[BTCC] 2014 BTCC speculation, rumours and news

[thetool]

I've also heard that the Chris Stockton BTC Chevrolet Cruze had its first run out this week - but it was done in a private session and the car won't be seen publicly until media day.

[BtccLee]

No Jake Hill judging by his Twitter, however can't say I am disappoint to see Abbott in the car, he is a quality driver.

Still feel we have a surprise to come and still surprised that Airwaves are holding out on Jackson. Can't see a Media day announcement creating a huge waves, everyone "thinks" he has the seat. Unless...

Anyway, what a step for the series. A genuine quality and quantity grid, a blossoming support package ( if all goes according the plan), the racing will just be incredible.

[Jiiiiiiim]

Originally Posted by thetool

I've also heard that the Chris Stockton BTC Chevrolet Cruze had its first run out this week - but it was done in a private session and the car won't be seen publicly until media day.

Yeah they were at Oulton Park I think, though the test was hampered by technical issues, hopefully they'll get these sorted before Media day.

[TimRTC]

Question - is attendance at the media day mandatory?

ie. will the Rotork Audi have to be there to run at Brands?

[redshoes]

Media day isn't mandatory. HARD missed it last year, RAR missed it first year they ran the Audis. Several teams have turned up in the past with unfinished cars and did no laps.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by Moneyseeker

It's not the same at the moment, but I believe that Dave has said that if the 2014 Focus is a noticeable improvement on their car, Motorbase will supply the 2014 upgrades to AMD, so I guess he is interested to see the difference.

Not sure if this was posted or not... but I don't think these are the improvements Dave was talking about.

[auroan]

Newsham does seem to have an awful lot of spins and little offs in these NGTC cars. Just wondering if he's pushing too hard and/or can't quite grasp how he likes the cars setup ?

[Craner Curves]

I don't think Speedworks as a team got to grips with their setup last year, very very tail happy cars. We'll see if he's any better in the Focus and another team.

[Sodemo]

Would be interesting to see if it handled any better after those modifications...

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by auroan

Newsham does seem to have an awful lot of spins and little offs in these NGTC cars. Just wondering if he's pushing too hard and/or can't quite grasp how he likes the cars setup ?

I read somewhere [can't remember now] that the NGTC cars aren't as nice/predictable to drive as their S2000 predecessors. They wallow, roll and yaw a lot and I guess that kind of behavior has a greater propensity to catch you out.

[CarsCarsCars]

All Newsham was trying to do was save the team the arduous job of unbolting all those parts. Now the 2014 parts will slot straight on!

[cos]

Could there be another ex-champ on the grid?

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by cos

Could there be another ex-champ on the grid?

Hhhmmm... at 57 years of age ?

[maranello48]

well they wouldnt publish there had been talks if there hadnt been some. I wouldnt have thought!

[jsmee]

The new VW CC for BMR:



Looks like quite significant front-end improvements.

Interesting news re Robb Gravett. Can't imagine him back but no idea who he would race for... Could be Motorbase but can't see him in same team as Gio.

Still reckon a third Audi is a possibility...

[S griffin]

Robb Gravett? You can never say never in this game, but seriously? Has he been doing any racing the past few years? I think it's more likely he will be in the Super Touring support race.

We now just have the second Motorbase seat now that Abbot has gone to Audi. It's good to see GT drivers coming in as well as the ex-champs.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by S griffin

Robb Gravett? You can never say never in this game, but seriously? Has he been doing any racing the past few years? I think it's more likely he will be in the Super Touring support race.

The last time I saw him out he was in that FIAT 500 one make championship... and he wasn't the fastest. After such a long lay off, would you really want to be making a return to racing in a high profile, high budget series like the BTCC ? Surely there's better/cheaper ways of dumping cash.

[Sodemo]

Originally Posted by cos

Could there be another ex-champ on the grid?

Surely not...?

Whats Cleland up to?

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Whats Cleland up to?

Dunno... but I'll tell you what, Jack Sears looks like he's itching to get back into the series. On the BTCC Legends programme he could be overheard in the background negotiating a drive for this year.

[jsmee]

Cleland is racing (along with Nick Whale) in the HSCC Super Touring series.

[medius]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Surely not...?

Whats Cleland up to?

Running against Patrick Watts in his 97 Vectra in the HSCC Super Touring championship.

Why not for Robb? Fair play to the guy, I'd be doing the same in the same position. Still a Motorbase seat, I reckon the second Speedworks car is there ready too. And like James Cole last year, it'd be a very public advert for his Ultimate Car Control business.

[jsmee]

[thlbtcc]

Originally Posted by jsmee

There are some strangle angles going on there.

[jimothy84]

If Gravett comes back, I hope he brings the Rock-it Cargo sponsorship with him... loved those liveries!

[VXDave]

Still no pics of the Insignia? I suspect they're trying to cover up the fact that it's a new face-lifted example. Goff seems to think it's a much improved car...