Any rumours for BTCC 2009?

[BTCC2]

Would be fantastic but as so many of these pre-season stories are, I expect it is totally inaccurate.

[Eurotech]

Did anyone notice the Team48 Alfa Romeo at the Autosport Show?

[Alfa Fan]

IT WASN'T TEAM 48!!!!

Although poor Darrelle Wilson really should have resprayed it.

It's Darrelle Wilson/PT Motorsport who are working on entering him in it this season.

[Eurotech]

good luck to then seeing as it doesn't have an engine! :D

[Alfa Fan]

Oh yeah, another point, they were using the show car which has never and probabily never will have an engine in it. I'm not saying he's definitely going to be out, but don't tar him with the same brush as Team 48

[dwracing23]

Oh yeah, another point, they were using the show car which has never and probabily never will have an engine in it.

Are you sure about your last post?! If you do research you may just find that your statement isnt correct. It may not have an engine in the future but......

Team 48 is nothing to do with Darrelle, he was purely a driver for the team, can we now change this very broken record please.

[Eurotech]

what broken record? I was simply asking if anyone had seen the Alfa at the Autosport International. If you don't want to be associated with Team48 then maybe you should respray your car before you take it to shows.

[Chrism]

Do you think we will see BTC Racing or AFM? I think we will still see over 20 cars and possibly more in the mid season.

[Les]

AFM will be testing again very soon and may I say happy birthday to Rick Kerry for today!

[thompp]

AFM will be testing again very soon and may I say happy birthday to Rick Kerry for today!

Maybe if Rick Kerry could lead the BTCC field to all drive Diesels at Croft that would solve the noise issues.....!

[Alfa Fan]

Adam Jones is to line up alongside Dan Eaves at Clyde Valley Racing in 2009 according to Touring Car Times. Autosport reporting it now too. Adam's also just been added as a driver on CVRs website.

[Eurotech]

what happened to Phiroze Bilmoria?

[LiamM]

So would that possibly mean that GR Asia will run the cars for them then?

[VX_Rules]

what happened to Phiroze Bilmoria?

"parted ways"

[BTCC2]

Much happier to see Dan Eaves back anyway.

[tyreman2]

what broken record? I was simply asking if anyone had seen the Alfa at the Autosport International. If you don't want to be associated with Team48 then maybe you should respray your car before you take it to shows.
Dear Eurotech,I don't know where you get your info from or maybe you just make it up?
The car at the show was the car that was at the media day last year,where it was on loan to Team 48.It has never belonged to Team 48
I chose the colour back then and the company that loaned the car for the
show where more than happy for it to stay that way.Also it doesn't have an engine because it doesn't need one , it is purely a show car not a race car.The purpose of being at the show was a)to collect some much needed money for the loan of the car,and b) to drum up some interest for this years BTCC .(which very worthwhile)
The reference to DW changing the colour of the car is way of the mark as well, the only info Dan has regarding PT Motorsport is what i tell him
If you where at the show you could have asked either me or Darelle what his plans are and we would have been more than happy to tell you the real story

[Eurotech]

I don't know where you get your info from or maybe you just make it up?
Not always :D ...

It has never belonged to Team 48
...I don't think that I'm to only one on this forum who didn't know that...

I chose the colour back then and the company that loaned the car for the show where more than happy for it to stay that way.
..It's still the colour that Team 48 used. there's no denying that. (and I think that the Alfa needs respraying anyway because Alfa's look better in red. Always have done...

Also it doesn't have an engine because it doesn't need one , it is purely a show car not a race car.
...I never said that it needed an engine, I just said that you won't be able to race that particular version. I was merely responding to somthing that Alfa Fan had said earlier...

The purpose of being at the show was a)to collect some much needed money for the loan of the car,and b) to drum up some interest for this years BTCC .(which very worthwhile).
...I never asked WHY you were there...

If you where at the show
...I was...

you could have asked either me or Darelle what his plans are and we would have been more than happy to tell you the real story
...That's what I doing now...

