Rockingham weekend thread

[Erki]

Thought I'd make a thread here. :)

I just saw the timetable on the msttiming.co.uk. Only two days? Ok, I thought, but only BTCC gets free practices? Other classes only get 20-40 minutes qualifying time. :s Or have they all tested there already so that there's no need for practice? What about someone who hasn't driven around the track at all and has to go out and qualify? :confused: I see the timetable at the F3/GT meeting at Donington is also on two days and no practice sessions. Some cost cutting measure this one?

[cos]

BTCC supports have been out at the Rock today (timings etc. here (http://www.msttiming.com/meeting.asp?event=71641&source=toca2006&eventtype=))

[Erki]

Thanks, cos. :up:

[Neil Adams]

stefan hodgetts in the clios - bit of a surprise? or not
great to see that hes back racing!
hopefully this a stepping stone to well deserved btcc return

[Alfa Fan]

No Rick Kerry or Richard Marsh in practice so far. Murray is there.

[m0rk]

Kerry's just done one v slow lap, and Marsh has done about 9 so far

[LiamM]

I didn't expect the Leons to be so far up the order, might all change with the second session tho. Sitting here clutching my weekend ticket watching the live timing, couldnt go today as my brother who was supposed to drive me there decided his time was best spent with his girlfriend :(

[cos]

SEAT lock out the top 3 in FP1 - Turner on top, followed by Jones, Plato, Gio, Chilton Turkington, Shedden, Jackson, Neal and Murray.

[m0rk]

I really thought it would be a 3 series/vauxhall whitewash (due to the shape of the cars really)

even so all the times are very close, so it will be very interesting racing tomorrow - can't wait!

[Erki]

SEAT lock out the top 3 in FP1 - Turner on top, followed by Jones, Plato, Gio, Chilton Turkington, Shedden, Jackson, Neal and Murray.

How come Turner's Best Lap is 1:24.948 but his Last Lap is 1:24.225 - even faster. :confused:

[Alfa Fan]

That last lap was probabily done coming into the pitlane (thus invalid). The end of the lap at Rockingham is quite slow.

[LiamM]

How come Turner's Best Lap is 1:24.948 but his Last Lap is 1:24.225 - even faster. :confused:

I noted Plato AND Turner do a 1:23.5 and wondered why they weren't counted

[cos]

Jones broke his front splitter towards the end of the session so could have gone faster. Oil pressure problems for Pocklington.

[btccmaster]

:bigcry: I didn't make it home in time to enter my pickems :bigcry:

I was going to win this year & now it's all gone.

:bigcry:

[Ian McC]

Good performance by Jones again.

[LiamM]

Mike Jordan has just slotted it infront of Jones, good effort

[btccmaster]

Red Flag

[LiamM]

Allison or Stockon haven't put a proper lap in yet either

[Ian McC]

Jackson just put in a flyer!

[LiamM]

I was just thinking that Jackson hadn't done much this session, then he put that lap in! Coincedence I think not!

[MBailey06]

Turner looks like a very strong choice at the moment for taking his first win in the BTCC tomorrow considering the pace he has showed in the two free practice sessions. However its early days and it could change.

[Ian McC]

Second free practice.

1. Darren Turner SEAT Sport UK SEAT Leon 1min 24.790secs M
2. Mat Jackson Jackson Motorsport BMW 320si E90 1min 25.175secs I
3. Gordon Shedden Team Halfords Honda Civic 1min 25.259secs
4. Jason Plato SEAT Sport UK SEAT Leon 1min 25.269secs M
5. Fabrizio Giovanardi VX Racing Vauxhall Vectra 1min 25.277secs M
6. Mike Jordan Team Eurotech Honda Integra 1min 25.408secs I B
7. Adam Jones Team Air Cool SEAT Toledo 1min 25.460secs I
8. Eoin Murray Quest Racing Alfa Romeo 156 1min 25.638secs I
9. Matt Neal Team Halfords Honda Civic 1min 25.728secs
10. Colin Turkington Team RAC BMW 320si E90 1min 25.874secs I

