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Nick
17th November 2008, 22:07
So it looks like we are at the beginning of an economic recession (or in political language an 'economic slowdown' and I thought it would be interesting to try and get a 'real idea' of how we think 2009 is shaping up - rather than the normal 'Rumours or Ideal threads' - so here goes....

Vauxhall – CONFRIMED: 2 x cars (1 more possible)

Gio & Neal are both confirmed
O-Cole - they will run if they can find sponsors

However it is likely that Vauxhalls BTCC budget will be cut with GM in the position thht they are (and with no other works teams confirmed, they will at least win the manufacturers championship!) they are going to be reliant on other sponsors

Prediction – 2 cars

Team Dynamics – NOT CONFIRMED (possibly 2 - 3 cars)

TD will do well to keep Halfords next year, retailers will be hit and Halfords are possibly at a stage where they think the sponsorship has run its cause. Interesting that the car when Pinkney tested carried the Honda "H" on the roof and with Chilton saying that Honda personnel were present at the lst race, it would be likely that Honda step up to become a manufacturer team (I would not be surprised to see TOCA dropping or waving their fees just to get another manufacturer into the series)

Chilton is likely to be retained, despite his performance last year - as he can bring some cash to the team and is still seen as a ‘name’ for enticing sponsors, etc - Sheddon (according to MN he is supposed to have fallen out with the team and it is unlikely to know how the credit crunch has affected his personal sponsors) - Pinkney would make sense (if the team runs 3 cars) as he can bring cash to the team and despite him not been a frontrunner his experience would probably be beneficial to the other drivers and to the team as a whole

Prediction – 3 cars (3 cars would split the costs more effectively)

Team RAC – 1 CONFIRMED (possibly 2-3 cars)

If BMW do return – they would probably choose between WSR or Jackson M-Sport (despite Motorbases strong performance towards the end of the season) – with WSR the most likely destination due to their experience of running works cars for Ford, Honda & MG. RAC will no doubt be feeling the crunch due to their parent companies financial activities – however I would predict that RAC would still have a marketing budget that would be able to fund the sponsorship.

Turks is confirmed
Jelley – despite his performances (or lack of) his ability to bring a large budget to the team should enable him to keep his seat, however he may look else where like TOC did
Van Der Ende – would be a fantastic addition to the team and the championship (as the championship desperately requires some international drivers)

Prediction – 3 cars (as TD – 3 cars would split the costs more effectively)

Jackson M-Sport – NOT CONFIRMED (possibly 0 cars or 2 cars)

Despite their ‘awesome’ performances in the last two years it would be unlikely to see BMW appoint the small family run team as their official works team. It would be more likely that the team continue as a private team, running 2 cars – the 2007 and 2008 car or Jackson M-Sport could move to the WTCC to test themselves against the best or possibly Jackson would be poached by WSR or if another works team enter........

Jackson – WTCC or BTCC Works deal

Prediction – 0 cars

Motorbase Performance – NOT CONFIRMED (possibly 2-3 cars)

After a fantastic season, it is likely that Motorbase will return to the series, however it will be interesting how far long they can continue as they appeared to be running on a budget far lower than what seemed possible to purchase 2 Schnitzer cars and run them to the standard that they did.

Collard – to continue – due to his ability to bring some budget and his performances
S Kane – to continue if he will have to find more budget
Adam – if he can provide some funding he would be a good signing

Prediction – 3 cars (again like TD and WSR it makes sense)

Northern South

They must be a favourite to pick up any works contracts that are available or alternatively if they can find a budget from the contacts that they would have amassed during their work with Seat, they may return with 2 x privately run SEAT cars.

Prediction – 0 cars

John Guest - CONFIRMED – 1 car

A Jordan – confirmed and will no doubt claim his first win!

Prediction -1 car

Air Cool / GR Asia – NOT CONFIRMED (possibly 1-2 cars)

After Jones’s performances in 2008 he is sure to be in a good position to secure a works seat (if they appear) if not there would be no reason not to continue with GR, who have proved that they are a top team. GR would appeal to drivers looking to enter the BTCC with a SEAT Leon due to their experience in running Leons in both the WTCC and BTCC.