...Is that the World's LONGEST post? yes, probably. :D

[VX_Rules]

Haha :D

[VkmSpouge]

James Thompson has been testing for Tempus Sport and they're apparently in serious talks trying to bring him in to partner Harry Vaulkhard. It would certainly be a coup for Tempus to have a driver of Thompson's calibre racing for them.

http://www.btcc.net/html/generalnews_detail.php?id=1267

[BTCC2]

They seem like a very proffessional team. If they can get everything right then come the second half of the season they could be genuine contenders for race wins.

[tisme]

And here he says that Dynamics has the car to win the title..

"Based on what I've seen during this test and the motivation I've seen inside the team to win the championship I couldn't think of any better place to be than Dynamics. http://www.crash.net/btcc/News/11502/1/dynamics_could_win_title_states_thommo.html

He doesn't know where he wants to go!

[VkmSpouge]

Thompson is trying to keep his options open. I can fully believe what he said about both Team Dynamics and Tempus Sport, he would be winning races with either team.

[Bezza]

I'm still waiting for official confirmation on an all female team for 2009:

Female driver, female crew members.

I'm not joking either!

[tisme]

Thompson is trying to keep his options open. I can fully believe what he said about both Team Dynamics and Tempus Sport, he would be winning races with either team.


What about this then? http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/news/article.asp?NewsID=4438

[cos]

...and http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73045
Volvo looking to tie up sponsors for a 3 year project and are down to a shortlist of 2 squads to run the cars.

[VX_Rules]

Im guessing Team Dynamics and Northern South, shame they expect that it might not be in time this year, but also, the cars arent S2000 spec, yet they'd be a manufacturer entry, how would that work?

[LiamM]

The are locally homologated in Sweden, The BTCC and STCC has agreement that their homologation process is applicable in both championships

[VkmSpouge]

I really hope Volvo do enter this season, I guess we will see.

[Marc W]

I'm still waiting for official confirmation on an all female team for 2009:

Female driver, female crew members.

I'm not joking either!

Except that it's more likely to be in British GT's now rather than BTCC. Assuming we're talking about the same one!

[DazzlaF1]

Im guessing Team Dynamics and Northern South, shame they expect that it might not be in time this year, but also, the cars arent S2000 spec, yet they'd be a manufacturer entry, how would that work?

I would guess the latter to be more likely Northern South having lost the SEAT works contract and all, plus if they do make the switch, id wonder if they bring over their works driver Robert Dahlgren to take one of the seats, seeing he has valuable experience with the C30.

[VkmSpouge]

I think Dahlgren is already confirmed for the STCC in the Polestar Volvos.

[VX_Rules]

Blatently Plato going to drive I guess from what the Volvo Msport guy said in the interview. But I dont think TD should be ruled out as you know they want to be running a works outfit.

We'll see :D

[LiamM]

If they want to sign Plato, signing Northern South makes sense as it would give some continuity for the team ie Both know how each other work etc

[tdb]

Northern south would have to recruit a whole new team!
So it would be a fresh start for plato with ANY team chosen.

[BTCC2]

Hope it happens, even if it's not in time for the opening few rounds.

[mattie007]

Would this be a Volvo works team?

Any news on a BMW works teasm aswell?

[PDS]

The way the Autosport article reads, Volvo will be a munafacturer entry!

As for a works BMW team in the BTCC, It doesn't look like it.

Although no news yet from Motorbase!

[AndySpeed]

It's a shame that a marque as sporty and successful in British motorsport as BMW can't commit to a works entry in the top national championship. But in the current climate it's fully understandable.

The Volvo news is certainly interesting at the moment...

[mattie007]

That would be good, a championship needs at least 2 manufacturers!

[VX_Rules]

Dont hold your breathe for this season, but next season I reckon should be just fine.

[A Scotsman]

Any news about Shedden yet?

