[BTCC] BTCC News & Rumours 2025

[MarcusH26]

Originally Posted by BtccLee

What are people's genuine thoughts on the grid size for next year. I am feeling somewhere 18-20 unless measures to reduce costs come in this winter.

Maybe if NAPA do develop a new car and sell the Fords there could be scope for a new team/existing team to expand with proven machinery. But I can't see much scope for someone to come in and build their own machinery with new, or rather updated, regulations still be confirmed for 2027.

I think 22-23 cars but no one new - the extra cars will be the 4th WSR Beemer, the second Cupra from Unlimited and potentially the third Astra from PMR. I do agree budgets and things are getting out of hand though and think this will put off any new entries from outside the current teams.

Can't see anyone developing a new car before the 2027 rules until we know exactly what direction things are going to go in.

[billy bleach]

Originally Posted by Racing_Dad

I'd like to see Bobby back, he's a talented driver who's never really had a full shot at it, either team/finances holding him back. Can be said for a few though.

I hear through a reliable source that Pearson has strong options on the table so would expect to see him on a grid next year. He's very highly rated in the paddock, just needs a proper shot at it.

Tordoff and Butcher would be great additions but I don't think you'll see either o the grid in 2025.

I spoke to a team recently for my own lad who were close to joining BTCC recently but were put off by the rising costs, think we're seeing the effects of those across the paddock.

The natural cycle , Group A , Supertouring both withered due to rising costs. Current rules going the same way. GT3 also heading the same way - it’s what Motorsport does!

[antnee]

Originally Posted by billy bleach

The natural cycle , Group A , Supertouring both withered due to rising costs. Current rules going the same way. GT3 also heading the same way - it’s what Motorsport does!

This is the point that most people don't understand. A consistent rule set is great, but you get to a point where the cost to gain 1/10th becomes massive. Then all costs go through the roof. There is no easy answer to stop it happening, otherwise championships would do it already.

[Craner Curves]

I'm surprised nobody is getting excited for no reason about 56 year old Jason Plato hanging around with Excelr8 this weekend and last.

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

I'm surprised nobody is getting excited for no reason about 56 year old Jason Plato hanging around with Excelr8 this weekend and last.

He and Neal were interviewed on the grid at Silverstone. Plato had to quickly cover as he couldn't remember the name of the driver who had invited him to be there.

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by redshoes

He and Neal were interviewed on the grid at Silverstone. Plato had to quickly cover as he couldn't remember the name of the driver who had invited him to be there.

Seems to have taken on some kind of media partnership with Halstead now, lots popping up on Twitter.

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Seems to have taken on some kind of media partnership with Halstead now, lots popping up on Twitter.

Yes, he was there as a guest of Nick... umm... umm... and the rest of the team

[Evantra]

Pretty sure Addison mentioned George Gamble was looking at a return next year?

[MarcusH26]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Pretty sure Addison mentioned George Gamble was looking at a return next year?

Wouldn't surprise me , although I think it would only be WSR given his struggles with the FWD Corolla.

[thetool]

Hopefully he's staying off the booze. Still find it incredible that it isn't a bigger story. Then again Frank Wrathall was racing for a few years with a Death by Dangerous Driving prosecution ongoing.

[crmalcolm]

Matt James has said Pearson will be back on the grid in 2025.

[RacingMaverick]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Matt James has said Pearson will be back on the grid in 2025.

He did? Where was this?

Interesting.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by RacingMaverick

He did? Where was this?

Interesting.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1065916?client_source=large_player&iframe=true&referrer=https://www.buzzsprout.com/1065916.js?container_id=buzzsprout-large-player&player=large# from 6'45

[SSmith]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Pretty sure Addison mentioned George Gamble was looking at a return next year?

It sounded that way. Like MarcusH26, I could only see him in a WSR BMW.

[antnee]

Were there any juicy rumours dropped during the full day's coverage yesterday?

[MarcusH26]

Originally Posted by antnee

Were there any juicy rumours dropped during the full day's coverage yesterday?

Only the potential Gamble return. Rare for Tim and David because they usually leak at least one deal during the final round.

[Ant25]

Big ask I know but would just love to see different models of car on the grid but with 2027 coming up with new regs I don’t see it happening.

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by Ant25

Big ask I know but would just love to see different models of car on the grid but with 2027 coming up with new regs I don’t see it happening.

I believe that the new regulations will be an evolution rather than a revolution, and we already know that any current cars eligible just prior to the change will continue to be eligible. Therefore it would make sense for any team that believes that they have extracted the maximum from their development of their current cars to invest in a newer vehicle (assuming their long range business plan is to remain in the BTCC), otherwise they are likely to slip further and further back on the grid.

[Ant25]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

I believe that the new regulations will be an evolution rather than a revolution, and we already know that any current cars eligible just prior to the change will continue to be eligible. Therefore it would make sense for any team that believes that they have extracted the maximum from their development of their current cars to invest in a newer vehicle (assuming their long range business plan is to remain in the BTCC), otherwise they are likely to slip further and further back on the grid.

Would love to see Honda back even if it’s the FK8 or the new FL5

[Sodemo]

My hope is that we can have a few more cars next year, a grid of 24-26 would be ideal, but am aware of the financial burden of competing in the BTCC so I am realistic.

[SR18]

They should adjust the Points system. It's unneccesary when 75% of the Starters can score points

[Matt K]

Originally Posted by SR18

They should adjust the Points system. It's unneccesary when 75% of the Starters can score points

Why? There are championships that award points to everyone who finishes a race and can't see anything wrong with it. Especially in a championship as competitive as BTCC it makes sense to give points to more drivers as it should make a difference if someone finishes 11th or 18th. Besides, one day the grid may expand to 24 or 26 cars and then it'd be a must to have the top 15 score points again so going back and forth wouldn't make a lot of sense imo.

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by Matt K

Why? There are championships that award points to everyone who finishes a race and can't see anything wrong with it. Especially in a championship as competitive as BTCC it makes sense to give points to more drivers as it should make a difference if someone finishes 11th or 18th.

nascar and v8 supercars are two that spring to mind that gives points to all finishers

[Sodemo]

One thing I thought about the hybrid tech was that from a purely technical interest standpoint I would have preferred it if it had driven the unused axle, so for FWD cars, the rear axle and the RWD, it would drive the fronts, so temporarily, the car would become AWD.

[BtccLee]

I know it was Finals Day and the mood was high, but I did find the optimism from Tim, Jade, and Paul at the end of the itv show somewhat reassuring.

I do think this will be an intriguing winter, for both the BTCC and support series, and am already counting down the days until we are back at Donington.

As for new cars, only front-end team I can see investing/making the jump is NAPA potentially, given the fact the Ford seems to have reached the peak of its development window.

Certainly going to be a fascinating few months seeing how it all shapes up.