11. Tom Onslow-Cole Team RAC BMW 320si E90 1min 25.935secs I
12. Tom Chilton VX Racing Vauxhall Vectra 1min 26.195secs M
13. Gareth Howell Motorbase SEAT Toledo 1min 26.323secs I
14. Jason Hughes Kartworld Racing MG ZS 1min 26.569secs I B
15. Dave Pinkney Team A-Tech Alfa Romeo 156 1min 26.699secs I
16. Simon Blanckley Sibsport Honda Integra 1min 26.780secs I B
17. John George TH Motorsport Honda Integra 1min 26.803secs I B
18. Erkut Kizilirmak Arkas Racing Vauxhall Astra 1min 27.225secs I B
19. Martyn Bell Team AllAboutProperty.com BMW 320i E46 1min 27.506secs I
20. Fiona Leggate Kartworld Racing MG ZS 1min 28.031secs I B

[murrayfan]

Can Some One Please Post The Full Listof Results Of Fp1 And Fp2 If Pos Many Thanks

[Eunos]

What time is Qualifying today?

I should have been up there but I have to be at Work instead this Weekend :hmh:

[Ian McC]

What time is Qualifying today?

I should have been up there but I have to be at Work instead this Weekend :hmh:

15:15

[Rusty]

is everything running late then?????

[Pedalpusher]

I'm waiting for the live timing to start.

Edit: It starts just as I finish typing :D

[Ian McC]

Just starting now

[Alfa Fan]

Adam Jones has gone AWOL

[BDunnell]

I believe Jones had an off in the last free practice session. Wonder if that had anything to do with it. Again, he has been very quick.

[Ian McC]

Car 7 failed to stop at weighbridge! Looks like Chilton has lost his best lap!

[BDunnell]

Definitely trouble for Chilton. His times have just been disallowed after he failed to stop at the weighbridge.

[LiamM]

Chilton has failed to stop at the weighbridge, his 2nd place time was deleted

EDIT: Big news is it then?

Now Shedden has failed a ride hide check

[Alfa Fan]

Shouldn't be a major problem for Chilton this early in the session.

More interesting is Shedden FAILING the check :o

[BDunnell]

EDIT — it's fairly pointless repeating what quicker people than I have said!

[Ian McC]

Turner is a second down on where he was in the last free practice, I think we can expect more from him soon.

[touringlegend]

Too late to see it now but Darren Turner had a 1.23 next to his name as the last lap on the timing, is that due to the pit entry or something giving you a faster lap ?

[touringlegend]

Looks like Shedden's not gonna make it out ?

[LiamM]

Pit entry is quicker than the track, cos of the last corner

Turner is now 2nd

[btccmaster]

Too late to see it now but Darren Turner had a 1.23 next to his name as the last lap on the timing, is that due to the pit entry or something giving you a faster lap ?

PIT ENTRY

[Ian McC]

Now we have cars stopping at the weighbridge that shouldn't! :eek:

[Alfa Fan]

Weight scales causing chaos! Blanckley and Marsh have now stopped there without permission!

[Ian McC]

Looks like Shedden's not gonna make it out ?

He's out and into 7th

[btccmaster]

A Bit of a communication problem going on today with the Weigh ins
ha ha

[LiamM]

Rick Kerry has just done his fastest lap of the weekend, still not as close to Pockington as I expected him to be tho

[touringlegend]

Ooh, car 59 (Marsh) and 69 (Blanckley) stopped at weighbridge without permission ? What's the punishment for that.

[Alfa Fan]

Looks like Jones isn't going to make it out :(

[MBailey06]

Looks like Jones won't set a time in qualifying which is very dissappointing.

[LiamM]

It'll be a good race 1 then with Mr Jones storming through from the back, that car should be on the front row

[LiamM]

Turner has just scrapped pole!

[Alfa Fan]

Turner steals pole :(

[btccmaster]

Seats were expected really to be 1st & 2nd but well done to Giovanardi for being up there with them

[LiamM]

Those Leons must have some poke in them, sooo didn't expect a 1st and a 3rd from the boys. Going into this weekend I expected it to be a Bemmer/Vectra/Toldeo whitewash!

[btccmaster]

With plenty of persuading the seats are lighter so was expected

[LiamM]

Jason is of full ballast! Turner is the light one. The shape of the Leon doesn't help either

[btccmaster]

I mean when they brought down the weights of the Seats after Plato's week in week out talk of slower straight line speeds. Even with ballast they perform very well.