[Allyc85]

Team Dynamics have been in talks with Volvo about running the cars. The story also reports that Dave Pinkney has agreed a deal in principal to drive for the team :)

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73137

[Bruce D]

Team Dynamics have been in talks with Volvo about running the cars. The story also reports that Dave Pinkney has agreed a deal in principal to drive for the team :)

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73137

Well I can understand Volvo doing that, look at what they've done privately with the Integra and the Civic. It'll be a shame to lose the Civic though, so hopefully another team will run them.

As for Pinkney, why? What has he proven? Rather take Adam Jones, who along with Turkington and Jackson, has to be one of the top 3 independant drivers on the grid. And I see no reason why Sheddon should be dropped either.

[VkmSpouge]

As for Pinkney, why? What has he proven?

Well the why is easy: Money.
What has Pinkney proven? Well he is a decent driver who has been competitive in most series he has raced and believe he won the Vauxhall Vectra Challenge in the late 90s.

[I am evil Homer]

The way I read that article Pinkney was lined up as a driver for a Civic (if TD run them in 09) not part of the Volvo deal they just combined two TD pieces of news into one story.

[Eurotech]

the problem is Halfords isn't Pink!

[Les]

well I am hoping to see lots of pink on the car.
I think it is brilliant that Dave gets to drive a proven race-winning car - I am really looking forward to seeing him up with the best of them

[VX_Rules]

If TD run Volvos, Plato won't be a driver...

[tisme]

the problem is Halfords isn't Pink!

Not really going to be a problem.

[Eurotech]

Not really going to be a problem.
What do you mean? its a national crisis!!!

[Alfa Fan]

I think tisme means that Halfords will not be sponsoring Team Dynamics this season.

[Allyc85]

Pinkney isnt %100 certain yet, so the Volvo deal could change everything :)

[Eurotech]

This national crisis just got a whole lot worse! lol...

[tisme]

I think tisme means that Halfords will not be sponsoring Team Dynamics this season.

Which is one reason why they will have Pinkney in the team.

[Ed]

im not being funny but pinkney in the ciuvic is not a good idea. he may be a nice and funny bloke but he isnt on the pace all the time. They might as well put Farique Hariman in the car.

[Les]

you what?

The only reason Dave wasn't at the front end is because he always seems to go for under-developed cars. This year will be different - you just wait

[BDunnell]

One of my favourite BTCC memories of recent years was Pinkney's spectacular day at Thruxton in 2006. That proved to me that he can run with the best given the car and the circumstances.

[tisme]

you what?

The only reason Dave wasn't at the front end is because he always seems to go for under-developed cars. This year will be different - you just wait
I don't think you can say that the Honda Integra and Alfa 156 were under-developed cars.
The Alfa with the help of A-Tech was definitely under-prepared! This year David has to raise his game and show what he can do.

[Bruce D]

I don't think you can say that the Honda Integra and Alfa 156 were under-developed cars.


Well you can't call the Integra under-developed cos it won the championship twice! Besides, it didnt seem to be too slow in the hands of the Jordans in '08. I'd say the problem is more than both cars were getting old.

[Eurotech]

The A-tech alfas were just not tested enough to make them into competitive cars and they were pretty much the same as the car that came out in 2005.

[LiamM]

The A-tech alfas were just not tested enough to make them into competitive cars and they were pretty much the same as the car that came out in 2005.

They were competitive in the right hands in the WTCC. It was the team that was the problem

[mattie007]

Warren Hughes in the second chevy?

[norwichsam1]

According to Mike Earle in this weeks autosport, towards the end of last season it looked like we were gonna have at least Ford and Honda entering as works teams in 2009. No wonder Alan Gow didn't seem too bothered by Seat pulling out. Especially with rumours of Volvo (although both them and Ford would seem strange) and also Bart Mampaey apparently pushing for BMW to enter aswell. 2009 could have been a mega season! Imagine the amount of 'star name' drivers that number of teams could have brought to the series!

Since then though, Ford and Honda have been hit hard by the economical situation and abandoned BTCC plans, BMW have comitted to WTCC and surely Volvo have left it all too late. Never mind, thank god for the privateers that we've still even got a (damn good) championship to watch.

