Failures

[Alfa Fan]

As we gear up towards the start of the 2013 series, I thought it would be interesting to look back at some of the failed entries of the past few years (add more if I've missed anyone!).

First up:

TH Motorsport Skoda Octavia vRS

What was the plan?

Matt Hamilton announced during the 2011 Summer break that he would return to the series in 2012 in a TH Motorsport Skoda Octavia vRS.

What happened?

Apparently sponsors backed out and the car has been on hiatus ever since. There is significant doubt as to whether anything was ever built in the first place.

Chance of revival?

Very little

IF Motorsport Fiat Punto Arbarth

What was the plan?

IF Motorsport intended to build a pair of the cars for the 2011 series, run by ex-BTCC Class B runner Bryce Wilson.

What happened?

Not a lot. Quickly shot down by Alan Gow who stated that the team had not been in contact with TOCA and the car was not eligible. Seems to have been entirely "pie-in-the-sky".

Chance of revival?

None

Team 48 Motorsport Alfa Romeo 156

What was the plan?

Headed by the footballer Luthar Blissett, the team was to enter a pair of Alfa Romeo's in the BTCC in 2008 for Darrelle Wilson and Matthew Gore.

What happened?

The team never owned any of the ex-Pinkney Alfas, nor did Matthew Gore even possess a valid racing licence for the UK. The showed a painted-up shell at media day, with no running gear - and later announced they would be forced to miss the first round as they were still "fine-tuning" the organisation. Time passed and they were never heard of again.

Chance of revival?

As much as Jamaica winning Gold in the bobsleigh.

Xero Competition Lexus IS200

What was the plan?

Announced plans to bring a pair of Dutch Lexus S2000 cars into the BTCC for the 2006 season, and tested with a number of drivers.

What happened?

Put together a deal to run Adam Jones from the 3rd meeting onwards, with Air Cool sponsorship. Car ran competently if unspectacularly throughout the season, with a second car under the Team Forward Racing banner being entered for the final two rounds for Mark Jones (no relation). The team were supposed to return mid-way through the next season with an "exciting, new driver" according to posts from one of their employees, tbd, on this very forum. Never returned to the grid and Xero continued running in sportscars.

Chance of revival?

Team is still active - but will never return with the Lexus.

Clyde Valley Racing Chevrolet Lacetti

What was the plan?

Announced to much fan-fare in Autosport in the Summer of 2006, Clyde Valley Racing were to enter a pair of Chevrolet Lacetti's powered by biofuel for Dan Eaves and team boss Colin Neill in 2007.

What happened?

This has to be one of the ultimate dreamer attempts, with the shock twist that something did actually materialise eventually. The team had no money, no sponsor, no Chevrolet's were even built and there were doubts as to whether they'd even be available. The team failed to turn up in either 2007 or 2008. In 2009, the team acquired a SEAT Leon, and Dan Eaves signed up to drive it alongside Adam Jones who brought his own car to the team. Half a season later and Eaves was gone, no explanation given, replaced by Gordon Shedden, until a couple of meetings later the entire time folded. Phiroze Bilimoria who was originally due to be racing one of the cars was, as of 2010 at least, in the process of suing Colin Neill. I do not know the outcome.

Chance of revival?

From what I've heard, the further Colin Neill is kept from running a business again, the better. [So that's a NO]

TTR Motorsport

What was the plan?

To run a BTCC car of some description, maybe a Peugeot 307

What happened?

This is maybe my favourite of all the dreamers. Toby Weeks, founder and sole-employee of TTR Motorsport posted on Ten Tenths forums in the Summer of 2004 enquiring as to whether people thought the Peugeot 307 would be a good investment as a BTCC car. He claimed not to have followed the 2003 season closely, and wanted forum members opinions as to whether it would be a good choice. He had been given numbers to all the top teams of the time, apart from RMLs number was wrong and he couldn't get through to the others. A couple of questions later on the forum and suddenly he was going to be running MGs instead, "my drivers prefer it" but he was "not a liberty" to tell us who they were. They later opened up a scholarship scheme at a grand an entry.

Chance of revival?

If a probability of less than 0 is ever discovered, it's probably because it's trying to be applied to this.

JSM Alfa Romeo 147

What was the plan?

Initially? To run as many as SIX BTC-Touring specification and FOUR BTC-Production specification Alfa Romeo 147s in the 2001 BTCC. This was later scaled back to just four touring-class cars, which eventually became two. Darren Malkin and David Pinkney were signed up to be the drivers.

