[BTCC] 2015 BTCC news & rumours

[Biscuits In A Red Bull]

I hope it isn't too early for this! There are just over 4 weeks until Snett, so let's do something, erm, constructive, in the time in between.

Obviously, with Mr Plato bashing the RWD package, he's said a few times that he has to switch to RWD for next season. Whether this is a red-mist comment or him genuinely planning on RWD for next season remains to be seen...

...however, Motorbase have all but confirmed running BMWs for 2015.

However, there are these: http://www.brosnan-racing.com/?galle...c-2015-project
http://www.btcccrazy.co.uk/btcc/red-...60-intentions/

Andy Neate is also looking to return in 2015, apparently. But, of course, there are only 31 TBLs...

[Moneyseeker]

I would put a vote in for 888 moving to BMW's, which would tie in well with their sportscar activity. Only problem is that it's unlikely they would get a works deal from BMW, so would be reliant on sponsors and am I right in thinking that Tesco/KX is in it's final year?

On the subject of 'works' entries, I've not seen the usual rumours of any new manufacturers looking at it, unless someone knows different!

[Biscuits In A Red Bull]

Originally Posted by Moneyseeker

On the subject of 'works' entries, I've not seen the usual rumours of any new manufacturers looking at it, unless someone knows different!

So Volvo and Kia haven't confirmed entries yet?!

[Moneyseeker]

The much rumoured Volvo BTCC entry was dependent on 3rd party funding to run the cars. I know that a particular sponsor was interested in covering this on the basis that the cars ran entirely in their corporate colours, but I believe that Volvo allegedly wanted to retain control over the livery so that it still had Volvo 'look and feel', so that was a no go.....

[PandaKing]

Wasn't there a rumour on one if the threads that Vauxhall had contacted 888 about running Astras next season.

[BillWiskins]

Wasn't Red Pheonix Racing confirmed as a no-go? A brief Googling brings nothing apart from the original announcement on BTCC Crazy.

[BtccLee]

Calendar: Brands Hatch Indy, Donington Park, Thruxton, Oulton Park Island, Croft, Snetterton, Knockhill, Rockingham, Silverstone, Brands Hatch GP.

Can anyone see any variation from that? Does anyone want to see any variation from that? I personally would like to see the calendar stick as it is, if it ain't broke don't fix it! If the past is anything to go by, this will be confirmed between Rockingham or Silverstone or at one of those two events.

Supports will remain, I expect to see Ginetta and Renault make some subtle changes to boost entries. Of course there is the introduction of FIA F4, which I expect to become a major Junior Single Seater attraction from the get go.

The BTCC. 888 will stay front wheel drive, at least with Marc Hynes who I understand is staying in an MG.

Honda may revert to Hatchback, stick with Estate or switch to the Type R.

I expect to see the Motorbase 3 Series at Snetterton, although I think that is just my personal hunch and nothing else.

I hope to see Giovanardi and Menu stay and without new manufactures in the WTCC, I think if the correct package is provided then they will remain.

I think Gow will want to retrieve a TBL, from where I do not know. I imagine there could be a large team wanting to downsize or a small squad who cannot fund 2015.

[thetool]

Maybe wait until there is any news or even rumours (not idle speculation) relating to 2015? Otherwise it's just going to become a spam-fest.

[steve_r]

I suppose that by starting a thread with a link to an old 2013 article about a 2014 entry that never materialised, then things can hardly go downhill from there.

On the subject of tracks, the new owners of Mallory Park are making noises about wanting to attract back BSB and BTCC at some point in the future (but not 2015). I'm not sure how much substance there is in this. Here's the article anyway.

http://www.crash.net/bsb/news/206326...sb-return.html

Some of the talk about future RWD entries by current teams is surely just part of a political game they are playing, designed to encourage the BTCC organisers to slap somekind of performance handicapping on the current RWD cars.

[Sodemo]

Originally Posted by steve_r

I suppose that by starting a thread with a link to an old 2013 article about a 2014 entry that never materialised, then things can hardly go downhill from there.

On the subject of tracks, the new owners of Mallory Park are making noises about wanting to attract back BSB and BTCC at some point in the future (but not 2015). I'm not sure how much substance there is in this. Here's the article anyway.

http://www.crash.net/bsb/news/206326...sb-return.html

Some of the talk about future RWD entries by current teams is surely just part of a political game they are playing, designed to encourage the BTCC organisers to slap somekind of performance handicapping on the current RWD cars.

It wouldn't surprise me if by the end of the year there is an additional rwd weight penalty. It's muddied a bit though by past rules. When the supertouring bmw's had their 60kg of extra weight, they were very different cars. Bespoke suspension setup designed for rwd, plus they had na engines which aided engine braking far more than the current turbos, which have much less engine braking.

[Moneyseeker]

If more RWD cars are built for next year, I wonder if TOCA will go the GT route and ask teams to submit cars for performance balancing testing pre-season with netutral driver, in an attempt to head off any equivalency issues? I recall that SRO did this pre the FIA GT World Champs with Frentzen driving all the cars.

[PandaKing]

So far TOCA have a track record of reactive performance balancing. I think TOCA were wrong to slap the longer first gear on in one of the shorter inter-race windows. Especially with the testing regulations.

But everyone threatening to use RWD was nothing more than smoke and mirrors, with the exception of Motorbase. Bartrum could well show up next year (or earlier) with a BMW, more out of brand loyalty.

[kurski]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114956
British Touring Car Championship street race remains unlikely despite last week's announcement that more closed-road motorsport events will be allowed in the UK

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by kurski

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114956
British Touring Car Championship street race remains unlikely despite last week's announcement that more closed-road motorsport events will be allowed in the UK

In other news, Pope believed to be Catholic.