[Abo]

I wouldn't be arsed about a field full of private teams, as long as they were all competitive and on a par. It might actually tighten things up as far as the championship goes, instead of one or two drivers running away with it.

[VkmSpouge]

James Thompson testing for Motorbase Perfomance. Of course Motorbase have been testing just about everyone and Thompson has been testing for just about every team.

Also I hope Jason Hughes gets better from his knee surgery (http://www.btcc.net/html/generalnews_detail.php?id=1270).

[Eurotech]

I wonder if Plato will end up in the second motorbase car?

[PDS]

Motorbase have been testing just about everyone and Thompson has been testing for just about every team.

Not quite everyone! Only 4 drivers.

But at least they ARE testing, unlike many other teams!

[Eurotech]

Not quite everyone! Only 4 drivers.


Thompson, Harvey, Adam, Caine & Kane makes 5....

[LiamM]

But the likelihood of Harvey driving for them next year is 0

[PDS]

Thompson, Harvey, Adam, Caine & Kane makes 5....
Steven Kane has not driven the BMW since the last round at Brands Hatch!

http://www.psp-images.co.uk/gallery/v/btcc/test/

[VkmSpouge]

Thompson, Harvey, Adam, Caine & Kane makes 5....

I think they tested James Nash http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=2871

[LiamM]

Has Robertshaw Racing said anything about next year?

[Marc W]

I don't think we'll see them in the BTCC. They no longer have the Chevrolets, as the Vaulkhard family own them. They also said Alan Taylor is unlikely to be running so we'll probably just see them in the Clio cup.

[Eurotech]

By the way, the fact that motorbase had put the number 12 on the car that thommo was driving indicates that he might be staying with them...

[tisme]

the #12 was on the car at the autosport show.

http://www.motorbaseperformance.co.uk/

[Eurotech]

oh right yeh - 12th in the BTCC last year was Mr Rob Collard so read what you want into that...

[Nick]

IMO the BTCC was in a far better situation when Richard West was running it - just look at the facts

BTCC 2009
* 1 works team
* ITV4 television

BTCC 2004
* Vauxhall, Seat, Honda, Proton, MG
* ITV1
* Far more star drivers - Muller, Plato, Reid, Thompson, etc, etc
* Better support series

Just my opinion before someone takes this out of context!

[I am evil Homer]

Facts

2004: Huge year-on-year growth
2009: Deepest recession since 1930, car factories closing for months on end

Read into that what you will...but i'd love to see Mr West try and convince anyone that BTCC is a good idea right now

[norwichsam1]

Wasn't Alan Gow back in charge in 2004? wasn't it him who introduced s2000 to the BTCC (hence seat's entry). And by 2004 weren't MG an independant entry, as were Honda in all but name. To be honest I think the days of any manufacturer involvement in motorsport are on the way out. The fact that the BTCC is still a top line event as opposed to a glorified club meeting is pretty much down to Alan gow. Do miss some of the 'old' support races tho, fiestas, lotus's and formula ford (when it was still a rung on the ladder to f1) but again a sign of the times in what the manufacturerers want to put there money into.

[martinbalmer]

Wasn't Alan Gow back in charge in 2004?

Yes, he came back to the BTCC midway through the 2003 season..

[VkmSpouge]

BTCC 2004
* Vauxhall, Seat, Honda, Proton, MG

There was no works MG team in 2004.

[BDunnell]

IMO the BTCC was in a far better situation when Richard West was running it - just look at the facts

BTCC 2009
* 1 works team
* ITV4 television

BTCC 2004
* Vauxhall, Seat, Honda, Proton, MG
* ITV1
* Far more star drivers - Muller, Plato, Reid, Thompson, etc, etc
* Better support series

Just my opinion before someone takes this out of context!

So some of those points are 'facts', are they? As others have stated, there are some serious errors there.