[LiamM]

Wasn't that scrapped? It was because of equalisation between S2000 and BTC, now its just S2000 they all conform to the base weight in the FIA S2000 Regs

[Eunos]

Should be a Good 3 races tomorrow :)

Looks like Turner now has 10 Points this Season..

[murrayfan]

Where Did Eoin Murray Finish In The End ?

[LiamM]

1. Darren Turner SEAT Sport UK SEAT Leon 1min 24.908secs M
2. Fabrizio Giovanardi VX Racing Vauxhall Vectra 1min 24.936secs M
3. Jason Plato SEAT Sport UK SEAT Leon 1min 25.253secs M
4. Colin Turkington Team RAC BMW 320si E90 1min 25.304secs I
5. Tom Chilton VX Racing Vauxhall Vectra 1min 25.358secs M
6. Eoin Murray Quest Racing Alfa Romeo 156 1min 25.369secs I
7. Matt Neal Team Halfords Honda Civic 1min 25.379secs
8. Tom Onslow-Cole Team RAC BMW 320si E90 1min 25.398secs I
9. Gordon Shedden Team Halfords Honda Civic 1min 25.459secs
10. Mat Jackson Jackson Motorsport BMW 320si E90 1min 25.479secs I

11. Gareth Howell Motorbase SEAT Toledo 1min 25.600secs I
12. Matt Allison Motorbase SEAT Toledo 1min 25.639secs I
13. Mike Jordan Team Eurotech Honda Integra 1min 25.732secs I B
14. Jason Hughes Kartworld Racing MG ZS 1min 26.153secs I B
15. John George TH Motorsport Honda Integra 1min 26.180secs I B
16. Dave Pinkney Team A-Tech Alfa Romeo 156 1min 26.533secs I
17. Simon Blanckley Sibsport Honda Integra 1min 26.640secs I B
18. Erkut Kizilirmak Arkas Racing Vauxhall Astra 1min 26.813secs I B
19. Martyn Bell Team AllAboutProperty.com BMW 320i E46 1min 27.081secs I
20. Chris Stockton BTC Racing Lexus IS200 1min 27.813secs I
21. Fiona Leggate Kartworld Racing MG ZS 1min 27.917secs I B
22. Richard Marsh Team A-Tech Alfa Romeo 156 1min 28.217secs I
23. Jim Pocklington J-Team Motorsport BMW 320i E46 1min 29.602secs I
24. Nick Leason BTC Racing Lexus IS200 1min 30.080secs I
25. Rick Kerry AFM Racing BMW 120i TDi 1min 32.892secs I
26. Adam Jones Team Air Cool SEAT Toledo No time - engine I

[Eunos]

Good stuff from Eoin Murry, Hopefully he will make up for Missing out Brands Hatch this Weekend.

Dissapointing for Adam Jones,

[murrayfan]

Good To See Eoin One Of The Most Underfunded Driver's In The Btcc
Beating The Other Alfa's Of Marsh And Pinkney

[MattL]

Jones' engine gave up in FP2. They don't have a spare.

[murrayfan]

It Would Be Good If They Can Get It Fixed For Sunday It Be Same If Another Good Driver Was Sat On The Sideline's

[Ian McC]

More weighbridge drama! :eek:

Turkington failed to restart after being on the weighbridge and goes to the back of the grid!

[murrayfan]

More weighbridge drama! :eek:

Turkington failed to restart after being on the weighbridge and goes to the back of the grid!
NEVER MIND HE'S GOT THE PACE TO GET UP REAL FAST AND HE SHOULD GET A GOOG GRID SLOT FOR RACE TWO :erm:

[MattL]

No need for quite so many capital letters murrayfan!

[murrayfan]

No need for quite so many capital letters murrayfan!
sorry i keep leavin cap lock on when i start my pc and forget all about :(

[tdb]

NEVER MIND HE'S GOT THE PACE

with an under weight car he has.

will wait and see how he fares with a legal car.

[murrayfan]

with an under weight car he has.

will wait and see how he fares with a legal car.
i agree i think he'll have a good first race but 2 and 3 mite be a bit hit and miss

[nicemms]

Was extremely shocked by how high up Eoin Murray was! Good luck to him for tomorrow!

[LiamM]

Was extremely shocked by how high up Eoin Murray was! Good luck to him for tomorrow!