A Jones – if he doesn’t get snapped up by a works team or WTCC team – there is no reason why he would not stay with the team
Adam / J Welsh / T Boardman – it would make sense for a driver with plans to run a SEAT Leon to use GR Asia

Prediction – 1 car

CVR – CONFIRMED -2 cars

D Eaves
TBC

Prediction – 2 cars

Robertshaw – NOT CONFIRMED (possibly 2 cars)

Running 3 cars last year appeared to stretch the team too far. Despite the preseason pace the dated Chevrolet’s seemed to struggle as did the team with a lack of data. The team also struggled with funding throughout the season, with the cars visibly lacking sponsorship. Would doubt that the team would want to run 3 cars again, but who knows!

H Vaukland
M Allison – he seemed to get on well with the team abd if he can get budget there would be no reason why he could not return

Prediction – 2 cars

Other Predictions

KWR -1 car
Arkus – 0 cars
JAG – 1 car
BTC Racing – 0 cars
Techspeed – 1 car

PREDICTED GRID SIZE = 20 CARS


New Manufacturer Entrants

Honda – good chance of part funding a TD team – but would they want the team to run Accords or Civics?
BMW – for a relatively low cost – they could enter the BTCC with a works team via Jackson, WSR or Motorbase
Volvo – possible though the C30 choice would buck the trend to manufacturers moving back to larger cars
Ford – if they move to the Focus for WRC a return with a Mondeo or Focus would make sense, the new head of Ford Europe is a fan of the BTCC
KIA – there is a rumour that KIA and Dynamics are close to a deal
Skoda – depends on how VW want to position their brands, but now their works seems complete with SEAT – it might make sense for the organisation to concentrate on Skoda
Mitsubishi – they appear to be moving to circuit racing and have a close relationship with ex BTCC Championship team TWR

Teams to partner manufacturers

Dynamics
WSR / Jackson M-Sport / Motorbase
Arena – are they still in business? The website has not been updated for years!?!?!
Tom Walkinshaw's new team
Prodrive
Northern South

AndySpeed
18th November 2008, 01:59
Despite the fact that you started the thread wanting a 'real' idea of how things are shaping up you've covered more rumours and ended it with a whole reel of rumours anyway!


Interesting that the car when Pinkney tested carried the Honda "H" on the roof and with Chilton saying that Honda personnel were present at the lst race, it would be likely that Honda step up to become a manufacturer team (I would not be surprised to see TOCA dropping or waving their fees just to get another manufacturer into the series)

Team Dynamics ran with a Honda 'H' on the roof of their cars throughout 2007 and 2008, it means nothing!

Also you mention Arena International who, last I read, were involved in sportscars and A1GP.

tdb
18th November 2008, 23:51
nick.
Arena are still very much in business! and very succesfully so!

CVR are NOT confirmed in anyway. press releases stating intent is not confirmation.

So apart from VXR and Eurotech, all the rest are Rumour!

Also i would love to know how you figure running 3 cars "splits the costs more effectivly"??

VkmSpouge
19th November 2008, 01:25
Also i would love to know how you figure running 3 cars "splits the costs more effectivly"??

Perhaps he means economies of scale.

Nick
19th November 2008, 12:16
I agree with Andy Speed - that i did start to wonder from a factual review to rumours - sorry about that.

As for your comments...

Honda running a H - imo this is quite significant when every other sponsor has been removed from the car.

As for Arena - I had not heard anything about them, apart from the odd rumour that they were entering the BTCC with a Focus or a BMW - i am delighted that the team are still going

When I used the word confirmed - I meanta statement of intent no teams or drivers can be confirmed until they have paid TOCA and announced at the media day

3 cars - as VKMSponge says is down to "economies of scale" - when i worked at a btcc team, it would cost around £30k to run 1 car at a btcc weekend, and around £45k to run 2 cars not to mention the economics of scale when producing and developing a car

Brown, Jon Brow
19th November 2008, 14:38
If BMW do return – they would probably choose between WSR or Jackson M-Sport (despite Motorbases strong performance towards the end of the season) – with WSR the most likely destination due to their experience of running works cars for Ford, Honda & MG. RAC will no doubt be feeling the crunch due to their parent companies financial activities – however I would predict that RAC would still have a marketing budget that would be able to fund the sponsorship.