What happened?

The team did turn up. At the first round at Brands they just about finished the first of their 147s, but it was in no fit state to be entered. David Pinkney completed a few slow laps in one of the races. Darren Malkin's deal had already fallen through due to "sponsorship issues" at this point. The team plowed on through the season, with a summer switch to a new engine supplier at least helping reliability somewhat. Tim Harvey scored a remarkable podium in the car at Oulton Park, albeit in a race only 4 cars finished. The team made it to the end of the season, with intentions of returning in 2002. The team entered administration in November 2001, with almost the entire season having been run on credit [allegedly]

Chance of revival?

NONE! Which was a shame, as it was a nice looking car.

More if and when I remember them, I'm sure there's loads. Would be great to see other contributions.

[BDunnell]

JSM Alfa Romeo 147

What was the plan?

Initially? To run as many as SIX BTC-Touring specification and FOUR BTC-Production specification Alfa Romeo 147s in the 2001 BTCC. This was later scaled back to just four touring-class cars, which eventually became two. Darren Malkin and David Pinkney were signed up to be the drivers.

What happened?

The team did turn up. At the first round at Brands they just about finished the first of their 147s, but it was in no fit state to be entered. David Pinkney completed a few slow laps in one of the races. Darren Malkin's deal had already fallen through due to "sponsorship issues" at this point. The team plowed on through the season, with a summer switch to a new engine supplier at least helping reliability somewhat. Tim Harvey scored a remarkable podium in the car at Oulton Park, albeit in a race only 4 cars finished. The team made it to the end of the season, with intentions of returning in 2002. The team entered administration in November 2001, with almost the entire season having been run on credit [allegedly]

Chance of revival?

NONE! Which was a shame, as it was a nice looking car.

Don't forget that, later in the year, Tom Ferrier led at Donington in one of the 147s as a result of a clever tyre choice in a dry/wet race, only to retire straight after a safety car period. If the safety car hadn't come out, he probably wouldn't have had the pace to stay in front despite a big lead, but it was still a good effort. I thought JSM did pretty well, all told. Then, Gordon Shedden was going to drive one of the 147s for GR Motorsport in 2002. Certainly, that failed to materialise altogether, despite his being on the entry list.

Talking of 2002, it was of course also planned for Total Motor Sport Racing to return with their two Lexus IS200s for 'Autocar' journalist Steve Sutcliffe, who had driven one rather effectively in the Brands finale in 2001, and Richard Dean. I seem to recall this turned into a bit of a farce, with their appearance constantly promised at the first few rounds, but never actually happening.

Then in 2004 there was the Carly Motors/Schnitzer Sportscars BMW effort for James Hanson and Tom Ferrier. More here — BTCC Pages - British Touring Car Championship (http://www.btccpages.com/news/031031index.php) — and here — Bmw (http://www.btcc.net/forum/showthread.php?1351-Bmw). Ferrier had also been due to drive a third Triple Eight-run Astra Coupe in 2001 before the Egg deal was done with Thompson and Bennett; eventually, as mentioned above, he did a few rounds in a JSM Alfa.

Some earlier examples spring to mind, too. There was to have been a works Mercedes entry at some point in 1993 with the C-Class — my recollection is that AMG were going to build the car for Prodrive to run. Why that didn't happen I can't recall.

For 1995, Tim Harvey was touted as a possible driver alongside Peter Hardman in an independent BMW team — Metal Composite Technologies (MCT)? In fact, I'm sure Harvey said pre-season that he was either going to drive for that team or Volvo.

Efforts were made by TOM's in the wake of Toyota canning their works effort to run a pair of Carinas independently in 1996 — drivers touted as Tim Sugden and Flavio Figueiredo?

The works Alfa team entered Giovanardi and Nicola Larini for the 1998 championship in order for them to run their then new 156s at the August Thruxton meeting, but they didn't show there or at any other meeting. Wasn't that meant to have been a prelude to a possible full campaign in 1999?

Andy Rouse actually built and tested a Super Touring-spec Toyota Corolla for 1998, with Patrick Watts due to take the wheel — info here: 1998 Andy Rouse Corolla 2.0 BTCC Supertourer - 10-Tenths Motorsport Forum (http://www.ten-tenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123897)

Then I remember talk in the 1999-2000 close season of Arena running a pair of current-spec Accords for Peter Kox and Will Hoy in 2000 — for some reason possible Pioneer sponsorship comes to mind, though I could be totally wrong.

