[BTCC] Thruxton Rounds 10-12

[Craner Curves]

This weekend, the British Touring Car Championship returns to Thruxton, famously known as the Hampshire Speedbowl, for what promises to be an electrifying round of high-speed action. Thruxton, the fastest circuit on the BTCC calendar, is notorious for its demanding nature, featuring sweeping corners and long straights that test both driver skill and vehicle performance to the limit.

All eyes will be on the intense title battle between Ashley Sutton and Tom Ingram, the top contenders vying for the championship crown. Sutton, driving for NAPA Racing UK, has displayed remarkable consistency and pace throughout the season, making him a formidable force on any track. His aggressive yet calculated driving style has seen him accumulate a substantial points tally, keeping him firmly in the lead.

However, Tom Ingram, representing Team Bristol Street Motors, is hot on Sutton’s heels. Ingram's resilience and strategic acumen have kept him in close contention, and his recent performances have only added to the mounting pressure on Sutton. Thruxton’s unique challenges could play to Ingram's strengths, given his adeptness at maximizing tyre management and exploiting overtaking opportunities.

The Hampshire Speedbowl’s high-speed nature will amplify the significance of every maneuver, with slipstreaming and drafting likely to play crucial roles in the race dynamics. Both Sutton and Ingram have demonstrated mastery in these aspects, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. Fans can expect a no-holds-barred contest as these two titans of the BTCC go wheel-to-wheel, each vying to gain a crucial advantage in the championship hunt.

As the season progresses, every point becomes increasingly vital. Thruxton’s races will not only test the mettle of Sutton and Ingram but also have a profound impact on the championship trajectory. The pressure is palpable, the stakes are sky-high, and the stage is set for an unforgettable BTCC weekend at Thruxton.

[coffinpilot]

How much is the hybrid going to make a difference here? Judging by a couple of online comments in the world of social media Cook is meant to walk this considering his previous form, and having more hybrid than Ingram/Sutton, but how will it work here?

Will it be a case of the likes of Huff, Morgan etc having a much lower engagement speed at 115kph that's going to be more of an advantage out of the chicane and complex to get to a terminal velocity quicker in qual and Race 1?

[SSmith]

Timetable

BARC Noticeboard

Entry List

BTCC QUALIFYING [YOUTUBE - SATURDAY] = 15:25 - 16:20

BTCC RACEDAY [ITV4 - SUNDAY] = 11:00 - 18:15

Televised Races: BTCC x3, British F4 x2, Mini Se7ens x1, Mini Challenge Trophy x1, PCCGB x1, Mini Miglia x1

PROVISIONAL ENTRIES

BTCC - 21

PCCGB - 24 (Pro 11, 10 Pro-Am, 3 Am)
Josh Malin missing in Pro, whilst Lee Mowle returns to Am. William Paul, the accomplished historic Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-type racer best-known for winning the 2023 RAC TT Celebration race at Goodwood Revival with Andy Priaulx, joins the Am class with Team Parker.

British F4 - 21
Grid is down one following Harrison's ban

Mini Challenge Trophy - 26

Mini Miglia - 32 (23 Miglia, 9 Libre)
Lots of Mini talent on display including Andrew Jordan, Jeff Smith, Aaron Smith, Ben Colburn, Ian Curley, Kane Astin, Endaf Owens et al

Mini Se7ens - 33 (13 Seven, 20 Seven S)
Lots of Mini talent on display including Mike Jordan

[Akrapovic]

Originally Posted by SSmith

PCCGB - 24 (Pro 11, 10 Pro-Am, 3 Am)
Josh Malin missing in Pro, whilst Lee Mowle returns to Am. William Paul, the accomplished historic Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-type racer best-known for winning the 2023 RAC TT Celebration race at Goodwood Revival with Andy Priaulx, joins the Am class with Team Parker.

Jack Butel won't be at thruxton either.