Wrong, wrong, wrong!!!

I've said this countless times before; if BMW return it will be with Jackson M-sport (BMW Dealer Team UK) as they were effectively a semi-works team in 2008.

tdb
19th November 2008, 17:53
Honda running a H - imo this is quite significant when every other sponsor has been removed from the car.


For the last 2 seasons, Team Dynamics have had some backing from honda (parts supply and team vehicles etc) hence they have been classed as neither a works team nor an independant team.
No Great mystery or major significance to running a suppliers logo.
As for the removal of all the other sponsors, who says any of them are staying aboard in 09?

And last years pre season test were done in plain livery too.

Eurotech
19th November 2008, 21:56
Well Team HALFORDS would be quite useless without HALFORD Sponsorship.

btw, tdb, whats the current situation with Xero - (It would be good to see them come back)...?

VX_Rules
19th November 2008, 21:57
Agreed with tdb,

you're reading way too much into it, its how its always been, but it does make you think why dont Honda jus cough the manufacturer entry fee when they already have so much existing input.

VkmSpouge
19th November 2008, 22:03
Agreed with tdb,

you're reading way too much into it, its how its always been, but it does make you think why dont Honda jus cough the manufacturer entry fee when they already have so much existing input.

Lets face it compared to the money wasted in F1 these past few years, a comparatively small manufacturers' entry fee for the BTCC would be money well spent.

VX_Rules
19th November 2008, 23:45
Thats what i dont understand!

tisme
22nd November 2008, 17:52
Robertshaw – NOT CONFIRMED (possibly 2 cars)

Running 3 cars last year appeared to stretch the team too far. Despite the preseason pace the dated Chevrolet’s seemed to struggle as did the team with a lack of data. The team also struggled with funding throughout the season, with the cars visibly lacking sponsorship. Would doubt that the team would want to run 3 cars again, but who knows!

H Vaukland
M Allison – he seemed to get on well with the team abd if he can get budget there would be no reason why he could not return

Prediction – 2 cars


Recent anouncment say No cars for Robertshaw!
The Lacetti's are owned by Vaulkard and are up for sale. He is not expecting to be out in 2009!

Eurotech
23rd November 2008, 18:05
Jason Hughes Confirmed that Team KWR will be running two MGs next year

One will be for himself and the other will be for anyone who isn't called Fiona Leggate!

Alfa Fan
23rd November 2008, 18:28
Here's a quick summary of all the speculation so far. Only about 1/2 of them are even likely to materialise and some are mutually exclusive.

1 Kartworld Racing MG ZS Jason Hughes
2 Kartworld Racing MG ZS TBA

---Announced on btcc.net this week that Jason Hughes wants to run a pair of MG ZS for himself and another driver---

3 AFM Racing BMW 120d Rick Kerry
4 AFM Racing BMW 120d Nick Leason

---Supposed to have entered in 2008 but delays in parts/budget? and other personal matters meant they never made it out---

5 BTC Racing SEAT Leon Chris Stockton
6 BTC Racing SEAT Leon TBA
7 BTC Racing SEAT Leon TBA

---Source supposidly close to the team says they will have 3 Leons in 09. Stated their intent to get hold of Leon's at the end of the season---

8 TH Motorsport TBA John George

---Hopefully see John back in something, not sure if there's much left of his Integra to use though---

9 TBA Honda Civic Dave Pinkney

---Has tested the car recently and is looking to return to the series. Could go it alone or as part of Dynamics?---

10 Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra Fabrizio Giovanardi
11 Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra Matt Neal
12 Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra Tom Onslow-Cole