[Alfa Fan]

Then, Gordon Shedden was going to drive one of the 147s for GR Motorsport in 2002. Certainly, that failed to materialise altogether, despite his being on the entry list.

I had completely forgotten about that! I remember the mock-ups now, it was going to be all plain red wasn't it. It never got as far as the entry list, the team were talking about starting the season at Thruxton, but it never happened.

[Alfa Fan]

Talking of 2002, it was of course also planned for Total Motor Sport Racing to return with their two Lexus IS200s for 'Autocar' journalist Steve Sutcliffe, who had driven one rather effectively in the Brands finale in 2001, and Richard Dean. I seem to recall this turned into a bit of a farce, with their appearance constantly promised at the first few rounds, but never actually happening.


Ah yes, that's right. They even got as far as announcing a deal to partner up with VLR in 2002, running what was supposed to be four Lexus, two for TMSR and two for VLR. Then sometime in January/February the whole thing fell apart and VLR picked up Halfords sponsorship for their old 406s.

[BDunnell]

I had completely forgotten about that! I remember the mock-ups now, it was going to be all plain red wasn't it. It never got as far as the entry list, the team were talking about starting the season at Thruxton, but it never happened.

Yes, it was red. Somewhere online there's a picture, but I can't now find it. Could have sworn it appeared on the entry list, but obviously not.

[BDunnell]

Ah yes, that's right. They even got as far as announcing a deal to partner up with VLR in 2002, running what was supposed to be four Lexus, two for TMSR and two for VLR. Then sometime in January/February the whole thing fell apart and VLR picked up Halfords sponsorship for their old 406s.

I'd forgotten all about the proposed VLR tie-up. Certainly, TMSR were still saying their two cars would be out at the first meeting, then the second...

[Alfa Fan]

I'd forgotten all about the proposed VLR tie-up. Certainly, TMSR were still saying their two cars would be out at the first meeting, then the second...

I wonder what ever happened to the cars. I don't believe the 2nd one was ever finished - but there certainly was one complete, and at the time, relatively competitive car, that completely vanished.

[Iain]

Then in 2004 there was the Carly Motors/Schnitzer Sportscars BMW effort for James Hanson and Tom Ferrier. More here — BTCC Pages - British Touring Car Championship (http://www.btccpages.com/news/031031index.php) — and here — Bmw (http://www.btcc.net/forum/showthread.php?1351-Bmw). Ferrier had also been due to drive a third Triple Eight-run Astra Coupe in 2001 before the Egg deal was done with Thompson and Bennett; eventually, as mentioned above, he did a few rounds in a JSM Alfa.

If I remember right, Schnitzer weren't happy with their name being used, or something along those lines. Carly Motors is an interesting one. Carly sold up and had a gender change apparantly!


For 1995, Tim Harvey was touted as a possible driver alongside Peter Hardman in an independent BMW team — Metal Composite Technologies (MCT)? In fact, I'm sure Harvey said pre-season that he was either going to drive for that team or Volvo.

I think MCT were a related company to GB Motorsport who ran the Renaults in 1993-4. I'd have to dig out an old copy of 'Top Race & Rally' to confirm that.


Gareth Howell (not the Welsh one from the 2000s) and the Atford team. Had an ambitious self-build Mondeo project that was rumoured a few times from around 94 to 99. Think it may have been completed and tested once. The shell was for sale last year.

There was a team aiming to run Alex Kapadia in the 2002 Production class in a Focus. Brooklands RT. I think the aim was to have students from the college involved in the mechanical side of things. Alex sets fast pace for new team - Other Sport - Leighton Buzzard Observer (http://www.leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/alex-sets-fast-pace-for-new-team-1-989155)

I'm sure I'll remember more by later on today.

Regarding Colin Neill, I always had my doubts when I walked into my local shopping centre one day and saw him selling Candis magazines, with his CVR hat on. Surely a team principal can't be that hard up for cash?

[BDunnell]

I think MCT were a related company to GB Motorsport who ran the Renaults in 1993-4. I'd have to dig out an old copy of 'Top Race & Rally' to confirm that.

I'm pretty certain of that too. A vague recollection suggests that Keith Greene, who had been the Renault team boss, was involved, though I couldn't be sure of that. Did they perhaps run the Motorola-backed BMWs Harvey and Justin Bell drove in the Asia-Pacific series, or was that another team?

[BDunnell]

I wonder what ever happened to the cars. I don't believe the 2nd one was ever finished - but there certainly was one complete, and at the time, relatively competitive car, that completely vanished.

