BTCC 2024 News & Rumours

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

That may well be the case but the ticket pricing puts people off going - so would they'd be better off charging £25 a ticket and getting 1000 people than charging £43 and getting 100 people (numbers purely for simplicity of maths). Is it a case of by charging more they actually receive less? £43 for a day ticket is definitely in "not a chance" territory for me.

Oh, I don't disagree with you at all. However, I think that Silverstone, like so many businesses, is run by fairly conservative (not political) accountants nowadays and that's not how they think.

[sceptic]

Originally Posted by PeterY

The problem with lots of series is they are stagnant. The format has been the same for years the circuits don't change the cars are staying the same because of cost of development of a new one. Other than introducing a silly hybrid thing rgs have been the same for quite a few years and don't look like changing anytime soon.

I think it needs mixing up a bit and circuits are a way of doing that, the majority of spectators are on TV so why not use Silverstone GP, Silverstone International as a new layout. I know trackside spectating is not as good maybe as the national but when is Silverstone ever good to spectate at.
Then Anglesey with limited ticket sales as access is an issue but the circuits good and not one thats been used, same with Pembrey. Facilities are limited at both but teams can cater for that and its not like they aren't used to running out of awnings with Thruxton and Knockhill.

Anglesey and Pembrey don't have big enough paddocks, so even if the access was improved, they still couldn't host a BTCC meeting. Arguably they both have better facilities than Croft, but there just isn't space.

[Sodemo]

I’m searching here in retrospect so apologies if these figures aren’t correct, but Donington appeared to be charging £38 for basic entry this year on Sunday… I think that’s still too much. The problem is that almost every year the price has gone up £1-2 and I just don’t think that level of inflation is sustainable.

I liken it somewhat to going to the cinema, back in the early 2000s I was able to get a ticket for £1.95 at my local multiplex, now it seems unless you use a voucher they want £12-15. No wonder cinemas are on their arse.

[thetool]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

No wonder cinemas are on their arse.

Except they are not anymore. 2020-2022 was an extremely difficult period for pretty much every public business, but cinemas this year have done very well. 8 films have already grossed over $500m for the year, "Barbenheimer" has made $2.5bn worldwide alone at this point.

There are problems in the industry at the moment, not least the various US-led strikes that are putting the majority of content on hold currently which is going to severely hurt cinema takings over the next 6-12 months, but ticket price doesn't appear to be one of them.

[Sodemo]

Originally Posted by thetool

Except they are not anymore. 2020-2022 was an extremely difficult period for pretty much every public business, but cinemas this year have done very well. 8 films have already grossed over $500m for the year, "Barbenheimer" has made $2.5bn worldwide alone at this point.

There are problems in the industry at the moment, not least the various US-led strikes that are putting the majority of content on hold currently which is going to severely hurt cinema takings over the next 6-12 months, but ticket price doesn't appear to be one of them.

OK I dont mean to derail the topic, but are Cineworld still in administration? I'm not sure, but I heard that Odeon are also closing cinemas. Its certainly not like it was 20+ years ago when you struggled to get a seat to see a film at peak times.

[Evantra]

https://www.autosport.com/btcc/news/...stay/10526322/

Excerl8 denies they’ll be running 6 cars next year, although are open to customer teams: “Excelr8 are definitely not going to be going up to six cars, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be involved with six cars.”

I thought Ingram (and Chilton) were effectively already confirmed on a long-term deal, seems that’s not the case.

[thetool]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Its certainly not like it was 20+ years ago when you struggled to get a seat to see a film at peak times.

Big releases are. But I think what helps in that regard is that there is huge capacity these days at out of town cinema multiplex's - with screenings from Midday to 2am in the morning, rather than everyone rushing out to the same opening night performance in decades past.

Things are a bit different in the US, where a lot of the "death of the cinema" narrative originates from. Many of their films now released on streaming the same day as the cinema, which, combined with the larger georgraphic dispersion of the US population meaning much longer travelling times to cinemas, has had a substantial impact on box office there.

