BTC Touring or Coupe Cup?

[Eddie_harasym]

We all thought the series was going to see smaller hatchbacks running at a slower pace around next years circus, I mean circuits.

But, No we now have manufacturers saying we'll race coupe's only, a bit like a cheap rate DTM.

Well I say good, the DTM machines look mint, I didn't want to see the series move away from saloon cars but after seeing the mock up Astra at the motorshow, I carn't wait to see the 406.

What do you all think?

[Carrie]

If I ever get round to getting the film developed, I should have some photos of the Astra mock-up from the Motor Show.

[Eddie_harasym]

Would like to see them posted somewhere Carrie, I forgot to take my camera to the Show

[White Van Man]

Have you got any pics of the Pug, Carrie ?

[Danielsun]

Sorry to disappoint, WVM, but there were no road racing Pugs present. They did, however, have their 206 rally star and the car that Clarkson describes in today's papers as the worst car he's driven this year, the 607...

I'll have the Astra pics ready for production -- or scanning -- on Tuesday or Wednesday. And that Transit van, eh, Carrie?

[White Van Man]

I am aware of that Mr Sun - I managed to scrounge a lift up there too... just wondered if anyone had some shots of it from elsewhere ?

[Danielsun]

Rick Pearson seems to be 'in the know' a bit...

[Carrie]

Photos should be ready on Wednesday (including the Ford rally van) There's a couple of the Astra on that film, but most of the Astra shots are on the film that's still in the camera.

[RickP:Clio51]

Do I need to say "I told you so", where did you here that Pug would run the 406?
Right here in the ten-tenths forum, that's where...
(Rick heads off for lap of honour as the only decent piece of info he's sourced this year comes true...)

[Marshal]

Very good Rick, I must admit then when I read on Autosport that they will race the 406 Coupe, my first thought's were "Rick was right!" .


OK, so for an encore, who's going to be driving them?

[RickP:Clio51]

Ok, going for the big gamble here, I would say
Eaves
Roukonen (I know I can't spell)
Moen
were the most likely plus a big name...

My favourite for which would be Aiello but I'm guessing...

[MichaelC]

Rick, I bow to your superior knowledge of the situation. However, if I were Aiello, I think I'd want to stay in DTM, even if the car isn't the best, mainly because I think it's a better series than the "Series formally known as the BTCC".

However, if Peugeot wave a big enough wadge of money under his nose, who knows what might happen??

[RickP:Clio51]

Lots of Pug links and the TT is pants...
But I am guessing, I have no insider knowledge.

[Danielsun]

That's not what you said last time...

However, I did read in Autosport that Peugeot will be making major cutbacks to salaries for all the team. Could this rule Aiello out of the BTCC again?

[chunder]

I don't believe it. You are all talking about a series that is going to be on live television that so far has only two very reluctant manufacturers involved in it. Peugeot have been bullied in by Bain and Vauxhall haven't got anything else better to do.
Why on earth National Saloons aren't used to encourage interest initially Lord only knows, You could drop the ticket prices, let the crowds come back and then the manufacturers will say "look how many people are here, let's enter a car."
BTCC is going the same way as every other tin top series. Letting the manufacturers have their way. Just look at the Germans. They ruined WTCC, DTM, Sportscar racing and they will ruin the new DTM because Mercedes and Opel will spend more and more money until no one cane compete anymore. Audi are already a laughing stock.
Bigger engines, smaller tyres and limited suspension and shell mods. It really is that simple.