VLR in 03?

pink69 · 20 Jul 2002, 23:12 (Ref:338422)

Would VLR run the 406's at 3 years old? I doubt it. So what could they run. Rumour has it there could be upto 6 MG's next year so that could be an option. HOnda have come good recently so they could get the 02 cars or maybe they could eave the series altogether. Personally I'd like them to stay and help take the fight to Vauxhall.

**touringlegend** · 20 Jul 2002, 23:18 (Ref:338426)

Rule's have been stabilised till 2006 so I don't see the Pugs dropping too far back. Mind you VLR don't have the time or money to spend on developing new parts at the factory, so newer cars could well be an advantage. Though I think it's unlikely they'll be in the BTCC next season.

Vatanen · 20 Jul 2002, 23:25 (Ref:338435)

I'm surprised you didn't suggest the 307, Pink 69. That was mooted in Autosport this week. I think it could be the best way to go. See the Honda for how good a small hatch can be.

kristof14 · 20 Jul 2002, 23:49 (Ref:338452)

will we see VLR in the BTCC after they revealed they would be launching an ASCAR team?

OVERSTEER · 21 Jul 2002, 00:22 (Ref:338467)

Well I see the Peugeot's being passed on to another team to contest the Indie Championship next year, because they'll still be a threat for class honours. Just a thought, how about Team B&Q running a Peugeot or two in the Indie Championship next year.

Onto the subject of VLR, Ideally if VLR stay in the BTCC to field a couple of beemers or the luxus's, but that doesn't seem likely, but a couple of MG's would be very good too.

Moggs · 21 Jul 2002, 08:06 (Ref:338545)

Could VLR get factory money from Pug and step up to be a full works team? Peugeot have a long history with the BTCC and I just can't see them sitting back watching for too long.

VLR have worked hard on the 406 and have put it right back on the pace. But all that development could be lost if, as we all hope, we get more and more manufactures back in the championship, then the independents will inevitably get pushed to the back. So logic dictates the best way forward for VLR is as a works team, and the manufacture with whom they must already have a good understanding with is Peugeot. Its win, win for everyone.

Tim Harvey for 2003 champ!

Alfa Fan · 21 Jul 2002, 09:27 (Ref:338582)

I don't know whether you know that Peugeot withdrew from the BTCC as a works team Novemember last year.

VLR have done a lot of hard work on the 406 Coupe. It is now able to regulaly keep in touch with the Vauxhalls and MGs. I wouldn't be surprised if they win at Donington as that circuit suits the 406 Coupes large wheelbase.

If no manufacturer comes to link up with VLR it will continue with the Peugeots under the banner of 'Team Halfords'

BootsOntheSide · 21 Jul 2002, 09:30 (Ref:338586)

I don't see Peugeot being involved as a works team in the near future, certainly not with the 406. Developing a car from scratch is no longer feasible for a privateer team, look at AMG, TMSR and JSM. There seems to be little mileage left in the 406 for development, and any new cars would certainly outperform the older cars. And any team running older machinery on a privateer basis will, as with in the 90s BTCC era, be wedged at the back.

As you can see, I think its a pretty bleak outlook in the BTCC for VLR, ASCAR looks like a better option unless they can get themselves a works or satellite deal.

runnyhunny · 21 Jul 2002, 11:07 (Ref:338688)

Motorsport News had a bit on VLR the other day. Apparently, Vic doesn't want to run the 406 Coupes in 2003. He seems tired of 'wringing the car's neck' for performance, only to find he is still behind the works cars.

He said that he wants to run a different car, and that to ensure ample development time, he needs to have his plans in place by the end of August.

Vic mentioned Peugeot and the 307. I think he's after some cash from Peugeot to help him build the car initially (and perhaps pay for some of the running) and the rest of the money from Halfords (or whoever). It's obviously pretty unlikely that Peugeot would come back for a full-on works assault in 2003.

As 'BootsOnTheSide' says, building a car with limited resources just doesn't work - look at TMS-R and JSM. Mind you, VLR have massive experience and cash (compared to TMS-R and JSM), so perhaps they wouldn't be so bad?

From the Motorsport News piece, I got the impression that VLR would remain in the BTCC, one way or another.

The ITV coverage of Croft also had a bit on Barwell, and Chris Needell gave the impression that he's on the look out for a manufacturer deal (rather than continuing with the indie cup).

Tim Harvey Fan · 21 Jul 2002, 14:13 (Ref:338772)

I completely agree with you, BootsOntheSide, I doubt if Peugeot would be willing to hand out cash to anybody in the BTCC in the near future. They made a point of pulling out to focus on rally. The fact that VLR have made the 406's competitive when Peugeot factory money couldn't will underline the fact that factory Peugeot cars have never really succeeded in the BTCC. (Which I assume will make Peugeot bitter)

Reido Rules · 21 Jul 2002, 16:10 (Ref:338910)

Peug may have a long tradition but they never won in that period. If Halfords want Victories then ASCAR is where VLR will go if they have the choice, why? because a joint VLR/HTML opperation has won 3of the last 4 races, so if Halfords want wins, and Vic has to choose, I think that VLR's BTCC future is in doubt.