[Robin Marriott]

In don't think the Silverstone Arena layout is the right answer, it's a mile longer than the typical Oulton Park meeting and (ignoring the fact that the maths isn't quite right) it'd be a 2 minute lap for the faster cars.

I honestly think it would make it worse.

[kipper]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

Oh, I don't disagree with you at all. However, I think that Silverstone, like so many businesses, is run by fairly conservative (not political) accountants nowadays and that's not how they think.

The thought strikes me that although a lower ticket price may bring more people in, and therefore an overall greater gate receipt; there is a larger cost of having a larger number of spectators.

For example, more grandstands would need to be opened. These would, of course, need to have stewards in them. In addition, there would need to be a larger number of things such as toilets, maintenance staff, etc. The costs of these could potentially more than offset the increase in the ticket revenue.

[Matt_123]

Originally Posted by Evantra

https://www.autosport.com/btcc/news/...stay/10526322/

Excerl8 denies they’ll be running 6 cars next year, although are open to customer teams: “Excelr8 are definitely not going to be going up to six cars, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be involved with six cars.”

I thought Ingram (and Chilton) were effectively already confirmed on a long-term deal, seems that’s not the case.

Maybe moffat and his 2 tbls could 'ask for help' - if One Motorsport doesnt come back next year

[Matt_123]

As for Excelr8 offering to help with other teams cars - i can see Aiden Moffat using his 2 TBLs to 'ask for help' if One Motorsport can't continue next year.

[Evantra]

If there was any doubt, apparent confirmation that Speedworks will continue with Toyota next year.

https://x.com/speedworksms/status/17...T11pmdgnSSDQzA

[BtccLee]

I get the feeling next year could be a very different season, with a very interesting grid.

I can also see the grid growing fractionally from this year.

[Millvi]

https://spotify.link/zxsAQjcVsDb

Steve Dudman talking here about plans for preseason 2024. So contrasts with rumours about One Motorsport disappearing for next season.

As far as I’m aware Dudman owns 5 or 6 FK8 Civics.

[Jay87]

Originally Posted by Millvi

https://spotify.link/zxsAQjcVsDb

Steve Dudman talking here about plans for preseason 2024. So contrasts with rumours about One Motorsport disappearing for next season.

As far as I’m aware Dudman owns 5 or 6 FK8 Civics.

Great to hear. Did anyone notice team hard were selling one of their trailers/ transporters could just be an old one but could suggest downsizing

[Mike Harte]

Possibly One Motorsport disappears to be replaced by BTC Racing?

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by Jay87

Great to hear. Did anyone notice team hard were selling one of their trailers/ transporters could just be an old one but could suggest downsizing

This was discussed a couple of weeks ago, as well as for the fact that HARD's ownership changed hands for a few days before reverting to the Gilhams. They have also been borrowing substantial sums using a lot of their cars and equipment as collateral.

[rdjones]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Wow, ticket prices for Silverstone were £43 for Sunday entry. Way way too high. That’s more than a Premier League ticket for my local clubs. These things should be £25-30 tops.

It's a few years since I have been to a BTCC round. When I was attending pretty much every round back in the mid-2000's I was paying around £30 - £35 for the full weekend entry (Just looking at Brands for next weekend it £45 for the full weekend) so I still think the BTCC is good value for money for a weekends entertainment.

It is when you compare it to going to a football match. I have just look at the ticket prices a for my team Sheffield Wednesday next home game and the cheapest ticket is £34. Now I no in both cases there petrol, food and possible accommodation to take into account.

I know which is the better value for money in my view.

[SSmith]

There were a few updates to the provisional 2024 BTCC support series lineup and calendar over the past couple of weeks.

