[BTCC] BTCC News & Rumours 2025

[billy bleach]

Originally Posted by Jiiiiiiim

I believe Cress, Proctor and Jelley were the 3 in contention for the seat. It’s been a fair few years since Jelley’s 1 season with a FWD car, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on!

Well they have run 3 cars before

[TouringCarMagazine]

Originally Posted by coffinpilot

Touring Car Magazine has closed (I understand the editor has severe health problems - get well if you're reading) although the website wasn't that much different to others, the print mag was the biggest hidden gem in touring car racing, the only place with lots of in depth driver interviews.

Thanks for the positive review! Yes, the print mag is closed now - not because of financials or poor sales - yes, because of health.

If there's one thing I've got to say that's more important it's this, and it's not touring car related.

For the gentlemen of the forum, they don't finger your prostate anymore. It's blood tests nowadays. In the last two weeks since I had my bloods I've spoken to numerous friends in their fifties who haven't been checked because of that stigma. I had my bloods for diabetes, they just happened to do a prostate one as I was turning 50. I was not going to go and have the doctor inspect me that way, so I've been part of the stigma. I guess the messaging hasn't got through to many blokes that the vast majority of prostate tests is through blood nowadays, so if you've put it off, get it done. If you're close to 50, don't worry, it's a little jab in the arm.

As for the website, it'll keep going, maybe with a slightly different take for a while though!


Mick

[tocatrucky]

Originally Posted by Racing Harz

Thank god no Crees.

Did anyone catch his own personal episode of ''Things which never happened''?

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by TouringCarMagazine

For the gentlemen of the forum, they don't finger your prostate anymore. It's blood tests nowadays. In the last two weeks since I had my bloods I've spoken to numerous friends in their fifties who haven't been checked because of that stigma. I had my bloods for diabetes, they just happened to do a prostate one as I was turning 50. I was not going to go and have the doctor inspect me that way, so I've been part of the stigma. I guess the messaging hasn't got through to many blokes that the vast majority of prostate tests is through blood nowadays, so if you've put it off, get it done. If you're close to 50, don't worry, it's a little jab in the arm.

Mick

I think that you may be conflating two medical issues concerning prostrates. A blood test to check for prostrate cancer has been in play for at least 15 years to my knowledge; that's when I had mine checked.

However, especially for those of us getting on in years, the only, currently quick and easy way for doctors to ascertain whether a patient has an enlarged prostrate - an issue that I have - is the finger treatment. But even that is only uncomfortable for a few moments; far less so than having a colonoscopy, which I can vouch for (5 so far, and counting) although you can sometimes have sedation for it.

[Dudley]

Given we were talking about the problem of an ageing fanbase, this conversation is rather on the nose.

[VIVA GT]

Originally Posted by TouringCarMagazine

Thanks for the positive review! Yes, the print mag is closed now - not because of financials or poor sales - yes, because of health.

If there's one thing I've got to say that's more important it's this, and it's not touring car related.

For the gentlemen of the forum, they don't finger your prostate anymore. It's blood tests nowadays. In the last two weeks since I had my bloods I've spoken to numerous friends in their fifties who haven't been checked because of that stigma. I had my bloods for diabetes, they just happened to do a prostate one as I was turning 50. I was not going to go and have the doctor inspect me that way, so I've been part of the stigma. I guess the messaging hasn't got through to many blokes that the vast majority of prostate tests is through blood nowadays, so if you've put it off, get it done. If you're close to 50, don't worry, it's a little jab in the arm.

As for the website, it'll keep going, maybe with a slightly different take for a while though!


Mick

A mate of mine (in his late 60's) also had potential prostate issues flagged up during his regular diabetes blood tests last year which prompted his GP to carry out further investigation, starting with the traditional finger test as Mike describes and then confirmation of the suspicions following a biopsy.
He was offered a number of courses of action and following the Oncologists advice he went firstly for a course of hormone treatment (which didn't cause him to grow breasts or suddenly make him unable to park his car!) followed by intensive radiotherapy treatment (which is the latest 'new way' of treating this problem). After the treatment he has regular monitoring sessions (blood tests) and I'm pleased to say that his PSA levels were found to be down to a microscopic level of what they were, so although he is not 'officially cured' yet the signs are extremely encouraging.
This encouraged me to pester my GP for me to have the initial blood test as (to be honest) I'd always put off having the traditional test carried out before. I was pleased & relieved to get my results to say that (according to the blood test), I had nothing to worry about.
I realise that we have gone way off the topic of The BTCC here but I agree that a lot of us are 'gentlemen of a certain age' and it is a very good idea to have these tests.

[Protonman]

Whilst it is off subject it’s good to promote health over embarrassment. Had that test by both a man and a woman doctor and whilst awkward I preferred the latter .

[TouringCarMagazine]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

I think that you may be conflating two medical issues concerning prostrates. A blood test to check for prostrate cancer has been in play for at least 15 years to my knowledge; that's when I had mine checked.

However, especially for those of us getting on in years, the only, currently quick and easy way for doctors to ascertain whether a patient has an enlarged prostrate - an issue that I have - is the finger treatment. But even that is only uncomfortable for a few moments; far less so than having a colonoscopy, which I can vouch for (5 so far, and counting) although you can sometimes have sedation for it.

Yes, I was relating to the cancer one. I think - as in my case - once you've had the negative news the worry about what goes up there dissipates anyway. I turn 50 today, and my birthday treat has been to have my rear end turned into a TV studio!

