BTCC 2007 News, Rumours, Entries...

[Alfa Fan]

Maybe a bit early in the season to start discussing next year, but with the number of storys/rumours circulating about next season I think I'll open the thread.

[Alfa Fan]

Here's what we know (or think we know ) about whats happening next season.

Vauxhall

Planning to build an all-new Super 2000 specification car for next years series, probabily a Vectra VXR.

Want to retain the current driver line-up of Giovanardi and Chilton. Giovanardi is keen to remain with the team next year.

A possible third/fourth car will dependent on pay drivers again. Whether Gavin Smith retains his seat after what has so far been another disappointing season remains to be seen. Kizilirmak want's to compete in at least half of next years championship, and with the sponsorship he brings, he would be able to fund the running of a fourth car.

The team will continue to be sponsored by Holiday Inn, who announced a two-year partnership at the beginning of this season.

SEAT

Seems a formality that they will recommit for 2007 with the series moving to thier type of car. Chances also boosted by the considerable success this years Leon has been in the series.

Depending of the situation with the WTCC and BTCC calendars, it is likely SEAT will retain the same driver line-up. Darren Turner is keen to get his chance at a full season in the series next year, and could drive a third full-time Leon in 2007.

James Thompson's continued participation will be dependent on the number of clashes between the BTCC and WTCC. Ideally he would compete the full season in both (he's requested this for several years now)

Team Dynamics

Is looking at a possible switch to the WTCC. Steve Neal is upset about the switch to Super 2000 rendering his Integras useless, and is threatenig to withdraw (where have we heard that before)

Has previously said he is keen to remain in the series with at least a two-car operation, even if plans to enter Matt to the WTCC go ahead.

MN recently reported that Gordon Shedden is likely to get another year in the teams second Honda Integra after impressing this season.

The team still harbours ambitions to expand to a three car line-up, but would require significant additional sponsorship for this to become a reality.

The team is tipped to enter Honda Accord Euro-Rs in partnership with JAS Motorsport, who are behind their entry in the WTCC. The team is keen to build their own versions should they go ahead with Accords.

West Surrey Racing

Team hope to retain RAC sponsorship into 2007 after a successful year in 2006 (at least so far!)

Are unlikely to be satisfied with running restricted MGs that are ineligible for the overall championship, especially considering their current placings this year.

Team would like to run three cars, but only have backing from RAC for two to be entered.

Team Eurotech

Highly likely to remain in the series. Mike Jordan has enjoyed competing this year, and is keen to continue.

Car choice is dependent on the teams, and Mike's ambition for 2007. Should they decide they want to go for a proper attempt at winning the championship, they will need to purchase a new Super 2000 car to replace their Integra.

Motorbase Performance

Were already working on a two-car 2007 entry back in October 2005 before Dave Pinkney asked them to run his Integra.

Team is highly likely to continue next season, possibly with this years Team Dynamics Honda Integras.

Fast-Tec Motorsport

Appear to have withdrawn from this years series, although at time of writing there has been no official confimation.

Geoff Steel Racing

Has described his entry to the series with his BMW 320i as a two-year programme, and with the level of investment the team has made with the car, is highly likely to continue as the series switches to the rules his car runs to.

Team Griffin Racing

How many times has this team featured in a rumours page? Finally entered a car with Richard Marsh - and hope to continue the program into 2007. Very likely to retain thier current Peugeot 307.

Quest Racing

Eoin Murray has described his part season this year as preparation for a full entry with his Alfa Romeo 156 next year. Whether this happens is soley dependent on funding. On the positive side, he will have one of the best privateer cars available for next years championship.

Synchro Motorsport

Will probabily continue with thier Honda Civic Type-R after a successful season so far, one which has seen James Kaye finally take his first podium in the series after 14 years of trying.

Xero Competition

Has two suitable Super 2000 Lexus IS 200s, one of which is currently raced by Adam Jones. Adam is looking at opportunities in the WTCC for 2007, so a continued program is dependent upon finding (a) suitably funded drvier(s)

Kartworld Racing

Want to run two-cars next year, the second possibly for Paul Bird. Should plenty of MGs available for next season. Jason may become involved in a partnership with WSR Super 2000 program.

Infront Motorsport

Spent most of the year so far trying to sort a troublesome Alfa Romeo 156. The team look to be finally getting on top of the car, and hopefully they'll return for a more competive season in 2007.

Techspeed Racing

Provided Fiona Leggate remains commited to the series, this team is likely to enter again. Is looking at its Super 2000 options for 2007, and maybe expand to second car, possibly for Paul O'Neill or John George. Highly likely to continue running the cars on bio-ethanol fuel to retain EEMS backing.

Team Cylde Valley Racing

Plan to run a pair of bio-ethanol Chevrolet Lacetti's, one of which to be driven by Dan Eaves.