---Giovanardi & Neal a certainty, 3rd car dependent on funding---

13 West Surrey Racing BMW 320SI Colin Turkington
14 West Surrey Racing BMW 320SI TBA
15 West Surrey Racing BMW 320SI TBA

---Team has resigned Colin Turkington and has been testing drivers to fill the 2nd and potentially 3rd seat---

16 Team Eurotech Vauxhall Vectra Andrew Jordan

---Confirmed---

17 Team Dynamics Honda Civic TBA
18 Team Dynamics Honda Civic TBA
19 Team Dynamics Honda Civic TBA

---Both Shedden/Chilton in doubt...Steve Neal is after Thompson/Neal for the drives. Could run 3 cars (possible link up with Pinkney)

20 Arena International Ford Focus Tom Chilton
21 Arena International Ford Focus TBA

---TcT recently recycled this rumour...likely to be bull but i've included it on the list anyway---

22 TBA Volvo C30 Jason Plato
23 TBA Volvo C30 TBA

---Another TcT rumour...not sure on it's credibility. Has been rumours of some link to John Cleland being involved in the team---

24 TBA TBA Martyn Bell

---Likely to be back out in something---

25 TBA TBA Harry Vaulkhard

---Wants to remain in BTCC despite leaving Robertshaw and putting Chevvies up for sale---

26 GR Asia SEAT Leon Adam Jones

---Team has announced intention to continue runing Jones in the SEAT Leon---

27 Motorbase Performance BMW 320SI TBA
28 Motorbase Performance BMW 320SI TBA
29 Motorbase Performance BMW 320SI TBA

---Wants to expand to 3 cars for 09, a number of drivers in contention including 08 drivers Collard and Kane, as well as Adam, Harvey, Nash, etc

30 InTune Racing TBA Michael Doyle

---Announced he had secured further sponsorship for 09, no firm plans---

31 Clyde Valley Racing SEAT Leon Dan Eaves
32 Clyde Valley Racing SEAT Leon Phiroze Bilimoria

---Believe it when we see I think....---

33 Jackson Motorsport BMW 320SI Matt Jackson
34 Jackson Motorsport BMW 320SI TBA

---Matt's almost certain to be back out again, and possibly with a world champion team-mate if Autosport is to be believed---

35 TBA MG ZS Fiona Leggate

---Apparantly trying to come back again in her MG ZS---

36 Xero Competition TBA TBA
37 Xero Competition TBA TBA

---Another case of believe it when we see it I think---

38 TBA TBA Daniel Welch

---Looking to move up to BTCC---

39 TBA Chevrolet Lacetti Liam MacMillan

---Apparantly a done-deal to be announced later this week---

thompp
24th November 2008, 14:47
Here's a quick summary of all the speculation so far. Only about 1/2 of them are even likely to materialise and some are mutually exclusive.

1 Kartworld Racing MG ZS Jason Hughes
2 Kartworld Racing MG ZS TBA

---Announced on btcc.net this week that Jason Hughes wants to run a pair of MG ZS for himself and another driver---

3 AFM Racing BMW 120d Rick Kerry
4 AFM Racing BMW 120d Nick Leason

---Supposed to have entered in 2008 but delays in parts/budget? and other personal matters meant they never made it out---

5 BTC Racing SEAT Leon Chris Stockton
6 BTC Racing SEAT Leon TBA
7 BTC Racing SEAT Leon TBA

---Source supposidly close to the team says they will have 3 Leons in 09. Stated their intent to get hold of Leon's at the end of the season---

8 TH Motorsport TBA John George

---Hopefully see John back in something, not sure if there's much left of his Integra to use though---

9 TBA Honda Civic Dave Pinkney

---Has tested the car recently and is looking to return to the series. Could go it alone or as part of Dynamics?---

10 Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra Fabrizio Giovanardi
11 Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra Matt Neal
12 Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra Tom Onslow-Cole

---Giovanardi & Neal a certainty, 3rd car dependent on funding---

13 West Surrey Racing BMW 320SI Colin Turkington
14 West Surrey Racing BMW 320SI TBA
15 West Surrey Racing BMW 320SI TBA

---Team has resigned Colin Turkington and has been testing drivers to fill the 2nd and potentially 3rd seat---