[SV8Predator]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

This weekend, the British Touring Car Championship returns to Thruxton, famously known as the Hampshire Speedbowl, for what promises to be an electrifying round of high-speed action. Thruxton, the fastest circuit on the BTCC calendar, is notorious for its demanding nature, featuring sweeping corners and long straights that test both driver skill and vehicle performance to the limit.

All eyes will be on the intense title battle between Ashley Sutton and Tom Ingram, the top contenders vying for the championship crown. Sutton, driving for NAPA Racing UK, has displayed remarkable consistency and pace throughout the season, making him a formidable force on any track. His aggressive yet calculated driving style has seen him accumulate a substantial points tally, keeping him firmly in the lead.

However, Tom Ingram, representing Team Bristol Street Motors, is hot on Sutton’s heels. Ingram's resilience and strategic acumen have kept him in close contention, and his recent performances have only added to the mounting pressure on Sutton. Thruxton’s unique challenges could play to Ingram's strengths, given his adeptness at maximizing tyre management and exploiting overtaking opportunities.

The Hampshire Speedbowl’s high-speed nature will amplify the significance of every maneuver, with slipstreaming and drafting likely to play crucial roles in the race dynamics. Both Sutton and Ingram have demonstrated mastery in these aspects, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. Fans can expect a no-holds-barred contest as these two titans of the BTCC go wheel-to-wheel, each vying to gain a crucial advantage in the championship hunt.

As the season progresses, every point becomes increasingly vital. Thruxton’s races will not only test the mettle of Sutton and Ingram but also have a profound impact on the championship trajectory. The pressure is palpable, the stakes are sky-high, and the stage is set for an unforgettable BTCC weekend at Thruxton.

ChatGPT...?

[Evantra]

Weird how it discounts Turkington who’s ahead in the championship (and Hill who’s on the same points)

[thetool]

Gear Up for High-Octane Action: BTCC Roars into Thruxton This Weekend!

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) is set to take the legendary Thruxton Circuit by storm this weekend, June 8th and 9th, 2024. This marks the championship's sole visit to the Hampshire venue for the 2024 season, making it a must-see event for any racing enthusiast.


Expect Nothing Less Than Breakneck Speeds:
Thruxton is known for its relentless high-speed corners, pushing both car and driver to their limits. Strategizing tire management will be crucial for success, as even the most durable Goodyear hard compound tires will be tested on this demanding track.


A Battleground for Touring Car Titans:
History favors Honda at Thruxton. Local racer Josh Cook, a regular frontrunner in the BTCC, boasts the most wins around this 2.37-mile circuit with an impressive ten victories. But with a strong grid of competitors, this weekend promises to be an epic battle for the top step on the podium.


A Fun-Filled Day for the Whole Family:
The BTCC event at Thruxton isn't just about heart-pounding racing. It's a fantastic family day out! While race fans soak in the action on the track, others can enjoy a variety of entertainment options:

• Keep the kids entertained with bouncy castles, fairground games, and even a kid's driving experience.
• Browse the trade village for unique finds.
• Take in the live music that sets the perfect mood for the day.
• Grab delicious food and drinks from a variety of vendors.

Witnessing History in the Making:
Whether you're a die-hard BTCC fan or simply looking for a thrilling weekend adventure, the Thruxton round promises an unforgettable experience. Don't miss your chance to witness some of the world's best touring car drivers battle it out on this iconic track!


Tickets are still available, so head over to Thruxton Circuit TicketCo page to secure your spot for this high-octane weekend!

That's what Google Bard (or Gemini as it's been rebranded) throws out. Compenent enough but has all the AI hallmarks of saying lots but nothing at the same time. PR ******** like this is probably the best application for current AI tech.

[Mike Harte]

It's all very well using AI to produce it, but why mention history favours Honda when they are not being run by any team this season? Cook's best results last year was 3rd in races 1 and 2.

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by SV8Predator

ChatGPT...?

Absolutely 100% genuine. I suggest you take back those remarks. ?