Good car + Good driver + 'GA Motorsport' or Quest have a knowledge of Rockingham from 2003

[ATF]

I wasn't shocked but I just hope he can keep out of trouble tomorrow and show what he's really capable of. It's always a shame when talented drivers like him are forced out of BTCC because of funding issues.

[VkmSpouge]

Good pole for Turner. Real shame for Jones and Turkington having to start from the back of the grid. Good times by Hughes and George, excellent result for Murray. Jim Pocklington and Rick Kerry improved, Pocklington even beat Leason.


'GA Motorsport' or Quest have a knowledge of Rockingham from 2003

Well yeah but with a Vauxhall Astra coupe and a Production class Alfa Romeo 156, not entirely relevant to the piece of kit they have now. Still a great result for Eoin Murray and the team.

[LiamM]

Well yeah but with a Vauxhall Astra coupe and a Production class Alfa Romeo 156, not entirely relevant to the piece of kit they have now. Still a great result for Eoin Murray and the team.

Its still more than some teams have tho

[SEATFreak]

Ammended result:
http://www.msttiming.com/toca/2007/71603trg.pdf

I see Turkington will either be not competing or possibly starting from the pit. He hasn't registered a time so I am guessing a problem of some description?

Still I am over the moon at that result for DT and Jase. More for DT tho. Jase, who'se car has 45kg will have to take a car that has only 9kg in Giovanardi.

But I am also very happy to see Eion on 4th. Whether he will stay ahead of Neal for any time I don't know but good effort in a good car(?). Does anyone know if Quest have any help from anyone? I know A-Tech are aided by N-Technology.

[Ed]

well done to Murry and the Quest team!!! he was so much faster then the A-tech guys who have a newer spec car!

[tin-top fan]

Quest have a 2005-spec version of the car. It was a prize the murray won when he won the Alfa challenge ( or something like that). I think it was the one that Thompson drove in the WTCC. I don't think there is any help from Alfa of any kind though- all there help goes to A-tech.


On the question of Adam Jones engine, isn't there someway that Motorbase could help them out?

[BDunnell]

I see Turkington will either be not competing or possibly starting from the pit. He hasn't registered a time so I am guessing a problem of some description?

Read the thread.

[guest123]

what happend to turner?

[SEATFreak]

More weighbridge drama! :eek:

Turkington failed to restart after being on the weighbridge and goes to the back of the grid!

Why couldn't Turkington get of the weighbridge? :confused:

[ATF]

VX 1-2 woohoo!! Takes both of them right back into championship contention!! Repeat for race 2 please!!

Shame about Turner, if he doesn't have a good day, SEAT will make him support Plato for the rest of the year! :(

[SEATFreak]

Shame about Turner, if he doesn't have a good day, SEAT will make him support Plato for the rest of the year! :(

That is a concept until now I never thought about. Thanks! ;)

I don't know if this is true or not but my interpretation of the facts available to me he seems on the pace enough to get pole positions and fast laps, because if it weren't for an exclusion in Race 3 at Brands Hatch he would have left with two fast laps as his 49.912 was better than Giovanardi's 49.925, but his placings thus far don't reflect that. He has thus far only finished one race.

Plenty time though ATF for his luck to change.

There is something I want to know though. One of the fast laps at Rockingham is 1:25.173 (set by Giovanardi). One of the fast laps at Brands is 49.925 (set also by Giovanardi). Does that mean the Brands Hatch times were timed at under the one minute?

[BDunnell]

There is something I want to know though. One of the fast laps at Rockingham is 1:25.173 (set by Giovanardi). One of the fast laps at Brands is 49.925 (set also by Giovanardi). Does that mean the Brands Hatch times were timed at under the one minute?

I think it ought to be possible to work that one out for yourself as well. Have a go.

[SEATFreak]

Glad your were never my teacher at school! :rotflmao:

[Northern Monkey]

That was interesting - Two very bent Civics, a very bent Beemer and 12 finishers. Not the plan at the start of the day....

[BDunnell]

Glad your were never my teacher at school! :rotflmao:

I hope your teacher never used to just give you the answer without you trying to work it out for yourself.

[dwf1]

well done to vaxuhall so far.......

[SEATFreak]

Would anyone (not you BDunnell for obvious reasons!:laugh :) ) like to tell me what happened to cause six DNF's; including both Neal and Shedden, Allison and Turkington, with a further seven more seemingly not able to run; including both Darren Dowling and Chris Stokton, Adam Jones and Simon Blankley?