16 Team Eurotech Vauxhall Vectra Andrew Jordan

---Confirmed---

17 Team Dynamics Honda Civic TBA
18 Team Dynamics Honda Civic TBA
19 Team Dynamics Honda Civic TBA

---Both Shedden/Chilton in doubt...Steve Neal is after Thompson/Neal for the drives. Could run 3 cars (possible link up with Pinkney)

20 Arena International Ford Focus Tom Chilton
21 Arena International Ford Focus TBA

---TcT recently recycled this rumour...likely to be bull but i've included it on the list anyway---

22 TBA Volvo C30 Jason Plato
23 TBA Volvo C30 TBA

---Another TcT rumour...not sure on it's credibility. Has been rumours of some link to John Cleland being involved in the team---

24 TBA TBA Martyn Bell

---Likely to be back out in something---

25 TBA TBA Harry Vaulkhard

---Wants to remain in BTCC despite leaving Robertshaw and putting Chevvies up for sale---

26 GR Asia SEAT Leon Adam Jones

---Team has announced intention to continue runing Jones in the SEAT Leon---

27 Motorbase Performance BMW 320SI TBA
28 Motorbase Performance BMW 320SI TBA
29 Motorbase Performance BMW 320SI TBA

---Wants to expand to 3 cars for 09, a number of drivers in contention including 08 drivers Collard and Kane, as well as Adam, Harvey, Nash, etc

30 InTune Racing TBA Michael Doyle

---Announced he had secured further sponsorship for 09, no firm plans---

31 Clyde Valley Racing SEAT Leon Dan Eaves
32 Clyde Valley Racing SEAT Leon Phiroze Bilimoria

---Believe it when we see I think....---

33 Jackson Motorsport BMW 320SI Matt Jackson
34 Jackson Motorsport BMW 320SI TBA

---Matt's almost certain to be back out again, and possibly with a world champion team-mate if Autosport is to be believed---

35 TBA MG ZS Fiona Leggate

---Apparantly trying to come back again in her MG ZS---

36 Xero Competition TBA TBA
37 Xero Competition TBA TBA

---Another case of believe it when we see it I think---

38 TBA TBA Daniel Welch

---Looking to move up to BTCC---

39 TBA Chevrolet Lacetti Liam MacMillan

---Apparantly a done-deal to be announced later this week---

Nice post, Alfa, and very thorough - thanks. There's some great possibilities in there.

PDS
24th November 2008, 15:15
As you say, only about half your list will be out!

So only a possible 20 from that list and some that you have missed.. if we are lucky!

VX_Rules
25th November 2008, 13:37
If everyone there, and i say IF happens, 7 ppl are gna miss out!!! But thats not going to happen....

Alfa Fan
25th November 2008, 15:01
Few ammendments needed given todays announcement..


Here's a quick summary of all the speculation so far. Only about 1/2 of them are even likely to materialise and some are mutually exclusive.

1 Kartworld Racing MG ZS Jason Hughes
2 Kartworld Racing MG ZS TBA

---Announced on btcc.net this week that Jason Hughes wants to run a pair of MG ZS for himself and another driver---

3 AFM Racing BMW 120d Rick Kerry
4 AFM Racing BMW 120d Nick Leason

---Supposed to have entered in 2008 but delays in parts/budget? and other personal matters meant they never made it out---

5 BTC Racing SEAT Leon Chris Stockton
6 BTC Racing SEAT Leon TBA
7 BTC Racing SEAT Leon TBA

---Source supposidly close to the team says they will have 3 Leons in 09. Stated their intent to get hold of Leon's at the end of the season---

8 TH Motorsport TBA John George

---Hopefully see John back in something, not sure if there's much left of his Integra to use though---

9 TBA Honda Civic Dave Pinkney

---Has tested the car recently and is looking to return to the series. Could go it alone or as part of Dynamics?---

