[BTCC] 2014 BTCC speculation, rumours and news

[Craner Curves]

So, are there any proper speculation or rumours (with some foundation) about 2014 or is this thread simply all about people's fantasies and why it's not as good as Super Touring?

[auroan]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

So, are there any proper speculation or rumours (with some foundation) about 2014 or is this thread simply all about people's fantasies and why it's not as good as Super Touring?

I can't believe more hasn't been made of this so called renault NGTC build backed by some mysterious big bucks

[BtccLee]

Originally Posted by auroan

I can't believe more hasn't been made of this so called renault NGTC build backed by some mysterious big bucks

I agree with this. It is certainly a significant sponsor who appears to be looking for talented drivers. They may even have a car running before the end of the year. No other NGTC team ( Toyota don't count as they weren't testing) has tested the previous year with a new car.

[medius]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Does anyone have any theories on why the NGTC cars roll around much more than previous rulesets?

''A BTCC engineer who has experience of setting up a NGT car has informed me that due to the short wishbones used in the spec suspension, it is difficult to get the suspension travel required to achieve the optimal setup. Most cars will be using all available suspension travel.''

http://btcctechnical.wordpress.com/

So basically, if the wishbones were longer and designed for each car instead of being mounted to off-the-shelf subframes, they could be setup much stiffer and get the same or more traction.

[Thaw Daggerslash]

Originally Posted by Bramzel

But if that were the case we'd all be crying here about Honda's domination It's hard to get these things right I guess, you'll always piz off somebody. So far, from my point of view as an outsider, I must say Gow is doing a pretty good job.

So what? That's racing. If you aren't fast/competitive enough to win races, build a better car! There's no achievement in winning, when the regulations are heavily in your favour.

Not every race/championship can be exciting or a classic, and we just have to accept that. Every sport has an instance of it not being as exciting as people would like.

I'd rather have a boring season with the best driver/car combo winning easily, like in F1 right now, over what we have in the BTCC, which is blatantly artificial and leads to contrived "entertainment."

The final straw for me came last year at Silverstone, where it was so evident the Hondas had been pegged back to be the slowest things on the straights. If that wasn't a last ditch attempt to get Plato in title contention for a final round decider at Brands, I don't know what is.

[Jiiiiiiim]

Originally Posted by auroan

I can't believe more hasn't been made of this so called renault NGTC build backed by some mysterious big bucks

The fact development is aparantly so far on yet no-one knows much about it reminds me of the whole Motorbase NGTC Focus last year, key people must know but just aren't saying! Not complaining as I do like surprises

[BtccLee]

Originally Posted by Jiiiiiiim

The fact development is aparantly so far on yet no-one knows much about it reminds me of the whole Motorbase NGTC Focus last year, key people must know but just aren't saying! Not complaining as I do like surprises

This is clearly a big sponsor though. Red Bull BTCC team anyone?

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by medius

''A BTCC engineer who has experience of setting up a NGT car has informed me that due to the short wishbones used in the spec suspension, it is difficult to get the suspension travel required to achieve the optimal setup. Most cars will be using all available suspension travel.''

Super Tourers never had body roll. Bring back Super Touring!

Originally Posted by Thaw Daggerslash

The final straw for me came last year at Silverstone, where it was so evident the Hondas had been pegged back to be the slowest things on the straights. If that wasn't a last ditch attempt to get Plato in title contention for a final round decider at Brands, I don't know what is.

Despite your beliefs and the cynicism, it was just the way the boost calculations worked out.

Originally Posted by BtccLee

This is clearly a big sponsor though. Red Bull BTCC team anyone?

I'm trying to think of anyone in the Clios with a big name sponsor. One Call Insurance?

[Bramzel]

Originally Posted by Thaw Daggerslash

So what? That's racing. If you aren't fast/competitive enough to win races, build a better car! There's no achievement in winning, when the regulations are heavily in your favour.

Not every race/championship can be exciting or a classic, and we just have to accept that. Every sport has an instance of it not being as exciting as people would like.

I'd rather have a boring season with the best driver/car combo winning easily, like in F1 right now, over what we have in the BTCC, which is blatantly artificial and leads to contrived "entertainment."

The final straw for me came last year at Silverstone, where it was so evident the Hondas had been pegged back to be the slowest things on the straights. If that wasn't a last ditch attempt to get Plato in title contention for a final round decider at Brands, I don't know what is.

Right now there's exciting racing, balanced but still featuring the fastest, most competative team/driver at the top of the championship. Win/win to me...

[auroan]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

I'm trying to think of anyone in the Clios with a big name sponsor. One Call Insurance?