Was it a pileup?

http://www.btccpages.com/rounds/2007/4_5_6/race2.php

[SEATFreak]

I hope your teacher never used to just give you the answer without you trying to work it out for yourself.

Difference being is I had refference books at school.

[BDunnell]

Would anyone (not you BDunnell for obvious reasons!:laugh :) ) like to tell me what happened to cause six DNF's; including both Neal and Shedden, Allison and Turkington, with a further seven more seemingly not able to run; including both Darren Dowling and Chris Stokton, Adam Jones and Simon Blankley?

Was it a pileup?

I can't answer that because, like you, I don't know.

However, I do think you ought to be able to work out why the lap time at one circuit is quicker than another.

[SEATFreak]

Rockingham is a longer circit? Wrong?

Bet I am right on being wrong BDunnell.

[Vez]

Rockingham is:
1.479 miles/2.380 km Oval
2.560 miles/4.120 km Road Course

Brands Hatch is:
1.2 miles/1.931 km Indy Course
2.623 miles/4.221 km Grand Prix

[tdb]

seemingly not able to run; including Darren Dowling

The main reason Darren Dowling was a DNS is that he isn't even in the championship!!!!!!

[BDunnell]

Well, I'm very glad Plato won that third race. It would have been an injustice if he'd lost out as a result of what appeared (from the TV) to be a pointless safety car intervention. Likewise, I'm pleased that Chilton got something out of it after nearly being punted off by some stupid driving by John George. This may seem harsh, but I thought it was a demonstration of why the reverse grid is a bad idea.

[reidy_fan]

totally deserved 2nd place for Mat Jackson

from watching ITV's coverage the rock has proved to be a good venue for the BTCC, good close racing (okay a bit toooo close at times)

[BDunnell]

totally deserved 2nd place for Mat Jackson

from watching ITV's coverage the rock has proved to be a good venue for the BTCC, good close racing (okay a bit toooo close at times)

Awful last chicane, though. The cars looked to be going through at walking pace.

[dwf1]

Well, I'm very glad Plato won that third race. It would have been an injustice if he'd lost out as a result of what appeared (from the TV) to be a pointless safety car intervention. Likewise, I'm pleased that Chilton got something out of it after nearly being punted off by some stupid driving by John George. This may seem harsh, but I thought it was a demonstration of why the reverse grid is a bad idea.

hang on chilton almost knocked john george out too so if your prepared to give some, you must be prepared to take some back

[ADnet]

Would anyone (not you BDunnell for obvious reasons!:laugh :) ) like to tell me what happened to cause six DNF's; including both Neal and Shedden, Allison and Turkington, with a further seven more seemingly not able to run; including both Darren Dowling and Chris Stokton, Adam Jones and Simon Blankley?

Was it a pileup?

http://www.btccpages.com/rounds/2007/4_5_6/race2.php

After seeing the coverage, it appeared that matt neal got nudged sideways by chilton, recovered.. then as they were filing down into the next corner, matt was under threat from turkington.. with neither driver willing to concede, the right rear of the civic, and the left front of the bmw collided, shooting both turkington and neal into the air, tearing neal's right rear from the car, spearing it accross the track, and taking out shedden... not sure if more were involved.

[VkmSpouge]

Eoin Murray got into a few scrapes today, it really won't do his budget any good. His start in the first race was pretty poor but he shows he has the race pace to fight with the leaders.
Shame for Adam Jones not racing today.
Congratulations to John George and Simon Blanckley for scoring their first BTCC point.
Colin Turkington had a terrible time, he'll want to forget about Rockingham very quickly.

[SEATFreak]

Well, I'm very glad Plato won that third race. It would have been an injustice if he'd lost out as a result of what appeared (from the TV) to be a pointless safety car intervention.

Agreed. Not just because I support SEAT and Jase is my beloved teams best chance of the Drivers title. It was an uncesessary stopage and I still don't know where the debris was on the track.


Likewise, I'm pleased that Chilton got something out of it after nearly being punted off by some stupid driving by John George. This may seem harsh, but I thought it was a demonstration of why the reverse grid is a bad idea.