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by thetool

That's what Google Bard (or Gemini as it's been rebranded) throws out. Compenent enough but has all the AI hallmarks of saying lots but nothing at the same time. PR ******** like this is probably the best application for current AI tech.

No mention of 'Hampshire Speedbowl' which is obligatory when writing about Thruxton, so that's a fail in my book.

[Akrapovic]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Absolutely 100% genuine. I suggest you take back those remarks. ?

I'm not sure why he'd have to take anything back. It's perfectly acceptable to use these sort of tools, and it does read very like AI generated text.

I copy and pasted it into various AI detectors and they all agreed between 75-100% likelihood it's AI Generated.

[SV8Predator]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Absolutely 100% genuine. I suggest you take back those remarks. ?

It's the American spellings that give it away (as well as the flowery descriptions).

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Weird how it discounts Turkington who’s ahead in the championship (and Hill who’s on the same points)

They are not discounted in the official BTCC preview write-up.

"Thruxton to host fastest tin-top races of the season

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship speeds into Hampshire this weekend (8/9 June), with Thruxton boasting the honour of being the fastest circuit in the country.

The 2024 BTCC season is already shaping up to be a classic with no fewer than six race winners and a total of 11 drivers – more than half the field – having already reached the rostrum from just the opening nine races.

NAPA Racing UK’s Ash Sutton is yet to win this season, but the reigning champion leads the overall Drivers’ standings by virtue of his seven podiums so far.

Sutton is gunning for a record fifth BTCC title, as is Team BWM’s Colin Turkington, with the dynamic duo currently occupying the top two positions in the standings.

Double winners – Tom Ingram (Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS) at Donington Park and Jake Hill (Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport) at Snetterton – are within touching distance of the summit, whilst the chasing pack also closed the gap last time out.

Thruxton is a unique challenge, however, with one man in particular enjoying an incredible record of taming the Hampshire speed bowl.

Let him Cook!

Josh Cook’s synergy with Thruxton is one of those incredible things you sometimes get in sport, and they’re not always records you can easily decipher.

Bath-based driver Cook sees Thruxton as his home circuit, and there’s little doubting that his driving style suits the high-speed white-knuckle ride that is the 2.4-mile Thruxton circuit.

An incredible ten of his 18 BTCC victories have come in Hampshire, previously achieved in both Vauxhall and Honda machinery – the latter marque having also enjoyed exceptional results at the venue.

Now, the 32-year-old will be gunning for an 11th triumph at Thruxton, but this time in the LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ Toyota.

Cook has been quietly going about his business so far in 2024, with three podiums and solid points finishes propelling him to fifth in the overall standings – but he closed the gap slightly at Snetterton last time out and will be looking to make an even greater dent in the deficit this weekend."

[crmalcolm]

On the subject of AI-generated, I took a look at what CoPilot produced. The output also contains links to where some of the information has derived from, and that gives an indication to why Turkington is overlooked.

CoPilot output:

"The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) is heading to Thruxton Circuit for Rounds 10, 11, and 12 of the 2023 season. Here’s what you can expect:

Fastest Circuit in the UK: Thruxton is known for its high-speed layout, making it a thrilling challenge for drivers.
Title Battle: NAPA Racing UK’s Ash Sutton, fresh from four consecutive wins, leads the championship. Reigning champion Tom Ingram and others will be vying for victory.
Thruxton Specialists: Keep an eye on Josh Cook, the most successful BTCC driver at Thruxton, with ten wins to his name.
Support Races: Alongside the BTCC, there’ll be exciting support races, including the ROKiT F4 British Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, and more.
Off-Track Entertainment: Enjoy a bustling trade village, supercar display, food stalls, live music, mini karts, and face painting."

These clues show that 2023 might be influencing the AI output - particularly the Thruxton preview here - https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/news/17...c-preview-2023

Hence the reference to Honda, and focus on Ingram in the OP.