Is the Clio team link just someone putting renault ngtc car and a toca package together in a 2+2=5 scenario... or an actual rumour with some strong base to it ?

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by auroan

Is the Clio team link just someone putting renault ngtc car and a toca package together in a 2+2=5 scenario... or an actual rumour with some strong base to it ?

The quote I've found from Motorsport News is about there being a possible link between the project and a Clio team, but it's unclear who it is. All sounds a bit vague to me, as if the news was leaked out to increase interest in the project and generate more funds.

[Sodemo]

I'd rather the TOCA organisers simply equalise all the power levels, and then let the teams who are then behind on pace are forced to improve their chassis. This whole "build a rubbish car, then get given a massive engine boost" is a nonsense.

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

I'd rather the TOCA organisers simply equalise all the power levels, and then let the teams who are then behind on pace are forced to improve their chassis. This whole "build a rubbish car, then get given a massive engine boost" is a nonsense.

How can you improve something that has standard parts though? There are limitations. And if you look at it in a positive way, it helps smaller teams compete on more of an even (maybe not the right word) keel with the likes of 888, Dynamics, WSR and Airbase.

As for TO-C's long term contract. Not worth the paper it's written on!

[porsche962fan]

what i would like to know is why not more drivers are interested in the 2nd pirtek Civic since Jordan is almost champion in similar car

[auroan]

I wonder if TOC's announcement is a bit of ... "I don't want to waste anymore money on a car that is mid pack", a bit of "We're running out of money"

and

maybe a bit 2+2=5 here but...... maybe a drive in an apparently better funded team (ie this Renault build)

[porsche962fan]

Originally Posted by auroan

and

maybe a bit 2+2=5 here but...... maybe a drive in an apparently better funded team (ie this Renault build)

Motorbase ? Pirtek? WSR?

Don't think he has the money for Team Dynamics and he wouldn't be allowed at 888 with Plato around....

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

what i would like to know is why not more drivers are interested in the 2nd pirtek Civic since Jordan is almost champion in similar car

Possibly because Jeff Smith may have a lot of money invested in that car. I think he might actually own it.

I'm inclined to agree with you auroan. A little bit of both of your suggestions perhaps. No money and doesn't want to tool about in the midfield getting damage.

I wonder if chairman Gow will get fed up with this constant place swapping and impose newcomer ballast on every new and returning driver they stick in their cars......But that's for the Rockingham thread.

[auroan]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

Motorbase ? Pirtek? WSR?

Don't think he has the money for Team Dynamics and he wouldn't be allowed at 888 with Plato around....

WSR = no seats
Pirtek = I thought Smith was only out for knockhill
Motorbase = Possibly ?

[Thaw Daggerslash]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

I'd rather the TOCA organisers simply equalise all the power levels, and then let the teams who are then behind on pace are forced to improve their chassis. This whole "build a rubbish car, then get given a massive engine boost" is a nonsense.

Absolutely agree. It is almost like the school sports day mentality "everyone's a winner and we can't have anyone being too good."

Despite your beliefs and the cynicism, it was just the way the boost calculations worked out.

"Boost calculations" eg the best excuse to get Plato back into title contention and set up a thrilling (and not at all in any way manipulated) final round.

Anyway, on the TOC thing, I eventually see him going down the GT/sportscar racing route, like Darren Turner did. His recent outings in GT races make me believe he's pretty serious about it.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by Thaw Daggerslash

Anyway, on the TOC thing, I eventually see him going down the GT/sportscar racing route, like Darren Turner did. His recent outings in GT races make me believe he's pretty serious about it.

It's all down to finances. TOC will get paid by a gentleman driver to pilot a GT. He has to bring money to Tony Gilham to drive the Passat.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Possibly because Jeff Smith may have a lot of money invested in that car. I think he might actually own it.

That's what I thought as well, but hopefully somebody can confirm it.

[Craner Curves]

Tony Gilham now talking on twitter about O'Neill, Goff, Onslow-Cole, Scott and two other cars in 2014.....

[Jiiiiiiim]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Tony Gilham now talking on twitter about O'Neill, Goff, Onslow-Cole, Scott and two other cars in 2014.....

Gilham promises only good news from now on! Though I think TOC may spoil his plans for 2014 unless Tony has something really good up his sleeve!

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Tony Gilham now talking on twitter about O'Neill, Goff, Onslow-Cole, Scott and two other cars in 2014.....

He talked about running 6 cars this year.

Excuse me if I don't get too excited about this just yet

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by redshoes

He talked about running 6 cars this year.

Excuse me if I don't get too excited about this just yet

Oh I agree. I've pinched so much salt regarding Tony Gilham and his plans for world domination that I've none left!