No, I don't think it is that harsh. My personal view of the reversal is it gives the lesser Independent drivers a view of the front but one scenario I have is drivers who are less skilful and are running in slower cars could be moving hazzards to two battling top drivers sitting behind in much faster cars whose battle for the lead is being held up.

[SEATFreak]

Shame for Adam Jones not racing today.

Shame for the other drivers who were there but could not start really. Namely Chris Stockton and Richard Marsh.

[Erki]

It was an uncesessary stopage and I still don't know where the debris was on the track.

It's called "caution for debris". :) Is it a coincidence that BTCC goes to an oval and debris cautions rise their head?

[BDunnell]

It's called "caution for debris". :) Is it a coincidence that BTCC goes to an oval and debris cautions rise their head?

It's happened before during races in which the field gets spread out. The finale of the 1999 season at Silverstone was a prime example.

[BTBR]

Hi Guys,

New to the forum, but how did Mat Jackson fair over the weekend?

Cheers

[BDunnell]

Hi Guys,

New to the forum, but how did Mat Jackson fair over the weekend?

Cheers

Fairly poor qualifying; got pushed around in race one, finished 10th; good run to 4th in race two; then an excellent drive to 2nd in race three.

[Pedalpusher]

Well Rockingham gave us another 3 great races with incidents and accidents a plenty. Shame that Turkington had a pretty bad weekend, but Onslow-Cole had a great scrap with Chilton in race 2 :up:

Two good wins for Giovanardi, although I bet his eyes were :eek: when he came across the oil from Fiona's MG in race 1.
And I bet Mr Gow deployed the safety car in race 3 after spotting some fag ash on the track :p :

[Mp3 Astra]

I don't know about you guys, but deploying a safety car for apparently no good reason is very irresponsible. As we have seen, the cars get very close at Rockingham so having them bunched back up like that is dangerous. So basically the safety car caused more danger than it would have if it had stayed in. But this is all just speculation, as it may have been a safety car that was actually required.

Secondly, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day's action and I'm glad to see that Rockingham has come back with a bang.

[Winchester]

I disagree with the view that the safety car makes things more dangerous. It didn't do any harm.
As for the reason it was sent out in race 3.... err nope, no idea here either!

[BDunnell]

I disagree with the view that the safety car makes things more dangerous. It didn't do any harm.
As for the reason it was sent out in race 3.... err nope, no idea here either!

I don't think it makes things more dangerous, but if it's not necessary it shouldn't be deployed. If Plato hadn't won that third race because of the safety car intervention bunching things up and giving Jackson or someone else a chance for no other reason, it would have been ridiculous.

[nicemms]

I enjoyed the onslow cole/chilton battle in race 2. Was in Vauxhall owners hospitality and he said thats why he enjoys racing(chilton) but had traction problems on last corner.

Great weekend overall. Feel sorry for Eoin though but great weekend for Mike Jordan.

[reidy_fan]

thought it was up to the COC to deploy safety car. Alan Gow shouldnt have any input into the matter at all

[Winchester]

It is the COC's responsibility, i think its a running joke that Mr Gow occasionally has words if a race is getting a bit strung out and the pace car mysteriously appears...
Joking aside, a big thumbs-up for Rockingham. Took far too long to get out at the end but everything else was spot on.

[BDunnell]

Great weekend overall. Feel sorry for Eoin though but great weekend for Mike Jordan.

Yes, he's as quick as ever. It sounded like his car with a broken exhaust in race three — Tim Harvey thought it was Matt Allison's. Jordan could of course have done even better without his starter motor problems in qualifying and contact in race two. Shame he tends to make such poor starts, though. Same went for Murray today.

[savage86]

I enjoyed today im glad you guys enjoyed the Rockingham races im a regular visitor to the track and it was great to see the place so busy again.

Hope the BTCC comes back next season and they put the chicain in turn one back in rather than them running the oval section.

[Ian McC]

I always enjoy the Rock, best facilities of any of the circuits in the UK

[mattie007]

Great days racing, Rockingham is just fantastic. I would of preferred the chicane at turn 1 and the hairpin instead of the chicane towards the end of the lap (like in 2003), but it made for some good overtaking.
Happy with Hughes 9th position but Fiona seems to be very unlucky this year!
The Vectras look very fast and if I was a betting man Id put my money on Gio for the championship.
The crash with Neal and Turks was spectacular, don't think Ive ever seen a Touring Car with all 4 wheels off the ground! Love to see a picture of that!
I think the safety car was deployed in race 3 because one of the temporary crash barriers got moved.