Back to the racing though, and I suppose because I won't be trackside much this season as a journalist or photographer I can let a little something out (who is going to give an ill man a telling off?!) - there are a couple of pieces of embargoed news in my inbox. Can't even hint at what they are (apart from it not being PMR related) so you guys still have plenty to discuss and to speculate over!

[Protonman]

Meanwhile in matters related to BTCC nice to be genuinely surprised every once in a while . Be interesting to see how he progresses . More experienced than many and a gentleman to boot . I suspect the deal may have been done a while back and the team were waiting their moment . Crees still seeking and depends on whether seats available at time .

[coffinpilot]

Here's a thought (and at the moment I can't help but think of the Bottom Inspectors from the Viz comic) but with Jelley we now reach 20 drivers - the same amount as started last season. Tomorrow we get driver 21.
So I guess that leaves us waiting for a possible second PMR driver, a Toyota driver and one from Excelr8. It makes us three away from the 'ideal' 24 car grid.

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by coffinpilot

Here's a thought (and at the moment I can't help but think of the Bottom Inspectors from the Viz comic) but with Jelley we now reach 20 drivers - the same amount as started last season. Tomorrow we get driver 21.
So I guess that leaves us waiting for a possible second PMR driver, a Toyota driver and one from Excelr8. It makes us three away from the 'ideal' 24 car grid.

Sounds like Hamilton is likely for a 3rd Unlimited, so potentially even 25.

[Jay87]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Sounds like Hamilton is likely for a 3rd Unlimited, so potentially even 25.

Unless the rumour of hall having a sponsor pull out is true in which case Hamilton could be replacing him in the second car

[Millvi]

A clue for the PMR seat here? https://powermaxedracing.com/pages/meet-the-team

No mention of ATS as a driver but Doble still listed. Is that an indication of who’s the driver for 2025 perhaps?

[S griffin]

Glad Jelley is back, hope he goes well in the Honda, despite limited FWD experience

[Protonman]

Originally Posted by TouringCarMagazine

Yes, I was relating to the cancer one. I think - as in my case - once you've had the negative news the worry about what goes up there dissipates anyway. I turn 50 today, and my birthday treat has been to have my rear end turned into a TV studio!

Back to the racing though, and I suppose because I won't be trackside much this season as a journalist or photographer I can let a little something out (who is going to give an ill man a telling off?!) - there are a couple of pieces of embargoed news in my inbox. Can't even hint at what they are (apart from it not being PMR related) so you guys still have plenty to discuss and to speculate over!

Other than the announcement expected tomorrow there is little left . 3 maybe 4 seats to fill with a number of names in the frame . With the sunshine it’s expected that a few cars may hit the tracks soon and hopefully those last spaces will fill.
Had a look at TCR and their grid is better than expected . Will try to watch on Sunday on you tube as a warm up for things to come

[midgetman]

Originally Posted by RoadFool

…Welcome to yesterday.

That'll be Tapatalk not updating on my phone then. Cue embarrassed Max LOL

[Protonman]

Autosport has a new podcast for national race fans . Subject number one is what from the past you might like to see return . Havent listened to it throughout but one thing flagged is regarding the old Rockingham Speedway . I was sad to see it’s loss , it was local enough for me to visit had great facilities and was a bit different with its banked bits . Would have liked to have seen it continue on BTCC calendar. Any circuits not now used that would appeal ?

[S griffin]

Can’t wait to hear the announcement. Seems the series is very much still in good health

[Jiiiiiiim]

Originally Posted by Jay87

Unless the rumour of hall having a sponsor pull out is true in which case Hamilton could be replacing him in the second car

Unlimited are building up the 3rd Cupra, so can’t I they are wasting time doing that unless they have a damn good chance of running it!

[MarcusH26]

Teaser on MB and WSRs Instagram for Hill's new livery. Wonder if we'll see that tomorrow too?

[porsche962fan]

just 3 seats left and a whole silly season without tables

[Protonman]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

just 3 seats left and a whole silly season without tables

3 could become 4 depending on PMR and extra car at unlimited . If they are building up another they probably expect a TBL to be available. But if PMR let it go then they have to be content with one this year, but they have a 2nd car to use if any driver not on grid fancies a punt . 25 drivers and no definite backmarkers would be awesome ?

[cameronpoe]

1st test day of preseason for Napa Racing on Friday at Brands ..would be nice to have a dry day .. don’t know any other teams plans except for Toca days … I am also not sure if the Ford will be close to Season starting spec . ( I only get to know bits which is just as well !!)

[Protonman]

Originally Posted by cameronpoe

1st test day of preseason for Napa Racing on Friday at Brands ..would be nice to have a dry day .. don’t know any other teams plans except for Toca days … I am also not sure if the Ford will be close to Season starting spec . ( I only get to know bits which is just as well !!)

One motorsport planning to test at Croft when the car is screwed together . They will need to assess the new developments. Think Toyota also had plans . Expect many to do a little work somewhere in relative secrecy .
Just realised the first official test is at Croft on April 1st so guess One are aiming for that date . Hadn’t realised official test was approaching that quickly

[cameronpoe]

Originally Posted by Protonman

One motorsport planning to test at Croft when the car is screwed together . They will need to assess the new developments. Think Toyota also had plans . Expect many to do a little work somewhere in relative secrecy .
Just realised the first official test is at Croft on April 1st so guess One are aiming for that date . Hadn’t realised official test was approaching that quickly

They take an awful lot of “ screwing” together .. they really do …