In brief:

• The Mini Challenge JCWs will be joined on track by a new lower-spec car
• The Porsche Carrera Cup GB is introducing ABS (for Ams only) in a bid to attract Amateur drivers
• The Porsche Sprint Challenge GB is introducing the 718 Cayman GT4 RS to run alongside the current 718 Cayman Clubsport. The RS has an additional 75 bhp and very different aero, and is expected to set laptimes in the middle of the 992.1 Carrera Cup cars and the old 718 Cayman Clubsport. Next year will also have 4 classes - RS Pro, RS Am, Clubsport Pro, Clubsport Am.
• The Caterham Seven Championship UK is confirmed for the Oulton Park meeting

Provisional 2024 support roster

Donington 27/28 April = British F4, MINI JCW, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, T.B.A. [Radicals or Legends?]

Brands Hatch Indy 11/12 May = British F4, MINI JCW, PCCGB, T.B.A. [Legends?]

Snetterton 25/26 May = British F4, MINI JCW, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB, T.B.A. [Radicals?]

Thruxton 8/9 June = British F4, MINI Trophy, PCCGB, T.B.A. [Mini Se7ens/Miglias?]

Oulton Park 22/23 June = British F4, MINI JCW, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB, Caterham Seven Championship UK

Croft 27/28 July = British F4, MINI JCW, PCCGB, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB

Knockhill 10/11 August = British F4, MINI JCW, PCCGB, T.B.A. [Legends?]

Donington GP 24/25 August = British F4, MINI Trophy, PCCGB, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB

Silverstone National 21/22 September = British F4, MINI Trophy, PCCGB, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB

Brands Hatch GP 5/6 October = British F4, MINI JCW, PCCGB, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB

[Alfaholic]

Another point on the ticketing, at any of the MSV run circuits the various 4 wheel season tickets included free access to the BTCC for around £200-£230. Silverstone's equivalent Racing Club pass is £150 this year and only allows you to buy a BTCC ticket with 50% off.

[Robin Marriott]

Didn’t their clubhouse get knocked down?

[Sodemo]

Originally Posted by rdjones

It's a few years since I have been to a BTCC round. When I was attending pretty much every round back in the mid-2000's I was paying around £30 - £35 for the full weekend entry (Just looking at Brands for next weekend it £45 for the full weekend) so I still think the BTCC is good value for money for a weekends entertainment.

It is when you compare it to going to a football match. I have just look at the ticket prices a for my team Sheffield Wednesday next home game and the cheapest ticket is £34. Now I no in both cases there petrol, food and possible accommodation to take into account.

I know which is the better value for money in my view.

I hear what you are saying, however people have been complaining about the higher tier football ticket prices for a decade or more now. One thing about the BTCC that has always been good (until now?) is that it was always affordable. Yea you can of course use the argument that 30 odd quid only gets you 90 mins of entertainment and the same money can get you a days entertainment, but I am not sure the BTCC has the same tribal pull as football, hence the apparent drop off in spectators.

[billy bleach]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

I hear what you are saying, however people have been complaining about the higher tier football ticket prices for a decade or more now. One thing about the BTCC that has always been good (until now?) is that it was always affordable. Yea you can of course use the argument that 30 odd quid only gets you 90 mins of entertainment and the same money can get you a days entertainment, but I am not sure the BTCC has the same tribal pull as football, hence the apparent drop off in spectators.

Or could it be that Silverstone is a very average day out. It starts with parking miles away - despite lots of space inside - rude staff at the gates, having to walk huge distances , most Grandstands locked, overpriced food, poor viewing points, cars a spec in the distance , often poor racing - what ever happened to FF1600 “Silverstone finishes”. I could go on….

[tocatrucky]

Originally Posted by Evantra

And presumably that’s not including fuel, food and drink, anything like the pit lane passes, grandstand seats, and assuming you’re going on your own…

Indeed, programmes are 5 quid alone now. Its on average a £60-70 day out once you've got in the gate. Per person. Which I don't feel is too unreasonable for 10ish hours of stuff to see/do/watch. 8am to 6pm.

[kipper]

Originally Posted by tocatrucky

Indeed, programmes are 5 quid alone now

To be fair, BTCC programmes haven't gone up much over the years. The first BTCC meetings I attended (very early 2000s), programmes were typically £4-£5.