BTCC 2007 News, Rumours, Entries...

[redshoes]

However.... this time last year Vauxxhall announced an 'all new' driver line-up for 2006 of Chilton and Giovanardi, i.e. just 2 cars. Smith wasn't announced as having the drive until Feb 2006, 3 months later.

I seem to recall they did much the same at the end of 2004 when announcing their 2005 drivers.

Just because the rules have changed to allow 2 factory entires dooes preclude Triple Eight / VXR running a third car, they just don't register the third one as a factory entry. Smith was always a paying driver rather than a paid driver, he was only the third nominated driver as the rules allowed it. No reason why he couldn't still be a third driver.

[Alfa Fan]

There will be no third driver. VXR have confirmed that.

However, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a second string Vauxhall team, with Smith and Kizilirmak.

[Craner Curves]

There might be a 3rd VXR driver. Never say never. They have the facilities to run at least 4 cars, so why not? They could always have a 3rd driver running a car with development parts on it. Or are S2000 cars subject to homologation rules now and they can only make so many tweaks in a year?

[Alfa Fan]

VXR have confirmed on their website there will be NO 3rd driver.

Originally Posted by Triple Eight

Vauxhall decided to change its three-car format for 2007 after a rule change last year meant only two could score. The modification made it necessary to nominate two drivers to score points, a gamble which often back-fired in 2006.

[Craig]

Vauxhall and Triple Eight are two different companies though. Vauxhall ran two cars in 2001 and 2002, but Triple Eight also ran two cars for Egg. Nothing to say that won't happen this time, you might even see them running their old Astras.

[Craner Curves]

Alfa Fan knows more than we do though.

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

VXR have confirmed on their website there will be NO 3rd driver.

A Craig has already pointed out, and repeating what I had already posted, just because there won't be a third VXR entered driver doesn't mean there won't be a third Triple Eight run car.

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

However, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a second string Vauxhall team, with Smith and Kizilirmak.

Make your mind up. There will not be 3 but you wouldn't be surprised if there were 4? Who do you predict will run this second team?

[Alfa Fan]

Techspeed have been linked to it.

[touringlegend]

Originally Posted by redshoes

However.... this time last year Vauxxhall announced an 'all new' driver line-up for 2006 of Chilton and Giovanardi, i.e. just 2 cars. Smith wasn't announced as having the drive until Feb 2006, 3 months later.

I seem to recall they did much the same at the end of 2004 when announcing their 2005 drivers.

Just because the rules have changed to allow 2 factory entires dooes preclude Triple Eight / VXR running a third car, they just don't register the third one as a factory entry. Smith was always a paying driver rather than a paid driver, he was only the third nominated driver as the rules allowed it. No reason why he couldn't still be a third driver.

Well, yes thats what I mean. Vauxhall won't have a 3rd driver as we have known them to have since the 2003 season. Would be nice to see them back up to running a 2nd squad like the Egg years.

[BootsOntheSide]

Maybe Smith and O'Neill with 2006 cars with some Triple Eight support at Techspeed? Erkut is a long way down the list of drivers I'd ideally like to see, and I'm not sure how well-funded he is.

[Alfa Fan]

Very. Thats how he got the drives in the first place. He's looking to be in the BTCC next year, so if the Vauxhall B-Team does happen, he will be in it.

[Matt_S]

Someone needs to find the money to buy the Astras before the debate starts on who will drive them.

[touringlegend]

If Triple Eight are running the 2006 Astras as a B team, surely they don't need to sell them at all ?

[Matt_S]

But when has it ever been announced that that would be the case? As it stands the cars are up for sale to whoever pays the price (http://www.tripleeight.co.uk/2006_888/for_sale.asp).

If that team is able to run them as a Vauxhall 'B' team then fair enough.

[touringlegend]

It's never been announced hence why this is the rumour (&theories) thread.

[Matt_S]

I know that - I just mean people shouldn't start to assume there will be a 'B' team.

[Alfa Fan]

Still only offering 3 of the 4 cars. Anyone know whats happened to the other one?

[Craner Curves]

Test hack for S2000 parts?

[racerm5]

Hi all
seen my name mentioned a while ago and im just confirming out intentions to run 1 or 2 bmw 1 series for 2007.One car is under construction and should be painted early next week.I will mails pics when painting is completed and then its off to West Suffolk Racing to be finish the build.Should be testing by end of jan.Will probaly press release next week with btcc.Thanks for the good luck messages ...Rick Kerry

[touringlegend]

Rick, welcome to the forum and I wish you all the best with the 1 series BMW next year.

If you need any help uploading the pics just send me a PM.

[BootsOntheSide]

Welcome and good luck Rick, you're taking on an ambitious project which deserves to succeed. More BMWs will be good for the championship.

[FIRE]

Good luck!

[thereal_tdb]

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

Still only offering 3 of the 4 cars. Anyone know whats happened to the other one?

It was the 2 seater car, converted and a bit of a hybrid too, coupe parts fitted to the sport hatch shell.

Now back in service as a 2 seater corporate car.

[Craner Curves]

Does that mean Alfa Fan will have to scratch it from his entry list as the D-team car for VXR?

[racerm5]

just got pics of the painted shell.now off to have it put together...
any ideas on how to transfer pics from my documents..