places the largest amount wins one of two very limited edition canvas prints signed Team KWR driver Jason Hughes.

[Alfa Fan]

Mr Turkington Snr had Colin's 2006 MG last I heard. Fiona has/had Collards 06 one.

[Craner Curves]

Colin's 06 car is still with WSR. Mr Turkington has an older car in his possession.

[silvertrophy]

Does anyone know the whereabout of some of these now? What ever happened to Chassis 259 #1 and #2?

[Tomcat Racer]

This one has appeared in Australia.
I wonder which chassis this one is.

[Craner Curves]

Looks like 2003T-02, the 2006 car of Turkington. It's got all the right bodywork to be that one, as the 2006 showcar was the older shape ZS.

[markreeves]

Great thread guys would love to work out were all the Btc spec cars are now, does anyone have any pictures of when the cars where ran by Maurer? looked evrywere but can't find any...

[justanothermechanic]

I can confirm the Car pictured above is the Turkington car from 2006, it along with three other ZS BTCC cars are now in Australia preparing to be raced in different categories around the country.

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by markreeves

Great thread guys would love to work out were all the Btc spec cars are now, does anyone have any pictures of when the cars where ran by Maurer? looked evrywere but can't find any...

Have you tried the X Power Forums?

[Craner Curves]

EX259 Lola#1
Year 2001 MG Sport & Racing - Anthony Reid
Year 2002 Team Atomic Kitten - Colin Turkington
Present: Still owned by WSR in Team RAC showcar livery?

Not to be confused with this car below which is a former simulator converted from a Rover 45 apparantly.


EX259 Lola#2
Year 2001 MG Sport & Racing - Warren Hughes
Year 2002 MG Sport & Racing - Warren Hughes: Rds 1-2/ Team Atomic Kitten - Gareth Howell: Rds 3-20
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Showcar use.
Present: Driven by Elvis Kezis in RWD layout with a supercharged BMW 4.0 V8 in Latvian drifting.


EX260 2002T-01
Year 2002 MG Sport & Racing - Anthony Reid
Year 2003-Now Unknown

EX260 2002T-02
Year 2002 MG Sport & Racing - Warren Hughes: Rds 3-20
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Warren Hughes
Year 2004 Kartworld Racing - Jason Hughes
Year 2005 Kartworld Racing - Jason Hughes
Year 2006 Kartworld Racing - Jason Hughes (Fitted with the K2000 engine from Rd 4)
Year 2007 Kartworld Racing - Jason Hughes
Year 2008 Team KWR - Jason Hughes

EX260 2002T-03
Year 2002 Unused
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Colin Turkington: Rds 15-20
Year 2004-Now Unknown

EX261 2003T-01
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Warren Hughes
Year 2004 Unused
Year 2005 German Super Production Championship - Maurer Motorsport: Mathias Schlappi
Year 2006 Team RAC - Rob Collard
Year 2007 Kartworld Racing - Fiona Leggate
Year 2008 Owned by Malcolm Leggate. Was still for sale in 2011.

EX261 2003T-02
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Anthony Reid
Year 2004 WSR - Anthony Reid: BTCC/German Super Production Championship final rounds (Fitted with K2000 engine)
Year 2005 German Super Production Championship - Maurer Motorsport: Rainer Bastuck
Year 2006 Team RAC - Colin Turkington
Year 2007 WSR - For Sale/Hire
Year 2011 Now living in Australia

EX261 2003T-03
Year 2003 MG Sport & Racing - Colin Turkington
Year 2004 WSR - Colin Turkington (Fitted with K2000 engine)
Year 2005 WSR - Rob Collard
Year 2006-Now Owned by Trevor Turkington

[Craner Curves]

Lola chassis #1 is the Latvian car apparantly? According to a decal on the bonnet. Yet I've found a photo of it with a WSR chassis plate on the rollcage.....

[MG Rover Sport]

Good afternoon 'Craner Curves', and long time no speak so to say!

I have been popping in to this topic as it has developed, but not really had much time to contribute anything worthwhile I'm sorry to say, well until now that is...

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Lola chassis #1 is the Latvian car apparantly? According to a decal on the bonnet. Yet I've found a photo of it with a WSR chassis plate on the rollcage.....

I'm prety sure that the two Lola 2001 built cars did not have chassis numbers on the nearside A post as per this photo, which means this must be a later WSR built car.

The Lola cars had their chassis numbers fitted on the nearside of the sequential gearlever 'tower'. I have photos of the 2006 Team RAC show car which clearly shows the chassis number in that position. Leave it with me for a day or two and I'll glance through the complete topic, make some comments, and also post up a couple of photos for you backing up my thoughts mate.

Best Wishes for 2013 in the meantime.

[Craner Curves]

And the same to you.

I've discovered that the Latvian car is an ex-showcar. This one to be precise:


And when they took delivery: