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Thread: What makes a big name driver?
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22nd April 2010, 22:15 #1
What makes a big name driver?
Just interested in your thoughts on this. For years now, the public are only willing to accept the likes of Plato and Giovanardi as 'big name' drivers - even Colin Turkington is lucky to be considered a big name driver by some.
Obviously being champion helps, but even that doesn't always cut it I feel.- Is it the 'exotic flair' of having a foreign driver on the grid?[/*:m:38x31kb1]
- Is it a 'carry over' from the super touring days, hence why Plato is so popular?[/*:m:38x31kb1]
- Is it having a media presence outside of the BTCC a la 5th gear?[/*:m:38x31kb1]
- Can a driver be a big name without being in a works team?[/*:m:38x31kb1]
What are everyone's thoughts please, as we approach the first BTCC weekend in eons without a foreign driver and only 2 champions from the past decade.
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22nd April 2010, 23:02 #2
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Originally Posted by AndySpeed
Other than that, it is very disappointing that Turkington has been unable to find a drive. Is it symptomatic of a specific BTCC malaise? Not really. I would rate him above many a leading WTCC driver. And we have to remember that there was quite a lot of relative dross in the BTCC of old. I'd rather have a Tom Chilton in the championship, 'rich kid' or no, than a Gianni Morbidelli. And by comparison with the Sierra Cosworth era after which a lot of people still hanker, the driver line-up of 2010 is truly magnificent.
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23rd April 2010, 12:34 #3
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A big name driver must be someone who has excelled in multiple high class championships and I suppose in the touring car world that means BTCC and WTCC. So you get Muller, Giovanardi, Menu, Rydell, Tarquini.
To a lesser degree and with no disrespect it would include Huffy in that he won a few BTCC and WTCC races.
Would Colin fit in there? Not in my mind but a few WTCC wins and he would.I've got friends racing all over the world.... good luck to you all.
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23rd April 2010, 13:02 #4
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Agree with all the names you gave examples of there Les. You could add Thompson and Priaulx to that list too. They are all guys I would gladly pay the entrance fee to watch.
You lot still here?!
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23rd April 2010, 15:42 #5
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Originally Posted by Les
If i may say so i think its the BTCC that made them who they are today not the WTCC. In my eyes and im sure im not the only one, the BTCC is the making of top touring car drivers.Rickard Rydell 2011 STCC CHAMPION!!! :D
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23rd April 2010, 19:23 #6
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Originally Posted by RMLCruzeing82
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