[BTCC] 2015 BTCC news & rumours

[Craner Curves]

Any idea what the engine bay of this is? I've ruled out the BMW 2 and 3 series, along with the Volvo V40 and the Mazda 2 and 3. Looks to be a North-South engine?

[BillWiskins]

Ah, is it teaser picture time already? Excellent!

[pimmy]

I've been looking, and the only thing I've found so far that comes close is the Infiniti Q50, assuming that photo is of a current model.

[Craner Curves]

Blimey! I never even thought of that. Found that pic on a social networking site.

[BillWiskins]

It's certainly a lot closer than anything I could come up with... did some further close looking and found this:

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/14...-engine-02.jpg

- seems spot on to me. Especially if you look closely at the exposed metal near the top of the image and compare it to the original pic. Good call, sir, I reckon...

[Bramzel]

In what context did you find the picture, is it BTCC related? A Q50 is a large car to run, it's between a 3-series and a 5-series sizewise.

[Craner Curves]

It's being created as a showcar, and that's a photo of it at the company which makes the majority of the NGTC body kits. Whether it's like the Megane from last year trying to get interest or its a genuine showcar for a team like the ones created by Dynamics, Ciceley and Power Maxed I don't know.

[porsche962fan]

what ever happened to the NGTC Megane...

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

what ever happened to the NGTC Megane...

Nobody was willing to invest in it when there were other tried and trusted products around.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by Bramzel

In what context did you find the picture, is it BTCC related? A Q50 is a large car to run, it's between a 3-series and a 5-series sizewise.

The new Nissan Pulsar would make more sense.


EDIT But there will be an Infiniti Q30 in 2015. If I remember well it's based on the Mercedes A-class.

[porsche962fan]

according to recent interview GIO intends to stay in BTCC 2015 but no mention of teams

and funny line

“For sure, I have never been 100 per cent with my car,” “It’s like a woman who can’t quite find the right dress for herself.
“I have always been hoping for a good result at the next race but most times something has gone wrong.

“But that’s racing. I have had bad seasons in the past.”

Asked if he was still managing to enjoy himself despite results, Giovanardi replied bluntly: “No. If I said yes there would be something wrong.”

But he insisted he wanted to return to the series next year and is hoping to end this season in style with a podium finish at the Brands Hatch finale.

He added: “I would like to be on the podium at every race — that’s always what I am looking for.”

[rich07]

Really didn't need that mental image of Gio in a dress :lol:

[Jiiiiiiim]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

according to recent interview GIO intends to stay in BTCC 2015 but no mention of teams

and funny line

Well with Motorbase loosing Airwaves sponsorship, that could certainly affect Gio's chances of staying there, unless a 'big' sponsor is found to replace them.

[auroan]

What's the betting AMD pickup the Crabbies Racing Focus and it's TBL ? Would be the logical step if they want to expand their team to a two car operation...

[porsche962fan]

you suggest Motorbase will also change cars and ditch the Ford ?

otherwise why would Clark leave Motorbase to join an smaller and less experience team like AMD ??

[auroan]

I don't think Clarke will be back... or that motorbase will have the budget to run 3 cars.

AMD already have one Ford, so why not buy the other ?

[Sodemo]

Would motorbase have the funds to develop new cars and keep Gio without a new main sponsor...?

Of course, it all becomes academic if there is a new big sponsor waiting in the wings I guess.

[Hawkwood]

Originally Posted by auroan

I don't think Clarke will be back... or that motorbase will have the budget to run 3 cars.

AMD already have one Ford, so why not buy the other ?

Is Crabbies Clarke's own sponsor, or do they sponsor a Motorbase car that he happens to drive?
If it's the first instance then presumably he'll be back if they are?

[TWRv12]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Any idea what the engine bay of this is? I've ruled out the BMW 2 and 3 series, along with the Volvo V40 and the Mazda 2 and 3. Looks to be a North-South engine?

Pug 308?

[BillWiskins]

Bonnet doesn't fit right. I'm pretty sure it's the Infiniti, as sussed out by pimmy.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by Hawkwood

Is Crabbies Clarke's own sponsor, or do they sponsor a Motorbase car that he happens to drive?
If it's the first instance then presumably he'll be back if they are?

This is a complicated one but essentially yes it is a personal sponsor. Jack Clarke is the Julian Bailey's stepson [Debbie Tee, brother of F1 photographer Steven Tee, is Jack's mom]. I understand Julian Bailey secured the Crabbies deal - Julian is also a publican and owns The William Bray in Shere.

A friend of mine knows Debbie Tee quite well and she told me an eye watering number that had been spent on Jack's motor racing career to date. In deference to them I don't want to say what it was, but it stunned me.

More here.

... and here.

[porsche962fan]

wild rumor that this is RAR's final BTCC weekend

[psq43]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

wild rumor that this is RAR's final BTCC weekend

Oh. Then all we need is Paul Hollywood to vanish, and take Phillip Glenister with him and I'll finally have some, ahem, me moments with my other half!

Seriously, I'm not surprised if this should be true. The car is now several years old, well quite a bit of it is, and has never really delivered on merit

I'm no engineer, but it's got a pretty big platform and they've never really had the cash to test/unlock whatever potential it may have.

Please note, I did say "if this should be true".

[Biscuits In A Red Bull]

Shedden just said on live TV to ITV4 that he'd love to race the new Honda Civic Type R next season and he'd try hard to make it happen. Hint hint...

[porsche962fan]

Shedden staying with Honda was never in doubt, if Neal stays is a different question

probably they didn't even bother to fix Neal's car cos the Tourer will be gutted anyway

EDIT so Turks confirmed he will be back in 2015 with no 1 on his car