Don't know. Weren't all sorts of outfits involved with TMSR, after ABG Motorsport pulled out of the Lexus programme, by the end of 2001 — Janspeed and GA Motorsport, for example? It really was a shame the whole affair became such a shambles, because the car seemed to have real potential.

[Alfa Fan]

I remember Janspeed having some link to it yes, but not GA.

[BDunnell]

How could we have forgotten Encke Sport?

Encke Sport ready to 'kick off' BTCC challenge | BTCC News | Jan 2007 | Crash.Net (http://www.crash.net/btcc/news/9725/1/encke_sport_ready_to_kick_off_btcc_challenge.html)

[Alfa Fan]

Of course, Team 48 wasn't the first footballer-backed failure...

Encke Sport Vauxhall Astra Coupe

What was the plan?

In early January 2007, goalkeeper Peter Enckelman announced he was setting up a BTCC team, to be managed by Ed Tilley, also rumoured to be one of the drivers. The team actually got as far as buying three ancient Vauxhall Astra Coupes, as well as announcing a number of staff appointments. They also announced plans for a pair of S2000 cars for the following season.

What happened?

The team at a very minimum had access to a pair of Vauxhall Astra Coupes, and judging from the classified ads in Autosport a few months later, actually owned at least two of them. They never ran, no testing, no drivers were ever announced and the team just disappeared into thin air.

Chance of revival?

If Enckelman really wanted to the BTCC, being an ex-Premier League footballer means he probably has the money to do so. I rather doubt we'll ever hear of this project again however.

[Alfa Fan]

How could we have forgotten Encke Sport?

Encke Sport ready to 'kick off' BTCC challenge | BTCC News | Jan 2007 | Crash.Net (http://www.crash.net/btcc/news/9725/1/encke_sport_ready_to_kick_off_btcc_challenge.html)

Damn you beat me to it!

[BDunnell]

I remember Janspeed having some link to it yes, but not GA.

The two organisations were closely related — before Janspeed went under, of course.

[Iain]

I'm pretty certain of that too. A vague recollection suggests that Keith Greene, who had been the Renault team boss, was involved, though I couldn't be sure of that. Did they perhaps run the Motorola-backed BMWs Harvey and Justin Bell drove in the Asia-Pacific series, or was that another team?

Possibly. I'd have to look at some old magazines to see. Not exactly sure what happened to GB Motorsport after 1994. Giles Butterfield (the GB) is now Jonathan Palmer's right-hand man at MSV.


Don't know. Weren't all sorts of outfits involved with TMSR, after ABG Motorsport pulled out of the Lexus programme, by the end of 2001 — Janspeed and GA Motorsport, for example? It really was a shame the whole affair became such a shambles, because the car seemed to have real potential.

GA-Janspeed was the name wasn't it? I can't think off the top of my head, when it all happened exactly. TMSR was a motorsport news website that sponsored the ABG car, which then became the title sponsor. It seems that ABG split in half, with one partner owning the car and equipment and the other half the workshops. Hence the GA tie-up. I'm sure one of them used to post on here back then.

Just found this link, where Toyota were actually giving press to the Lexus project. ABG Motorsport - UK Media Site (http://media.toyota.co.uk/tag/abg-motorsport/)

[BDunnell]

GA-Janspeed was the name wasn't it?

Before Janspeed disappeared, yes. Pretty sure, anyway.



I can't think off the top of my head, when it all happened exactly.

The ABG/TMSR split occurred mid-way through the 2001 season, I recall.

When one considers what happened to JSM and ABG/TMSR with their efforts to build new BTCC cars, I must say it makes the achievements of such as Rob Austin look all the more impressive. Yes, more standard parts are involved nowadays, but building a car — especially a competitive car — is never an easy task, to say nothing of what's required to get a team onto a stable footing.

[cos]

There was also RJN Motorsport who announced plans to enter a Nissan Primera for the 2004 season. I recall seeing a photo of their car, but obviously nothing came of it.

[Alfa Fan]

There was also RJN Motorsport who announced plans to enter a Nissan Primera for the 2004 season. I recall seeing a photo of their car, but obviously nothing came of it.

Ah yes, it was a re-shelled version of the car they ran in the ETCC in 2002 I think.

[Iain]

Ah yes, it was a re-shelled version of the car they ran in the ETCC in 2002 I think.

I did see one of the two 2002 cars for sale the other week, may have been in Scandinavia. Can't remember which site it was on.

[Eurotech]

John Batchelor in 2005 had some sort of plan with a Civic didn't he?

