10 Predictions for 2013

[Eurotech]

I'd also like to predict that there'll be a new balance of performance argument this season, we've had Diesel vs Petrol, LPG vs Petrol, Turbo vs non Turbo and Turbo boost b*tching

[VX Foxy]

My prediction is that none of Alfa fan's predictions will come true

[BDunnell]

A prediction I'd add: no Toyota Avensis will win a BTCC race in 2013.

[VX Foxy]

Another one to add: Neate will achieve at least one podium

[Eurotech]

How about this: An Audi will win more than one race this year

[Robinho]

A gillham/hard entered car will win a race

Sent from the moon using a shoe

[The Sanchize]

Here's another one - Jason Plato will get beaten by somebody he doesn't think should have beaten him, so he'll whine and moan until he gets his own way. He'll ram into the back of someone and claim that they broke far too early, he'll have a fairly serious accident at some point during the season and claim that it's because 'tagged' by someone. All the while he'll be helping to punt cheap, unsafe, substandard machinery into the UK. Looking forward to watching you again Jason, always good value. In all seriousness, if he keeps his mouth shut and lets his driving do the talking, I think Mr Plato will be the one setting the pace this year. Its a shame that there aren't any other manufacturers out there willing to give the BTCC a go and give good drivers like Jason Plato and Tom O-C etc a chance to help them promote in the UK. Where are you Volvo/Nissan/Alfa/Ford etc etc???

[BDunnell]

So, three meetings in; how are our predictions looking, I wondered?

1. 50% or less of Tony Gilham's proposed entries will turn up.

Proved wrong at the first meeting. I'm most impressed by how competitive the Team HARD cars are, especially the Passat.

2. Andy Neate will not score a single point all season

Still waiting to find out. With the sheer size of the field, however, I still reckon he'll struggle.

3. The AmD Astra will be the best "non WSR, non Motorbase" privately built NGTC car

Unlikely now to appear, it seems.

4. Gordon Shedden will be champions again

Too early to say.

5. At least 5 entries won't see out the season

Ditto.

6. A Vauxhall Insignia won't be in the top 10.

Jack Goff's race two finish at Thruxton has put paid to this prediction.

7. Motorbase will win the Jack Sears Trophy

Don't think anyone can be certain as to the destination of the Jack Sears Trophy at present. It's proved surprisingly competitive; every one of the drivers competing, except perhaps Warren Scott, has shown the ability and pace to win that class.

8. ITV4 won't renew the TV deal for 2014.

Already renewed, of course.

9. A new manufacturer will announce a faux-works entry to the series before the conclusion of the season.

Again, too soon to say.

10. No team that has extra drives to be filled as of the first race will actually fill them.

Another case of 'wait and see'.

[BDunnell]

Nick Foster will win a race. So will Rob Austin.

Both now look very unlikely to meet my expectation. The BMW doesn't seem good enough to get Foster near the sharp end, and the Audi has been nowhere since the Brands shunt. I'd now say Adam Morgan and Jeff Smith are far more likely first-time winners; both have been driving extremely well.

Biggest grid of the year: 24 cars.

Wrong as of the first race.

Chris Stockton's NGTC Cruze to outperform Andy Neate's.

Work is at least continuing on completion of the BTC Racing Cruze for Stockton, so let's see whether it appears.

Just one Passat to be ready for the first round, barely run beforehand.

This, at least, was right.

Mat Jackson to be a title contender.

Way off the mark! Motorbase have been very disappointing so far, obviously.

[Alfa Fan]

Proved wrong at the first meeting. I'm most impressed by how competitive the Team HARD cars are, especially the Passat.

Not yet. HARD said they were doing SIX cars, so need to field at least 4 simultaneously for me to be wrong on that one.