10 Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra Fabrizio Giovanardi
11 Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra Matt Neal
12 Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra Tom Onslow-Cole

---Giovanardi & Neal a certainty, 3rd car dependent on funding---

13 West Surrey Racing BMW 320SI Colin Turkington
14 West Surrey Racing BMW 320SI TBA
15 West Surrey Racing BMW 320SI TBA

---Team has resigned Colin Turkington and has been testing drivers to fill the 2nd and potentially 3rd seat---

16 Team Eurotech Vauxhall Vectra Andrew Jordan

---Confirmed---

17 Team Dynamics Honda Civic TBA
18 Team Dynamics Honda Civic TBA
19 Team Dynamics Honda Civic TBA

---Both Shedden/Chilton in doubt...Steve Neal is after Thompson/Neal for the drives. Could run 3 cars (possible link up with Pinkney)

20 Arena International Ford Focus Tom Chilton
21 Arena International Ford Focus TBA

---Confirmed---

22 TBA Volvo C30 Jason Plato
23 TBA Volvo C30 TBA

---Another TcT rumour...not sure on it's credibility. Has been rumours of some link to John Cleland being involved in the team---

24 TBA TBA Martyn Bell

---Likely to be back out in something---

25 TBA TBA Harry Vaulkhard

---Wants to remain in BTCC despite leaving Robertshaw and putting Chevvies up for sale---

26 GR Asia SEAT Leon Adam Jones

---Team has announced intention to continue runing Jones in the SEAT Leon---

27 Motorbase Performance BMW 320SI TBA
28 Motorbase Performance BMW 320SI TBA
29 Motorbase Performance BMW 320SI TBA

---Wants to expand to 3 cars for 09, a number of drivers in contention including 08 drivers Collard and Kane, as well as Adam, Harvey, Nash, etc

30 InTune Racing TBA Michael Doyle

---Announced he had secured further sponsorship for 09, no firm plans---

31 Clyde Valley Racing SEAT Leon Dan Eaves
32 Clyde Valley Racing SEAT Leon Phiroze Bilimoria

---Believe it when we see I think....---

33 Jackson Motorsport BMW 320SI Matt Jackson
34 Jackson Motorsport BMW 320SI TBA

---Matt's almost certain to be back out again, and possibly with a world champion team-mate if Autosport is to be believed---

35 TBA MG ZS Fiona Leggate

---Apparantly trying to come back again in her MG ZS---

36 Xero Competition TBA TBA
37 Xero Competition TBA TBA

---Another case of believe it when we see it I think---

38 TBA TBA Daniel Welch

---Looking to move up to BTCC---

39 TBA Chevrolet Lacetti Liam MacMillan

---Apparantly a done-deal to be announced later this week---

tisme
25th November 2008, 15:26
20 Arena International Ford Focus Tom Chilton
21 Arena International Ford Focus TBA

---TcT recently recycled this rumour...likely to be bull but i've included it on the list anyway---

Be careful what you say, it might come back and bite you!

http://www.btcc.net/html/generalnews_detail.php?id=1222&PHPSESSID=77c225762dcef9979e9549b484ed690c

Scuderia ferrari
25th November 2008, 20:32
Highly doubt and hope MJ won't go to the farce that is WTCC. He said his intentions were to stay in BTCC anyway

dwracing23
26th November 2008, 19:26
I've heard of a few more drivers that are close to the required budgets to race next season - the "credit crunch" doesn't really matter to motorsport as much, it may effect crowd attendances and merchandise but not cars and drivers most are self funded or "dads" money anyway. I think we will see a healthy grid and healthy support grids - Clio's FR AND G50's. Another great season in prospect.

DazzlaF1
26th November 2008, 20:27
SI Matt Jackson
34 Jackson Motorsport BMW 320SI TBA

---Matt's almost certain to be back out again, and possibly with a world champion team-mate if Autosport is to be believed---

World Champion teammate eh, wonder if that will mean Andy Priaulx making a few cameo appearances? if it is, that might bring up the possibility of a works partnership with BMW