[LiamM]

Alan Gow has no control over what the support series do either its totally up to them and the only change between 2004 and 2009 is that both BMW and SEAT have pulled the plug on their respective championships. Alan has done his best and invited the Ginettas to join, and they adequetly fill the void the others left (and personally speaking I'd have the Ginetta Juniors over an open wheeled BMW anyday)

And don't forget if it wasn't for some silly silly politics BTCC would be supported by F3 now

[VkmSpouge]

IMO the BTCC was in a far better situation when Richard West was running it - just look at the facts

BTCC 2009
* 1 works team
* ITV4 television

BTCC 2004
* Vauxhall, Seat, Honda, Proton, MG
* ITV1
* Far more star drivers - Muller, Plato, Reid, Thompson, etc, etc
* Better support series

Just my opinion before someone takes this out of context!

I won't take it out of context but it certainly is entirely off topic for a thread about rumours for the coming season.

For instance; over on the BTCC.net forums, Ian Court has said he's hoping to enter up to seven rounds this season starting at Donington Park. I hope he can do it.

[Eurotech]

can I just say that those figures may have overlooked the 2006/07 season when the grids were regularly over 20.

[Marc W]

IMO the BTCC was in a far better situation when Richard West was running it - just look at the facts

BTCC 2009
* 1 works team
* ITV4 television

BTCC 2004
* Vauxhall, Seat, Honda, Proton, MG
* ITV1
* Far more star drivers - Muller, Plato, Reid, Thompson, etc, etc
* Better support series

Just my opinion before someone takes this out of context!

I'm a bit confused, at the begining of the post you state they are facts but by the end they have become your opinion!? But as others have said several of your facts are incorrect, the biggest one being Alan gow was in charge during both those seasons! Also when it was on ITV1 we got highlights with the occasional live race, now on Itv4 all races are live plus there is lots of support race coverage.

In my opinion the support races are better now than they were back then, especially the Ginetta junior series which produced some of the best races 0f 2008. Having "star" drivers doesn't make a difference to me, although I'd say we still have quite a few decent drivers now. If the racing is good (which it has been.) I couldn't care less if lots of people have heard of the drivers or not!

[Eurotech]

and also, Nick, are you saying that Plato (who is still in the championship), Giovanardi, Jackson, Turkington, Neal and Jelley are not star drivers?

[Nick]

it was just my opinion - i actually agree with a lot of responses - think i may have got my years confiused - i may have been thinking of 2003

though i am not sure how Euotech can claim that Jelley is a star driver!!! - he might end up been one but he is a long way from been taht at the moment

[Allyc85]

lets keep this on topic eh, maybe start a new thread for your discussion? :)

[Les]

and also, Nick, are you saying that Plato (who is still in the championship), Giovanardi, Jackson, Turkington, Neal and Jelley are not star drivers?

I wouldn't either - out of that list only Plato, Giovanardi & maybe just maybe Neal are true star drivers. Jelley certainly is not, and Jackson & Turkington need another 2 or 3 years at the front and in other cars & other series before I'd class them as 'star' drivers.

[Eurotech]

well then Les and Nick, I would like to see you come third in F3 and Turkington has had two works drives in his career and Jackson manages to beat Jason Plato in this years championship despite Jason having such an unfair car advantage it was unreal.

[gover]

got some pics from testing at thruxton on friday..

shedden was testing for team dynamics.

turkington was testing for team rac

vaulkhard testing in his chevrolet

[gover]

.

[Eurotech]

I take it that this means that Shedden has a seat at Dynamics for this year.

[VkmSpouge]

Or at the very least it means Shedden still thinks he has a chance of getting a seat with Team Dynamics for this season.

[gover]

my bet is that shedden and pinkey both for team dynamics ;) ..pinkey splashing alot off money into this sason.

i saw toc up there havin a snoop round still looking for a drive i guess.

andrew and mike both there. had a good chat both very optermistic about next season

[Eurotech]

Onlow-Cole at Tempus maybe?

[VX_Rules]

Onlow-Cole at Tempus maybe?


Bit of a waste. :(

[VkmSpouge]

I don't think it would be a waste. Those Chevies were race winners in the WTCC last year and Tempus have got support from RML, they have the potential to do quite well in the BTCC.