Alfa Fan · 21 Jul 2002, 16:29 (Ref:338925)

Quote:

Originally posted by Reido Rules
Peug may have a long tradition but they never won in that period. If Halfords want Victories then ASCAR is where VLR will go if they have the choice, why? because a joint VLR/HTML opperation has won 3of the last 4 races, so if Halfords want wins, and Vic has to choose, I think that VLR's BTCC future is in doubt.

Yes, but i really don't think Tim Harvey has much intrest in competiting in ASCAR and he and Vic are longtime friends. Also i doubt Team Halfords would have expanded to 3 cars if their plans lay else where. My prediction is Team Halfords will run 3 self built 307s next year.

Reido Rules · 21 Jul 2002, 16:51 (Ref:338954)

Believe me Vic will do what he wants and no what Tim wnats Vic has a mind of his own. VLR WILL be in ASCAR 2003, that is certain, Vic has already purchased the cars and employed the staff, and announced at the Last ASCAR meeting that he will be back, and when asked about his BTCC plans, he siad what vere happens there his goal for 2003 is to win the ASCAR Mintex CUP, and to makie sure that all of the three cars he has ordered are competitive. Unless he gets a works deal it's believed that he will be fed up with beingt he nearly man. When ASCAR if this week is anything to go by, will bring Success.

Alfa Fan · 21 Jul 2002, 19:19 (Ref:339034)

VLR will be in BTCC 2003 IMO

runnyhunny · 22 Jul 2002, 10:50 (Ref:339484)

I don't know why VLR are so keen on ASCAR. Hardly anyone attends the races, and even fewer people watch it on TV. From a marketing point of view, it's got to be a whole lot worse than the BTCC. I can't see what's in it for Halfords.

Vatanen · 22 Jul 2002, 11:04 (Ref:339487)

VLR did plan to do ASCAR last year at the same time as they announced their BTCC plans with Peugeot Sport.

So I think they could run 2 programmes together easily if need be.

You seem to be in the know Reido Rules? Are you a VLR insider?

touringcarnut · 22 Jul 2002, 11:18 (Ref:339498)

I agree with Runnyhunny, i don't understand why Vic wants to race in ASCAR next year. I watched the first rounds of the racing this year, and I was quite frankly, bored by it all. It is a very different form of motorsport, that I grant, but it is not exactly high profile or anything, i'm amazed Halfords are willing to put good money into it.

If Alfa join the BTCC and other rumours surface about further works teams, VLR won't be missed too much on the grid, although i must say that VLR have provided some great racing in the championship this year and many others.

Claire · 22 Jul 2002, 12:40 (Ref:339570)

It's not Team Halfords that are going into ASCAR its VLR, ASCAR may not be that good at the moment but over time I am sure things will improve. Lots of teams have their fingers in lots of pies so why should VLR be any different. I hope we see them running in both championships next year.

Jimeth · 22 Jul 2002, 12:54 (Ref:339590)

nah man, to put it very simply, compared to the BTCC, ASCAR is ****. Very ****.

Jimeth · 22 Jul 2002, 12:54 (Ref:339591)

oops sorry, just in case i only said cr@p

**touringlegend** · 22 Jul 2002, 13:39 (Ref:339642)

I think it's more a case of VLR seeing the long term potential future of ASCAR, rather than running with privateer cars at the back in the BTCC.

Alfa Fan · 22 Jul 2002, 14:34 (Ref:339686)

Back of the grid? Not this year! Any way they will be using 307s next year and they should be good.

Eddie_harasym · 22 Jul 2002, 14:34 (Ref:339687)

I think its still debateable that ASCAR will be that big in the UK.

A more safe bet would be the BTC.

Vatanen · 22 Jul 2002, 15:12 (Ref:339721)

Compare a guaranteed bit of exposure on ITV on a Saturday afternoon, complete with their car in the adverts for Green Flag; with a 7am programme on C4 on a Saturday. BTCC has tons more exposure for Halfords at the moment.

BootsOntheSide · 22 Jul 2002, 16:23 (Ref:339778)

I agree that VLR will continue with ASCAR, it could be a good championship to get into on the ground floor as the organisers have big bold plans, and msot cultural things American (music, movies, food etc) are increasingly making a big impression in Europe, maybe stock car racing is next.

Halfords, however, would certainly take some convincing to be sponsoring that rather than the BTCC effort, and I'm sure they realise that they would get little exposure in that at present. Besides the ASCAR effort hasn't needeed Halfords money this year, why should that be any different next year.

I can't agree with the notion of them using the 307 though. Peugeot have little itnerest in works involvement in the series, and developing the car themselves owuld be financial suicide. They'd be doing very well to convince Halfords that a private development operation can challenge works teams, especially next to the previous failures last year.