What next for Triple Eight in the BTCC

davyboy · 4 Sep 2009, 13:32 (Ref:2534412)

I notice that all three Vectras are up for sale in this week's Autosport, which sorta puts paid to the idea that they'd run them as a independent next year. Therefore they'll be fielding a new works entry, using another car as a independent concern... or heaven forbid... leaving the championship.

**BertMk2** · 4 Sep 2009, 13:42 (Ref:2534417)

If they're selling the Vectras then they've either got another works contract lined up or they're bailing out (if they were continuing as an idependent why throw away all the experience they've got with the Vectras).

Works Volvos anyone?

davyboy · 4 Sep 2009, 13:45 (Ref:2534419)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BertMk2

If they're selling the Vectras then they've either got another works contract lined up or they're bailing out (if they were continuing as an idependent why throw away all the experience they've got with the Vectras).

Ya exactly... no reason at all to go with another brand unless there's some covenant with Vauxhall to prevent them racing that kit as a privateer... unlikely I would have thought.

**BertMk2** · 4 Sep 2009, 13:49 (Ref:2534422)

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyboy

Ya exactly... no reason at all to go with another brand unless there's some covenant with Vauxhall to prevent them racing that kit as a privateer... unlikely I would have thought.

If they were going to do that then surely they'd prevent them being used as a privateer by anyone? (much as Opel did with their DTM Vectras) As you say it's unlikely - Vauxhall seem to have a history of selling their old cars on to privateers.

werner · 4 Sep 2009, 13:51 (Ref:2534426)

888 is a company, and if the price is right, they will sell their cars. If they do sell all 3, they have a nice customerbase to sell spare-parts to. And if nobody wants to buy them at the right price, they still can run them independantly. And might they get a good deal with for instance Volvo, they will set the price lower, to be sure they sell their Vectra's.
It is a bit like Dynamics with their Honda's, they were for sale as well. But look who's running them today.

d.rocky · 4 Sep 2009, 14:12 (Ref:2534438)

It would be good if they had a deal with Volvo but surely Volvo wont be half as interested in the btcc with zilch works teams... but thats another thread!

davyboy · 4 Sep 2009, 14:32 (Ref:2534447)

Quote:

Originally Posted by werner

888 is a company, and if the price is right, they will sell their cars. If they do sell all 3, they have a nice customerbase to sell spare-parts to. And if nobody wants to buy them at the right price, they still can run them independantly. And might they get a good deal with for instance Volvo, they will set the price lower, to be sure they sell their Vectra's.
It is a bit like Dynamics with their Honda's, they were for sale as well. But look who's running them today.

Nah, I don't buy that. They need to have a solid plan in place for 2010. They have large overheads. Putting the Vectras up for sale on the off chance they get a decent price for them and figuring out what to do afterwards in the that does or does not happen would seem a pretty foolhardy way to go about business.

duke_toaster · 4 Sep 2009, 19:44 (Ref:2534620)

This means one of two things. Either they have a factory or semi-factory deal lined up (Kia? Ovlov?), or are jacking it in. They won't simply switch to the 320si for no reason or something.

Ed Peters · 5 Sep 2009, 18:27 (Ref:2535014)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BertMk2

If they're selling the Vectras then they've either got another works contract lined up

Someone is trying to convince me that they have already signed a deal for 2010!

davyboy · 5 Sep 2009, 19:01 (Ref:2535028)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Peters

Someone is trying to convince me that they have already signed a deal for 2010!

Don't keep it to yourself now Ed

**FIRE** · 5 Sep 2009, 19:02 (Ref:2535031)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Peters

Someone is trying to convince me that they have already signed a deal for 2010!

The switch to NGTC has no impact on that deal? I can imagine a manufacturer waits until 2011 before entering BTCC.

redshoes · 5 Sep 2009, 19:41 (Ref:2535044)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE

The switch to NGTC has no impact on that deal?

S2000 will still be eligible until 2013 so whatever car they run would still have a 3-4 life span, which is more than long enough. Triple Eight continued with the BTCT Astra after S2000 was introduced so not inconceivable they would continue with an S2000 car after NGTC is introduced.

Ed Peters · 5 Sep 2009, 19:50 (Ref:2535049)

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyboy

Don't keep it to yourself now Ed

I will until I have proper confirmation....

**touringlegend** · 5 Sep 2009, 20:41 (Ref:2535065)

Triple Eight have fingers in more pies than just the BTCC. So they won't just shut up shop one would have thought!

We won't hear what deal they have until they are out of contract with Vauxhall, it wouldn't look good announcing it while you are trying to make a Vauxhall driver champion.

**FIRE** · 5 Sep 2009, 21:04 (Ref:2535072)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Peters

I will until I have proper confirmation....

Maybe one of us can confirm...

Les · 6 Sep 2009, 10:14 (Ref:2535215)

surely 888 try to sell their current cars every year - with their experience they can just make new ones if they stay with the Astra

davyboy · 6 Sep 2009, 10:57 (Ref:2535230)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Les

surely 888 try to sell their current cars every year - with their experience they can just make new ones if they stay with the Astra

I guess you meant Vectra rather than Astra here. In any event, I don't remember the Vectras being advertised for sale before and, unless I've missed something major, haven't seen one fielded by anyone other than 888.

duke_toaster · 6 Sep 2009, 11:10 (Ref:2535234)

There were plans briefly to sell one to Eurotech for Andy Jordan, weren't there?

Sodemo · 6 Sep 2009, 12:29 (Ref:2535269)

I hope its the gorgeous sounding Volvo's.

I really hope Volvo makes an appearance in the BTCC in 2010.

**FIRE** · 6 Sep 2009, 13:10 (Ref:2535287)

I hope Toyota (with the Avensis)

Icebaby · 6 Sep 2009, 16:58 (Ref:2535384)

I think 888 are simply open to optiona next year, if they sell the cars at a good price it allows them to look at the market with cash in the bank,if drivers come along and pay for 888 to run the car then thats not bad either.

Will they stay?, I think its too early to say but I dont see any manufacturer rushing to join the BTCC as there is little point unless others are joining.

V8 Fireworks · 7 Sep 2009, 03:53 (Ref:2535601)

Why? Surely a manufacturer wants to win everything and crush the competition? Much easier if other makes aren't running big $$$ programs and stealing your hard-earned and deserved podium clean-sweeps!

Those BMWs with semi-works backing are hard to beat anyway, aren't they?

Could 888 prepare some cars from a Chinese make like Brilliance, as they intend to dominate the European touring car circuit to show the excellence and superiority of their motor vehicles?

Icebaby · 7 Sep 2009, 06:18 (Ref:2535632)

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8 Fireworks

Those BMWs with semi-works backing are hard to beat anyway, aren't they?

Which team is running a semi works package? If your referring to any of the current BMW's on the grid this is not the case.

pinkd56 · 7 Sep 2009, 06:23 (Ref:2535635)

I Believe andrew jordan's Vauxhall Vectra is run by Vauxhall but owned by The Jordans.

redshoes · 7 Sep 2009, 08:16 (Ref:2535674)

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8 Fireworks

Why? Surely a manufacturer wants to win everything and crush the competition? Much easier if other makes aren't running big $$$ programs and stealing your hard-earned and deserved podium clean-sweeps!

If you win everyone will just say you were racing against under-funded, under-prepared privateers who had no hope of winning.

If you lose everyone will say that you were beaten to under-funded, under-prepared privateers that you should have crushed.

From a PR point of view it's a no-win situation.

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