[tdb]

i agree with vkmspouge, with TOC in one it stands a chance of winning, unfortunately i can't see vaulkard moving it any further forward than the car he ran last year, he has binned one already.

[tdb]

Apparently motorbase have a new name.... "BMW Team Motorbase".

I wonder what this means.

Has Mr Bartrum pulled off a mega deal?

Hmmmmmm.

[LiamM]

Would explain the lack of any announcement from the team so far

[Brown, Jon Brow]

BMW Team Motorbase could be the reason Jackson Sport lost its BMW backing?

[PDS]

No, they are different things entirely.

Lets wait for Motorbase, in whatever guise they take, make their announcement!

[VkmSpouge]

Apparently motorbase have a new name.... "BMW Team Motorbase".

I wonder what this means.

Has Mr Bartrum pulled off a mega deal?

Hmmmmmm.

Interesting if true, they have been quite quiet of late.

[Eurotech]

That would be brilliant for the team and they really deserve it for all the hard work they put in. I really hope that this is true...

[mattie007]

Motorbase said they wanted to run 3 cars, Collard, Kane AND Jackson?

[Eurotech]

Collard, Kane, Priaulx maybe.....

[Marc W]

Priaulx is already confirmed in the WTCC.

[tisme]

I like the sound of Kane, Jackson and Thompson!

[Darlo]

Apparently motorbase have a new name.... "BMW Team Motorbase".

I wonder what this means.

Has Mr Bartrum pulled off a mega deal?

Hmmmmmm.


Having read what I assume will be the same article I wonder if it simply means BMW team, Motorbase (i.e. a team fielding BMWs)?? :confused:

[LiamM]

We'll find out tomorrow not we

[Jon411]

Having read what I assume will be the same article I wonder if it simply means BMW team, Motorbase (i.e. a team fielding BMWs)?? :confused:


I think so - as they did the same thing in their article about Thompson testing for Motorbase

[Eurotech]

Rob Collard has been confirmed at the team for this year - good news for Rob
.

[LiamM]

Rob Collard has been confirmed at the team for this year - good news for Rob
.

Second driver should be confirmed before media day

[LiamM]

Just noticed something interesting on Crash.net...

http://www.crash.net/BTCC/pictureArchive/0/3/photos.html

Photo seems to be pretty recent, its newer than all the CO2 testing photos, the car also have ITV4 logos on it which it didn't have previously (as in when it ran before)

I can't link the photo to a news story though

[tintin]

Just noticed something interesting on Crash.net...

http://www.crash.net/BTCC/pictureArchive/0/3/photos.html

Photo seems to be pretty recent, its newer than all the CO2 testing photos, the car also have ITV4 logos on it which it didn't have previously (as in when it ran before)

I can't link the photo to a news story though

The photo was taken at Silverstone yesterday (Friday).
Martin Bell and Paul O'Neill were also testing in the Integras.

[PDS]

Just noticed something interesting on Crash.net...

http://www.crash.net/BTCC/pictureArchive/0/3/photos.html

Photo seems to be pretty recent, its newer than all the CO2 testing photos, the car also have ITV4 logos on it which it didn't have previously (as in when it ran before)

I can't link the photo to a news story though

If you check http://www.teamafmracing.com/ the championship stickers were added early last year!

Not what you think... Mind you it is still possible.

[BTCC2]

After working on the car for over a year now you would think that they could get at least one car out. Depending on money etc.

[PDS]

There have been a lot of problems going on in the background at AFM. Nothing to talk about here on this forum.

He has done well to keep the car. They are still working towards a two-car team..

[Alfa Fan]

Anyone know if Xero's Lexus is ready to enter yet? I know they said they'd just enter when there ready, but 2 and a half years is quite a long time.

[AndySpeed]

Anyone know if Xero's Lexus is ready to enter yet? I know they said they'd just enter when there ready, but 2 and a half years is quite a long time.

Even if someone on here did say they knew, or that there was going to be an entry, you probably still wouldn't believe it anyway. So... stop asking?

