BTCC 2024 News & Rumours

[SV8Predator]

Originally Posted by ACF_

there's actually 6 on the list if you include Emily Cotty & Chloe Grant

Chloe Grant is running in GB4 this year. Racing today, in fact.

[SSmith]

Originally Posted by SV8Predator

Chloe Grant is running in GB4 this year. Racing today, in fact.

Yes, a return to the series she contested prior to her F1 Academy campaign. I left her on my provisional entry list in case she attempts to run both series- although factoring in cost, I'd imagine she'll stick with GB4.

[SSmith]

Originally Posted by SSmith

Porsche Sprint Challenge GB (season starts at Snetterton):

Will Jenkins - Team Parker Racing
Oscar Dix - Team Parker Racing
Oliver Meadows – Team Parker Racing
George Jaxon - JW Bird
Darelle Wilson - JW Bird
Oliver Cottam - Xentek
Reece Somerfield - Breakell
Karim Sekkat - Breakell
Max Coates - Graves Motorsport?

UPDATED

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by SSmith

UPDATED

theres a LOT more than that but because of the late start to their season they have not been announced yet

[SSmith]

Originally Posted by touring fan01

theres a LOT more than that but because of the late start to their season they have not been announced yet

See all of my posts in recent months acknowledging this exact point - in particular the beginning paragraph of post #2641 from yesterday evening.

[kipper]

Originally Posted by ACF_

Not sure if they're both confirmed, but there's actually 6 on the list if you include Emily Cotty & Chloe Grant

Emily Cotty will be racing in Danish F4 as she's too young for British F4.

[Steel Wheels]

Ollie Jackson will be back in PCCGB, he’s confirmed that on another forum.

I wonder if we’ll see any surprises testing at Brands?

[MarcusH26]

https://www.btcc.net/2024/04/02/napa-racing-uk-signs-btcc-champion-ash-sutton-to-new-multi-year-deal/

Sutton extends with Alliance until the end of 2026 , Napa title sponsorship extended until then too.

[Sodemo]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

https://www.btcc.net/2024/04/02/napa-racing-uk-signs-btcc-champion-ash-sutton-to-new-multi-year-deal/

Sutton extends with Alliance until the end of 2026 , Napa title sponsorship extended until then too.

They might be the only cars competing in 2026. Napa championship?

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

https://www.btcc.net/2024/04/02/napa-racing-uk-signs-btcc-champion-ash-sutton-to-new-multi-year-deal/

Sutton extends with Alliance until the end of 2026 , Napa title sponsorship extended until then too.

Maybe I have read too much in to the press release on the BTCC website, however I note that there is no mention of Alliance (Motorbase as was). NAPA, after all, are merely sponsors, not an actual race team.

[Matt K]

On NAPA Racing UK's instagram it's clearly stated that NAPA extends the deal with Alliance Racing. So yeah, it's both Ash and the team.

[Evantra]

Autosport suggests it may not necessarily be in the BTCC either (although of course BTCC did make a post about it) with NAPA wanting to expand into GT3.

[MarcusH26]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Autosport suggests it may not necessarily be in the BTCC either (although of course BTCC did make a post about it) with NAPA wanting to expand into GT3.

Now that would be interesting. 2 more BTCC titles and then a crack at GTs for Ash?

[billy bleach]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

Now that would be interesting. 2 more BTCC titles and then a crack at GTs for Ash?

Valkyrie at Lemans?

[MarcusH26]

Originally Posted by billy bleach

Valkyrie at Lemans?

I honestly think Ash is one of those talents like Van Gisbergen that you could throw in anything and he'd be absolutely rapid. Valkyrie would be a fun one even with Aston's long list of factory drivers and a certain Mr Vettel probably eyed up too.

[MarcusH26]

https://www.btcc.net/2024/04/02/bobby-thompson-joins-wsr-for-brands-hatch-btcc-test/

Bobby to test for WSR at Brands.

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

https://www.btcc.net/2024/04/02/bobby-thompson-joins-wsr-for-brands-hatch-btcc-test/

Bobby to test for WSR at Brands.

[touringlegend]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

https://www.btcc.net/2024/04/02/bobby-thompson-joins-wsr-for-brands-hatch-btcc-test/

Bobby to test for WSR at Brands.

As thought he’s likely one of the two drivers WSR may split the season with.

I guess he’s getting a run out to see if it can encourage some final sponsors to come ahead.

I assume both he and WSR would prefer him to be in the car for the full season.

[SSmith]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

https://www.btcc.net/2024/04/02/bobby-thompson-joins-wsr-for-brands-hatch-btcc-test/

Bobby to test for WSR at Brands.

I'm pleased he's got that opportunity.

I'm guessing that there is a belief from WSR and Thompson that if he can set some good times then maybe additional backers will come on board to help him get the drive for the season. Somewhat fanciful thinking, but if various people involved didn't think that was possible then I doubt they would put him in the car for a public test session.

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

https://www.btcc.net/2024/04/02/bobby-thompson-joins-wsr-for-brands-hatch-btcc-test/

Bobby to test for WSR at Brands.

Fantastic news, fingers crossed he can pull the funds together for a full season. He'll fly in that BMW.

[MarcusH26]

Originally Posted by SSmith

I'm pleased he's got that opportunity.

I'm guessing that there is a belief from WSR and Thompson that if he can set some good times then maybe additional backers will come on board to help him get the drive for the season. Somewhat fanciful thinking, but if various people involved didn't think that was possible then I doubt they would put him in the car for a public test session.

I don't think Dick Bennetts would test him if he didn't think there was a potential deal to be done for the whole season. Might be one where he sets some flying times in testing and gets the last chunk of sponsorship on board.

[BtccLee]

Feels a bit odd, the championship pushing the story, BUT I think it may be a reflection of the goodwill Thompson has in the paddock. Would be surprised if at the least a partial deal doesn't come as a result of this.

I expect it is partially for him to show performance, and this coverage is also a stab at a "Look at the engagement, positive commentary the news of a test got. Now imagine you are backing this guy for a whole season."

Good news. Hope it works out.

[SSmith]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

I don't think Dick Bennetts would test him if he didn't think there was a potential deal to be done for the whole season. Might be one where he sets some flying times in testing and gets the last chunk of sponsorship on board.

Yes, I completely agree, a "glory run" for best time of day to grab a motoring press headline and boost his profile for prospective sponsors.

[Matt K]

It looks like the 4th WSR car is going to be a bit messy affair. Would be great to see Thompson getting some substantial backing so that he might be safe for the whole season and possibly even a few. But anyway, fingers crossed for him, he deserves to finally have a proper shot.

[DaviePHD]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

I honestly think Ash is one of those talents like Van Gisbergen that you could throw in anything and he'd be absolutely rapid. Valkyrie would be a fun one even with Aston's long list of factory drivers and a certain Mr Vettel probably eyed up too.

Apparently in the V8 Supercar test he did he was well quick. I too reckon he'd be quick in anything and as much as it's a pleasure to watch him in the BTCC I'd love to see him in a V8.

Bathurst wildcard anyone?