[Biscuits In A Red Bull]

Originally Posted by kurski

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114956
British Touring Car Championship street race remains unlikely despite last week's announcement that more closed-road motorsport events will be allowed in the UK

I guess the hopes of the a revived Birmingham Superprix were just hopes after all...

...with the TOCA licenses meaning full-time entries, does that mean that Mondello Park is any more likely?

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by Biscuits In A Red Bull

I guess the hopes of the a revived Birmingham Superprix were just hopes after all...

...with the TOCA licenses meaning full-time entries, does that mean that Mondello Park is any more likely?

From what I understand, Mondello had to foot the [very hefty] cost of getting the entire TOCA circus to the track as well as putting them up while they were there. In the end this proved to be too costly and Mondello asked to be dropped from the calendar. I wonder do other circuits in Britain have to pay TOCA, competitors etc... for transport and accommodation ?

[davyboy]

There RWD v FWD debate is given detailed treatment in this Autosport Plus article. I get the feeling that something will be done to arrest the progression of the WSR cars for next year... meaning we're likely to see a status quo in terms of many of the cars/teams.

[BtccLee]

This is one of those debates where all parties have to agree to disagree. The issue is, it depends what parameters you are using to measure the calibre of driver. What I personally see is a grid filled with champions and race winners of the BTCC, Clio Cup, Legends, Ginetta series, British GT4 classification, VW Racing Cup, Scottish Fiestas.

No, none of those series are world championships. But what they lack in title and stature, they make up for in actual physical, real racing. And that’s what these boys are, they are racing drivers.

No they are not of the F1 Calibre, PR dreams that fill the WEC, DTM. That’s not the point. They never intended to, they never trained to be. They’re not at that level because they never intended to be. Arguably that’s not where their talent lies. It lies in Touring Cars.

It is a different environment to Super Touring 90’s. These drivers do bring their own money. That doesn’t mean they lack talent. They may have wealthy families. I bet if you scrutinise the DTM grid you would find quite a lot of wealthy German cash flowing. To climb the junior ranks that it what you need. Still filled with a massively talented field.

Arguably the ambiance in the paddocks of the 90’s of cooperate expense, was confused for simple talent. The majority were still just Touring Car drivers but all of the manufacture expense made them appear like F1 superstars. I guarantee that the talent level was very similar.

Aside from talent… I almost, and may get shot down for this, feel it is a positive that the drivers have to go searching for sponsors and that this is such a struggle. Because the fact they have to put the effort in, to go searching for the opportunity to demonstrate their talent, proves it is something they really care about. And we will all do most things for cash. There’s very little we would actually put our own money towards. That we actually really care about enough.

[BtccLee]

I cannot remember a silly season for some time when so little was known at this stage.

Early/Mid November will be when we hear about any rule amendments, when Gow has the teams for tea.

Then I think things will emerge somewhat faster, as has been said in several publications we maybe will start to get a view of the value of a TBL.

Support package is looking for a great boost, MSA Formula, Porsche reducing rounds and adding prize funds, Clio teams expanding and Ginetta as well…

2015 hasn’t even started to take shape yet. When it does, it should be mouth-watering.

[BtccLee]

According to Motorsport News, it was being driven by Alex Martin. He used to race in the Carrera Cup GB and I think was quite handy, opinions?

I believe his large sponsor was a company called Dextra or something along those lines, paint company possibly? Anyway, his Porsche was always bright yellow like that. However, I think it was only a toe in the water, so that may be a step too far to assume...

[Jiiiiiiim]

Originally Posted by BtccLee

According to Motorsport News, it was being driven by Alex Martin. He used to race in the Carrera Cup GB and I think was quite handy, opinions?

I believe his large sponsor was a company called Dextra or something along those lines, paint company possibly? Anyway, his Porsche was always bright yellow like that. However, I think it was only a toe in the water, so that may be a step too far to assume...

Alex did well in the GT cup in 2010, think he did PCCGB the year after & had some top tens if my memory serves me correctly (which it tends not to so much lately). The backing comes from the parent company of companies he is a Director. Dextra the parent co is the biggest Lighting manufacturer in the uk & Alex is director of the LEDextra offshoot (& possibly others). Know them from the industry I work in!

[Bramzel]

Originally Posted by BtccLee

According to Motorsport News, it was being driven by Alex Martin. He used to race in the Carrera Cup GB and I think was quite handy, opinions?

I believe his large sponsor was a company called Dextra or something along those lines, paint company possibly? Anyway, his Porsche was always bright yellow like that. However, I think it was only a toe in the water, so that may be a step too far to assume...

Recoloring a car for just a toe in the water seens a bit much?

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by Bramzel

Recoloring a car for just a toe in the water seens a bit much?

I would have thought the same.

[VIVA GT]

Originally Posted by Bramzel

Recoloring a car for just a toe in the water seens a bit much?

Mr Bartrum is known for his attention to detail. Let's face it, letting a potential (big hitting) customer test the car painted in the colour it'll be would be a good way to help him 'see' just what it would be like racing one of these in the BTCC...

[Bramzel]

Originally Posted by VIVA GT

Mr Bartrum is known for his attention to detail. Let's face it, letting a potential (big hitting) customer test the car painted in the colour it'll be would be a good way to help him 'see' just what it would be like racing one of these in the BTCC...

Still, a Photoshop incl. logo's would be quite a bit cheaper and have the same impact... Wrapping a car is easily € 1.000,- if I'm not mistaken? Not sure about the number though, please correct me if I'm wrong.

[edit] The same impact is a bit rich, still it'd give a good impression for a fraction of the budget