Why BTCC not race at GP circuit?

[Kwan]

I consider that BTCC is the PREMIER touring car series in Britain.But they're only race at Silverstone [International]circuit and Oulton Park [Forest] or [Island]circuit!Why they're not race at full length [GP]circuit of Silverstone and Oulton Park?Even some lower level series(National Saloon Cup,MGF Cup,Caterham,TVR Tuscan,F.Palmer Audi etc.....)were race at [GP]circuit!!!And they also went to SPA!!!I think it will be the great race for BTCC at these[GP]circuits!!!

[Peter Mallett]

Well,

As someone who has raced on all the Silverstone circuits I think the International circuit is the best. Its long enough to maintain interest and short enought to provide many laps without extra large fuel tanks.

I can recommend Spa to anyone but again the cars would need plenty of stamina and reliabilty.

Not too familiar with Oulton Park so I won't comment.

BTW. The BTCC used to race on the GP circuit in the Group 1 and Group A days (when they ran REAL cars)

[Kwan]

I remember that they raced at full lenght[GP]circuit of Sliverstone,Oulton Park and Brands Hatch in 1994.These 3 circuits have 2 round(4 race)every year,so i think they should use short version for one round and use [GP] version for another round!!!

[White Van Man]

Who cares!!!

Actually, I generally prefer the short tracks (with the exception of Brands) as you get to see the cars racing more times than you do on the long track.

[redshoes]

Which is exactly why TOCA stopped using the longer circuits, the longer lap time meant big gaps between seeing the cars.

[Danielsun]

Not that it's Touring Cars, but they've never cut out great chunks of Le Mans, have they? Granted, it's wonderful to see more of the racing, as you get with a short circuit, but it's great to be able to watch from different parts of the longer tracks.

I'm gonna get to the Brands Hatch GP circuit one day...

[White Van Man]

Dream on Danielsun... they'll be digging it up at their earliest opportunity...

[TimD]

Originally posted by Danielsun


I'm gonna get to the Brands Hatch GP circuit one day...

Good call, Dan. As long as it gets kept just as it is, without any of that FIA-friendly surgery they've got planned.

Remember that black and red Rover SD1 at Snetterton the other day? I saw that running in the BTCC in about '86/'87. That looked (and sounded) awesome powersliding through Dingle Dell.

[Peter Mallett]

Originally posted by TimD

Remember that black and red Rover SD1 at Snetterton the other day? I saw that running in the BTCC in about '86/'87. That looked (and sounded) awesome powersliding through Dingle Dell.

Ah. The inimitable Dennis Leech. It's now owned by Dennis Robinson. Next time you see him ask him about our times in Metros.

[Danielsun]

TimD, Mallett: did the Rovers smoke as much back then as they do now?

[RIKB]

Last race I saw on a GP Circuit was this year at Brands, It was a little taxing for a couple of the drivers, Most noteably, young Mr Thompson

[Marshal]

Originally posted by Danielsun
TimD, Mallett: did the Rovers smoke as much back then as they do now?

No, but I do remember Dennis Leach always beeing outstanding value, and remarkably competetive for a true privateer effort.

[Peter Mallett]

Originally posted by redshoes
Which is exactly why TOCA stopped using the longer circuits, the longer lap time meant big gaps between seeing the cars.

A valid point.

However in the good old days of Group 1 with the mixed classes they used to run on various length tracks and so at some (say Thruxton) the big capacity cars rulled the roos but at Cadwell or Brands Indy, the smaller cars became more competitive.

Dan,

Your question about smoking Rovers. I will post a question in the Tech Forum.