[tisme]

Anyone know if Xero's Lexus is ready to enter yet? I know they said they'd just enter when there ready, but 2 and a half years is quite a long time.

Not really forgiven them, have you Jonathan?

[tdb]

Anyone know if Xero's Lexus is ready to enter yet? I know they said they'd just enter when there ready, but 2 and a half years is quite a long time.

I very much doubt you'll find the answer on this forum. ;)

[Jimmy Magnusson]

It always amazes me that people are so keen on announcing stuff, or talking it up. This is not directed only at you, tdb - at least you were out testing with the car, and things change - but to everyone. I'll be impressed if CVR does race this year, because they sure didn't make themselves look good last year. This is also a recurring theme in news reports and rumors - how many times have we seen "30+ cars in BTCC next year, what will they do at Knockhill?" asked? Under promise and over deliver - that has always been my favourite approach.

[BTCC2]

This may have been mentioned in a previous post but it's a long thread and i'm tired so I will just post the link up anyway.
http://www.sponsormyracecar.net/index.html
http://www.ian-court-racing.co.uk/

[cos]

It always amazes me that people are so keen on announcing stuff, or talking it up. This is not directed only at you, tdb - at least you were out testing with the car, and things change - but to everyone. I'll be impressed if CVR does race this year, because they sure didn't make themselves look good last year.

How did CVR not make themselves look good last year? As I recall, they had a fairly glossy-looking promotional brochure setting out all the plans they had in mind with their Chevvies, but never actually announced definitive plans for '08.

[Chrism]

Well a friend of mine was talkin to a chief mechanicc from a team and he said im not going to media day as itsnot worth the drive and his reply was your stupid if you dont as there is a big announcement then swore and said he shudnt of said that. How true in dunno.

[VX_Rules]

Hmmmm. Believe it when I see it...

[tdb]

Well a friend of mine was talkin to a chief mechanicc from a team and he said im not going to media day as itsnot worth the drive and his reply was your stupid if you dont as there is a big announcement then swore and said he shudnt of said that. How true in dunno.

Well my aunt's cousin's dog groomer's friend said, read it on the website straight after and save the drive ;)

[cos]

I'd keep an eye on http://www.airwavesbmw.com in the next couple of days...

[Alfa Fan]

Is that Matt Jackson's new sponsor them? Or maybe even Motorbase, but their car seems quite full as it is!!

[cos]

I doubt any team would turn down a sponsor because they were "full"!

[tdb]

Is that Matt Jackson's new sponsor them? Or maybe even Motorbase, but their car seems quite full as it is!!

Don't tell us your "sources" haven't told you about this?

[VkmSpouge]

This is also a recurring theme in news reports and rumors - how many times have we seen "30+ cars in BTCC next year, what will they do at Knockhill?" asked?

I don't think we've seen that all this off season.

[AndySpeed]

I'd keep an eye on www.airwavesbmw.com (http://www.airwavesbmw.com) in the next couple of days...

A cheeky little search of who owns the domain reveals all...

[MattL]

Is that Matt Jackson's new sponsor them? Or maybe even Motorbase, but their car seems quite full as it is!!

Story: Motorbase to run as Airwaves BMW in 2009 BTCC (http://www.btccpages.com/news/1/1239/Motorbase-to-run-as-Airwaves-BMW-in-2009-BTCC/)

Credit to Mr Bartrum for pulling off a deal like that in the current climate!

[ATF]

Am I right in thinking Airwaves have stopped sponsoring their team in BSB this year?

[tdb]

Am I right in thinking Airwaves have stopped sponsoring their team in BSB this year?


No, Airwaves are stil title sponsor for the GSE BSB team, but they are Yamaha instead of Ducati.

[Alfa Fan]

Pinkney and Shedden confirmed at Team Dynamics in Motorsport News today.

[Eurotech]

but how reliable is motorsport news?

[Robinho]

its on touringcartimes.com too, but you can ask that same question! i'd take it as 99% though

[Alfa Fan]

The MN article has quotes from all involved so I'd take it as being pretty reliable.

