Vauxhall

[norwichsam1]

Just wondering what the top brass at vauxhall must make of the new manufacturers championship. Considering the investment they make in competing in the BTCC allowing non works teams to compete against them must seem a tad unfair. Obviously Alan Gow had no choice with no other manufacturers wanting to join the series but why would vauxhall want to keep on pumping millions into a BTCC programme when Ford and Honda (who are now effectively manufacturer rivals) aren't spending anything?
Anyone else think this could be the end of full blown manufacturer supported teams in the BTCC or do vauxhall get enough pr etc out of it to justify their investment?

[BTCC2]

Yes I think they get enough PR from it to stick with it. And I'm sure they would rather have competition to beat rather than being the only manufacturer and winning the championship before it has started.

[CroftPilgrim]

I think BTCC2 is spot on with that.

What's the point of going racing if there's no competition?

[tdb]

I'm sure Vauxhal would have been consulted about this quite some time ago and more than likely it was a decision made to keep VXR in the championship

[VX_Rules]

I agree, Gow will want Vauxhall happy to keep them there and would have fully explored all possibilities with Vauxhall I'd imagine. The result I beleive is one that works, for the time being.

[mattie007]

Its a good idea, VXR are there to race and compete for championships!

[touringlegend]

Considering that VXR have the strongest line up out of the 3 eligible teams, how good will it look come the end of the year when the Vauxhall PR people can put a spin on it and make out Vauxhall beat the Hondas and Fords and in the constructors championship.

[VX_Rules]

I think more than anthing this is the most suitable and viable tempory option to kep the three titles available alive and competitive. Also gives Dynamics finally a chance to receive credit for their hard work afterall theyve never been able to win indie or manufacturers trophies.

[Alfa Fan]

Only since 2007, they won most of the independent stuff in the years before then.

[AndyRAC]

Personally, I can't see the point - who are they competing against? They're the only proper Manufacturer team - if they don't win the Title then something has gone wrong. Even if they do, it's a pyrrhic victory! The laughable thing is they'll bring a 'Special edition' version out celebrating their Championship win - after beating nobody...

[VkmSpouge]

I think the idea of a Constructors' Championship as a way of encouraging more teams to build and develop their own cars is a good one. I wonder would Team AFM Racing qualify to score points in the Constructors' Championship if they were to compete?

[tdb]

I think the idea of a Constructors' Championship as a way of encouraging more teams to build and develop their own cars is a good one. I wonder would Team AFM Racing qualify to score points in the Constructors' Championship if they were to compete?

No, they bought the 120 from BMWmotorsport in kit form.

[norwichsam1]

Well this weeks news kind of answered my own question didnt it!

[Rollo]

I suspect that exposure that Vauxhall gets/got from the BTCC probably does pay for itself, but that the reason for it's pullout is the giant Chapter 11/Chapter 7 elephant in the room.

Vauxhall have been quite faithful for many seasons and I think that kudos should be given to them for riding through. Hurrah... er.

[BTCC2]

Well this weeks news kind of answered my own question didnt it!

The main reason behind their withdrawal is not because they are the only manufacturer left in the championship.

[AndySpeed]

Come Brands Hatch 2 in September I hope that the fans can all get together and give Vauxhall a good sending off. They deserve it for supporting the championship so well.