CMS Motorsport

Henry Taylors trying to set up a BTCC entry

Speed Equipe

Said they'd return with a new car. No news since.

Daniels Motorsport

Still hoping to enter Andy Neate at some point. Have lost Nuts sponsorship.

Arena International

May be looking for a return to tin-tops now their sportscar program has folded.

[Hazard]

Good thread, though like you say - maybe a bit early.

Got any sources for some of your guesses though? Or are some assumptions?

[touringlegend]

The Clyde Valley story is reported in Autosport this week.

[cos]

Autosport had a full-page story about the Clyde Valley-bio-Chevy team... apparently they may be running the Chevys themselves or they may put it out to tender to another team... Still, they had an artist's impression, so it must happen, right?

[Hazard]

Seen any artists impressions of Lada's, Brilliance's, MG DTM cars or anything ever?

[cos]

Originally Posted by Hazard

Seen any artists impressions of Lada's, Brilliance's, MG DTM cars or anything ever?

I really should work on conveying sarcasm better in my posts...

[Hazard]

I got it...was just emphasising it for you, it was too subtle for our American audience

[Alfa Fan]

Like the pictures of the Ford Diesel Autosport were convinced we'd have for 2004....

But this one seems to be for real, ie, quotes from people involved, etc.

[Alfa Fan]

Originally Posted by Hazard

Got any sources for some of your guesses though? Or are someassumptions?

Most of what I've written is based on speculation i've read in the media.

[Craig]

So stands a 10% chance of happening then?

[Alfa Fan]

I actually think there's a good chance of this going ahead.

[Craig]

hmmm

[touringlegend]

I've read in the Motors feature in a paper today that Dan Eaves "is committed to the programme". (Chevy) I'd like to hear his views on the project first..


.

[BootsOntheSide]

Too early to look at any of this as certain, but are you sure Motorbase would not run WTCC-spec cars next year, assuming they can get them? If they had a 2-car entry planned for 2007 as long ago as last October, I suspect it would be a serious one. Otherwise nothing which seems really unlikely or strange on there.

[Alfa Fan]

Suppose so. But it doesn't seem right that Jordan/Pinkney would buy a car just for one season? Unless they have plans to sell them on?

[touringlegend]

Let's face it Pinkney / Jordan / Kaye aren't exactly regular front runners - they enjoy having the battles between themselves like they have so often this year, so I doubt any of them are looking to sell the cars they have.

[Alfa Fan]

Geoff Streel Racing wants to run three BMW 320s in next years BTCC, including the car they currently run for Martyn Bell.

Mike Jordan has confirmed he will stay in the BTCC next season, and is looking to purchase a Super 2000 car.

WSR are in negotiations with a manufacturer to move into Super 2000 with, but haven't ruled out running their MG ZS again (can't see this tbh)

Paul Radisich is interested in a return to the BTCC.

[touringlegend]

Paul Radisich talked to Triple8 before they signed Giovanardi for this year didn't he ?

[rdjones]

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

WSR are in negotiations with a manufacturer to move into Super 2000 with, but haven't ruled out running their MG ZS again (can't see this tbh)

They have also said that what ever they run it will be powered by bio-ethanol.

[racingdad]

The BMW will have to show considerably more pace before two more drivers get their cheque books out for next year - it can't be much cheaper than running much nearer the front

[touringlegend]

Originally Posted by rdjones

They have also said that what ever they run it will be powered by bio-ethanol.

Tell me if this is a case of 2+2 = 5 but haven't WSR been rumoured to be looking at Chevrolet's in the past, plus "Clyde Valley" have said their aim is to sub out the operation to an existing team.

[redshoes]

Geoff Steel are one of the more experienced of the indie teams but I think even they will struggle to run 3 cars competitively. As racing dad says, they need to do better with the car they've got first, especially as it's already a proven machine.

Originally Posted by touringlegend

Tell me if this is a case of 2+2 = 5 but haven't WSR been rumoured to be looking at Chevrolet's in the past

and Kia, and Rover, and etc etc

[Alfa Fan]

Originally Posted by touringlegend

Tell me if this is a case of 2+2 = 5 but haven't WSR been rumoured to be looking at Chevrolet's in the past, plus "Clyde Valley" have said their aim is to sub out the operation to an existing team.

Thats a very good point. However, Clyde Valley have their own drivers lined up (Dan Eaves and Colin Neil)

Whereas I'd imagine Colin Turkington and Rob Collard will be continuing with the team.

I could see WSR run Clyde Valley as their B-Team.

[Alfa Fan]

Originally Posted by racingdad

The BMW will have to show considerably more pace before two more drivers get their cheque books out for next year - it can't be much cheaper than running much nearer the front

The article suggests that the drivers have approached the team to run BMWs, rather than the team hunting for additional drivers.

There are significant economical and performance economies of scale to be benefited from by running a multi-car operation.