[dans_hatch]

Seems Airwaves are stepping up motorsport involvement this year as my mate says they are still sponsoring young Matthew Wilson in WRC too.

Chuddy all round!!

[BTCC2]

Should provide them with a healthy budget for this year.

[AndySpeed]

http://www.bet365.com/home/default.asp then go to BTCC

I dare someone to put a tenner on Plato!

[reidy_fan]

fancy a wee punt on jonny adam at 66/1

[MG2004]

fancy a wee punt on jonny adam at 66/1

Thanks for the heads up! The motorbase BMW was fantastic for the latter half of 2008 so should be good in 2009 - I took Adam @ 66/1 and I also took Eaves @ 100/1 and Jones @ 16/1.

If Jackson had a drive my money would be on him. Wonder what happened to the 2 BMWs he had?

I don't see how VX will be able to complete the season with Vauxhall Motors struggling as they are, so the outsiders may well be in with a chance this year!

[LiamM]

If Jackson had a drive my money would be on him. Wonder what happened to the 2 BMWs he had?


They are probably sitting in his garage, he hasn't totally written off this season. I'm sure he'll be back in a flash as soon as he gets the right money

[VXRDartford]

I don't see how VX will be able to complete the season with Vauxhall Motors struggling as they are, so the outsiders may well be in with a chance this year!

I think Vauxhall have enough sponsors to see out the season! Can't see them entering if they did not think they would finish it

[tdb]

I don't see how VX will be able to complete the season with Vauxhall Motors struggling as they are, so the outsiders may well be in with a chance this year!
They wouldn't start if they couldn't finish!
It's all contractual, the deal is done, it would cost more to get out of the contract than it does to stay in it!

Same scenario as RBS and wlliams F1.

[Allyc85]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74099

Jason Hughes may possibly miss the season opener as he may not be fully recovered from a knee operation.

[thompp]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74099

Jason Hughes may possibly miss the season opener as he may not be fully recovered from a knee operation.

Thats a big shame as he's worked so hard for it. However we will see him in action later in the season.

[mattie007]

Thanks for the images.
Regards
Matthew

[Alfa Fan]

Congratulations to Nick Leason who will be confirmed as running in an AFM BMW 120d some time today! Full details on the entry if anyone wants them #16 Nick Leason (I) GBR Team AFM Racing BMW 120d I'm not sure on the eligibility of the car for the new makes championship. Guess we might find out later today.

[thompp]

When thats confirmed on the BTCC site that's excellent news!

[LiamM]

http://www.btcc.net/html/generalnews_detail.php?id=1332

[AndySpeed]

Congratulations to Nick Leason who will be confirmed as running in an AFM BMW 120d some time today! Full details on the entry if anyone wants them #16 Nick Leason (I) GBR Team AFM Racing BMW 120d I'm not sure on the eligibility of the car for the new makes championship. Guess we might find out later today.

If it's built from a kit then that might make a big difference...

[LiamM]

To answer your question :

16 Nick Leason British Team AFM Racing BMW 120D (I)

So just independents

[mattie007]

Great news. Lets hope the years development on the 120d moves it up the grid. Is Rick Kerry joining him later in the season?

[mattie007]

Thats a big shame as he's worked so hard for it. However we will see him in action later in the season.

It is a shame, the car would of been a fair bit quicker aswell.

[Allyc85]

;) Nobody has spotted this then..

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74134

[VkmSpouge]

Excellent news that AFM have got a deal together to get the 1 Series on track. I wish Nick Leason good luck!
Also a great shame Jason Hughes will miss the season opener at Brands Hatch, I hope he recovers in time for Thruxton.

[Nick Leason]

I would like to thank evryone for their support, it's been a very hard battle for us to be here. As I said we are not on a shoestring budget, more like a flip flop budget.... I am off down to Brands today and hope to see you all down there over the weekend. Please come and say hello, it means alot to us having all your support. From Nick and all of Team AFM