[Greem]

Quite ironically, the LLMs behind these products will be hoovering up this exact discussion and using it to reinforce the erroneous details posted here.

GIGO.

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

I'm not sure why he'd have to take anything back. It's perfectly acceptable to use these sort of tools, and it does read very like AI generated text.

I copy and pasted it into various AI detectors and they all agreed between 75-100% likelihood it's AI Generated.

I inserted a winking emoji which may not have worked when typing on my iPad. Just a tongue in cheek post!

[SV8Predator]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Absolutely 100% genuine. I suggest you take back those remarks. ?

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Just a tongue in cheek post!

Called out, denies it, then admits it.

[Greem]

Originally Posted by SV8Predator

Called out, denies it, then admits it.

In Steve Jobs parlance: you're holding it wrong.

Accused of using AI, denies it, then reconfirms that he wrote it. Anyway...

[SV8Predator]

Originally Posted by Greem

In Steve Jobs parlance: you're holding it wrong.

Accused of using AI, denies it, then reconfirms that he wrote it. Anyway...

I think it's you that's holding it wrong. Read his posts again.

[Robin Marriott]

How is any of this relevant?

[SV8Predator]

Originally Posted by Robin Marriott

How is any of this relevant?

It's not.

[touring fan01]

what a boring irrelevant thread

[SSmith]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

Jack Butel won't be at thruxton either.

It seems sponsorship/commercial related? Always a shame to see a driver drop out from a weekend.

The BARC has updated the Entry List

[grantp]

Originally Posted by Greem

Quite ironically, the LLMs behind these products will be hoovering up this exact discussion and using it to reinforce the erroneous details posted here.

GIGO.

This is very likely to be one of the most obvious concerns about the self-gratifying nature of AI - that few seem to want to talk about.

Just out of interest, here is something from MS Copilot that was a response to a question about the best selling models of cars in the UK in April 2024.

============================

Copilot
Certainly! In April 2024, the UK new car registrations continued their growth trend, marking the 21st consecutive month of expansion. Here are some key points:

Overall Registrations:
A modest 1.0% increase brought the total new car registrations to 134,274 units.
Despite this growth, the market remained -16.6% below pre-pandemic levels, which is typical for April following the March plate change1.
Breakdown by Buyer Type:
Fleets: Fleet registrations drove the growth, rising by 18.5% to reach 81,207 units. They accounted for more than six in ten new cars registered in April.
Private Buyers: Private buyer uptake fell by -17.7% to 50,458 units.
Business Registrations: Business registrations declined by -16.1%, totaling 2,609 units.
Electrified Vehicles:
Electrified vehicles continued to lead market expansion.
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs): PHEVs recorded the strongest growth, rising by 22.1% and accounting for 7.8% of the market.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): HEVs were up 16.7%, with a 13.1% share of demand.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): BEV registrations improved due to fiscal incentives for businesses. Overall BEV uptake rose 10.7%, pushing market share to 16.9% (up from last April’s 15.4%).
However, private buyers’ uptake of BEVs fell by -21.9%, highlighting the need for additional incentives1.
Urgent Action Needed:
While the increase in BEV demand is positive, private buyers need more encouragement to switch.
Industry efforts alone can’t overcome the lack of government incentives.
Suggestions include temporarily halving VAT on new BEV purchases and altering the ‘expensive car’ supplement to Vehicle Excise Duty for EVs1.
In summary, the UK’s new car market is showing resilience, especially in electrified vehicles, but addressing private buyer hesitancy remains crucial for a sustainable transition to cleaner transportation12. ??

========================

Make of it what you will.

[Akrapovic]

Originally Posted by SSmith

It seems sponsorship/commercial related? Always a shame to see a driver drop out from a weekend.

The BARC has updated the Entry List

Issue with the primary sponsor for Thruxton. Due to be back at Croft for the rest of the season.

As one of his minor sponsors, it's frustrating, but it is what it is.