[BDunnell]

Now here's a weird one. Wasn't there a report in 1998 that Jody Scheckter was considering a one-off outing for Vauxhall? I promise I'm not making this recollection up!

[cos]

John Batchelor in 2005 had some sort of plan with a Civic didn't he?

This one made it to the 2005 entry list - "Team FirstServe Group" entered the #33 S2000 Civic with a TBA driver. I think Batchelor planned to race it in rounds that didn't clash with his WTCC efforts (remember "Brilliance"?!)

[BDunnell]

This one made it to the 2005 entry list - "Team FirstServe Group" entered the #33 S2000 Civic with a TBA driver. I think Batchelor planned to race it in rounds that didn't clash with his WTCC efforts (remember "Brilliance"?!)

Goodness, yes! Thanks for the reminder. What a huge surprise that they never made it. Almost as obvious a candidate for a no-show as was MG Rover's absurd idea of entering the DTM.

[Eurotech]

The Edenbridge BMW S2000 project lasted all of about 3 rounds in 2004 too if I remember correctly...

[BDunnell]

The Edenbridge BMW S2000 project lasted all of about 3 rounds in 2004 too if I remember correctly...

Yes, with team boss Peter Briggs asserting that a BMW could never win a race in the BTCC with the rules as they were.

[Iain]

Yes, was it not some sort of idea to get him out there alongside Warwick and Mansell in an old F1 drivers reunion? I think the link was made after he did the Silverstone Rallysprint in a Vauxhall.

Typically all these questions come up after I throw out every issue of Autosport between 1993 and 2008, apart from those with BTCC reports or features!

[BDunnell]

Yes, was it not some sort of idea to get him out there alongside Warwick and Mansell in an old F1 drivers reunion? I think the link was made after he did the Silverstone Rallysprint in a Vauxhall.

Exactly. Also, if memory serves correctly, John Watson had tested a Primera for the BBC, and Scheckter was up for a go with a BTCC car himself. Shame it didn't come off, but somehow I doubt Scheckter would have been all that competitive.

Anyway, a couple of others have come to mind. One team that did appear in a British touring car race, but not in the BTCC, was Yap Motorsports. It entered Eugene O'Brien in an Accord at the 1996 end-of-season Tourist Trophy, and planned to contest the 1997 series — see here: New Straits Times - Google News Archive Search (http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19970226&id=Mw5PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SxUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5391,2713010) Didn't happen, of course.

Going back a few more years, Robb Gravett and Mike Smith's Trakstar team, 1990 champions with Gravett, was to have run a works Audi effort in 1991. According to Smith on another forum, 'When we won the Championship we landed the Audi deal in the same month - 3 cars for Robb, me and J Palmer. We had the truck ready to go to Germany and collect the first shells etc. And then Audi Germany decided they didn't want to support a 2 litre Championship - they wouldn't underwrite Audi UK - and Shell backed off.' Hence the unsuccessful Trakstar Sapphire.

[Iain]

Anyway, a couple of others have come to mind. One team that did appear in a British touring car race, but not in the BTCC, was Yap Motorsports. It entered Eugene O'Brien in an Accord at the 1996 end-of-season Tourist Trophy, and planned to contest the 1997 series — see here: New Straits Times - Google News Archive Search (http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19970226&id=Mw5PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SxUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5391,2713010) Didn't happen, of course.


That's one I was trying to think of the other day. I knew 'General Accident' was to do the driving.

Having just watched a rally clip on Youtube, I saw Paul Bird, the motorbike racing team owner competing. He was rumoured to be linking up with Jason Hughes to run a two car MG team, but it never materialised. Then every couple of years, it's reported he's interested in running a BTCC team.

What about Noel Edmonds being involved with the works Mazda team in 1994, under the banner of 'Crinkley Bottom Motor Club'? For whatever reason, it never happened and the team folded mid-season. Perhaps he put his money into the Panoz Le Mans project instead.

A link to that team was the Team Magic Mazda 323 for 1995. After building a 323 for Team Dynamics to race in the 94 World Cup from the internals salvaged from Matt Neal's Xedos crash, RD Motorsport built another one for 1995, to be driven by Slim Borgudd. It was even on the entry list, but never appeared, although the car did exist and has done some club racing, then featured in the Silverstone Classic last year. Super Touring Register : Mazda Lantis / 323F (http://www.supertouringregister.com/register/vehicle/130/)

[Iain]

I think MCT were a related company to GB Motorsport who ran the Renaults in 1993-4.


Confirmed: Super Touring Register : Renault Laguna (SC00294) (http://www.supertouringregister.com/register/vehicle/63/)

[BDunnell]

What about Noel Edmonds being involved with the works Mazda team in 1994, under the banner of 'Crinkley Bottom Motor Club'?

Also touted as running Mondeos at one point, I think.



A link to that team was the Team Magic Mazda 323 for 1995. After building a 323 for Team Dynamics to race in the 94 World Cup from the internals salvaged from Matt Neal's Xedos crash, RD Motorsport built another one for 1995, to be driven by Slim Borgudd. It was even on the entry list, but never appeared, although the car did exist and has done some club racing, then featured in the Silverstone Classic last year. Super Touring Register : Mazda Lantis / 323F (http://www.supertouringregister.com/register/vehicle/130/)

Surprised how modern that car still looks today — so long as you can't see the horrible nose!

[BDunnell]

Confirmed: Super Touring Register : Renault Laguna (SC00294) (http://www.supertouringregister.com/register/vehicle/63/)

Very good. I haven't been able to find out whether MCT ran the BMWs for Harvey and Bell (the latter also having been a possible driver, along with Hardman, for the MCT BTCC effort?) in the Asia-Pacific series.

Talking of Lagunas, it must also be recalled that there were suggestions of Alain Prost driving one of the works cars, I think in 1994 or '95 — not denied by Prost himself.

[VkmSpouge]

This one made it to the 2005 entry list - "Team FirstServe Group" entered the #33 S2000 Civic with a TBA driver. I think Batchelor planned to race it in rounds that didn't clash with his WTCC efforts (remember "Brilliance"?!)

Ah yes that Brilliance entry, at one stage wasn't Anthony Reid linked to driving it? Clearly the WTCC organisers allowed a Brilliance road car to be put on display at the beginning of the season right between the RML Chevy and the Schnitzer BMW http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/122086.jpg

For the 2004 BTCC season didn't Bachelor originally plan to upgrade his two production-class Peugeot 307s to Super 2000 spec?

[cos]

Ah yes that Brilliance entry, at one stage wasn't Anthony Reid linked to driving it? Clearly the WTCC organisers allowed a Brilliance road car to be put on display at the beginning of the season right between the RML Chevy and the Schnitzer BMW http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/122086.jpg


VLR were meant to run the cars... once Vic got arrested early 2005 the Chinese probably got scared off!

[Brown, Jon Brow]

I seem to remember Colin Gallie on the 1999 entry list with a BMW that never happened.

[VkmSpouge]

VLR were meant to run the cars... once Vic got arrested early 2005 the Chinese probably got scared off!

Vic's arrest also had a knock-on effect for the BTCC in 2005, I think VLR was going to run its two Peugeot 307s converted to run on LPG for John George and another driver.

[Iain]

For the 2004 BTCC season didn't Bachelor originally plan to upgrade his two production-class Peugeot 307s to Super 2000 spec?

Yes, supposedly with Woolworths sponsorship too. But the cars never got out of the Tom Boardman Racing workshop.

Peugeot - Triple R - Championship winning race preparation (http://www.triple-rrr.co.uk/4.html)

[Eurotech]

Jason Hughes allagedly replacing his MG for a Honda Integra in 2008 can also be classed as a failure I guess...

[Captain VXR]

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/NZFMR_2971.jpg
If only....

[Captain VXR]

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/BTCC_COROLLA_3201.jpg
http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/BTCC_COROLLA_3267.jpg
http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/BTCC_COROLLA_2802.jpg
http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/BTCC_COROLLA_2679.jpg
I thought some people may be interested in these pics.

[BDunnell]

Thanks. I wonder how it would have gone in the BTCC, given a bit of development — though whether Andy Rouse was, by then, still truly able to come up with a competitive package I'm not sure. His '95 Mondeo and '96 Primera didn't exactly set the world on fire. It almost seemed as if he struggled with the wings-and-spoilers Super Touring era, as excellent a touring car engineer as he'd been before that.

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Apologies for the resurrection.

This was before the start of the 2013 Season so, without further ado, here's some failed entries from that season:

AMD Racing's NGTC Astra and Super 2000 Focus.
Chris Stockton in the BTC Racing Chevrolet Cruze although that entry did race in 2014.
Lea Wood, Richard Hawken, Chris Jones and Ian Loggie all tested the Speedworks Toyota but Dave Newsham and Ollie Jackson got the seats.

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Shouldn't this thread be in the History Section?