[Steelrat]

....Joking aside, a big thumbs-up for Rockingham. Took far too long to get out at the end but everything else was spot on.

Two thumbs for: The racing, the view from the stands (I don't think saying 99% of the circuit is viewable is an exaggeration) and the toilets.

Thumbs down for: Leaving the circuit. It;s like a Chinese finger trap. Easy to get into, difficult to get out. Though to be fair, as at Brands, the rilly, rilly important people had to race around the carpark, trying to find shortcuts and creating *more* queues for the exit. Patience, guys, we'll all get out ... eventually. Cost of food. Correct me if I'm wrong, it seems more expensive than Brands. Lack of bins. Yes, I know there some at the entrance to the stands but how did they get filled so quick?

Numb Bum: Oooh ... Those benches. Someone mentioned taking cushions and I was going to take the one for the garden chairs. But I forgot ..... Note to self: Next time .......

Big Whoo of the day: The two T's (Chilton and Onslow-Cole). Race two, you were both fantastic. Great driving, fantastic overtaking and all with zero body-work rearranging. *That's* how you do it, Jase and Matt (Neal)....

All-in-all ... Loved it.

P

[KILOHMUNNS]

Great day out, fantastic racing but just tainted by the awful access out of the circuit. 2 1/2 hours to get out isn't acceptable, that was longer than Silverstone last year.

Probably didn't help with TC being the last race (ITV's Fault?) and having a mass exodus!

Rant now over. It was a great day with great racing the the Touring cars and all the support races.

[BDunnell]

Big Whoo of the day: The two T's (Chilton and Onslow-Cole). Race two, you were both fantastic. Great driving, fantastic overtaking and all with zero body-work rearranging. *That's* how you do it, Jase and Matt (Neal)....

Absolutely. Though Plato and Neal haven't had any silly contact together this season — yet...

[Steelrat]

Absolutely. Though Plato and Neal haven't had any silly contact together this season — yet...

I must admit I had Plato's manoeuvre at the start of race 3 in mind. I mean, he almost took out his own team-mate. Poor old Darren must think nobody likes him .....

P

[gary_580]

Great day out at Rockingham today. Only disappointment was the cutting short of the Clio race just to get Race 3 of the touring cars starting on time. The Clio race was fantastic and IMHO they would have been better cutting 6 laps from the Porsche cup race as the positions were pretty much static after about 6 laps.

[BDunnell]

I must admit I had Plato's manoeuvre at the start of race 3 in mind. I mean, he almost took out his own team-mate. Poor old Darren must think nobody likes him .....

P

If you'd got a start as good as that, would you have held back!

At least no major damage was done.

[jonathan carr]

Great days racing at the Rock as usual.
Agree with Gary 580 on cutting Cleo race (thats live tv coverage for you) and never been a fan of Porshe Cup Racing in this series. Keep it for endurance racing.

[Steelrat]

Great days racing at the Rock as usual.
Agree with Gary 580 on cutting Cleo race (thats live tv coverage for you) and never been a fan of Porshe Cup Racing in this series. Keep it for endurance racing.

I agree. Drop the Porsche and Formula Renault. Keep the Formula BMW and bring in T-Cars. Seriously ....

P

[murrayfan]

drop the lot and link up with british f3/gt again that would be great for us fans

[cos]

hang on chilton almost knocked john george out too so if your prepared to give some, you must be prepared to take some back

Indeed, John George is the last driver I'd expect to give as good as he gets, but it was grand to see him fighting back against the works boys whilst he had the chance!

[murrayfan]

well said mike jordan can't do it alone

[cos]

drop the lot and link up with british f3/gt again that would be great for us fans

Won't happen for a while... too many team/driver egos to fit in the same paddock!

[murrayfan]

Won't happen for a while... too many team/driver egos to fit in the same paddock!
i know its a real shame :(

[jonathan carr]

Well hope you enjoyed Rockingham.
The circuit has been bought by a property development company who are building 5000 houses nearby. They were going to sponsor the Lexus Cars at this round. Didn't see that. RIP Rockingham

[murrayfan]

Well hope you enjoyed Rockingham.
The circuit has been bought by a property development company who are building 5000 houses nearby. They were going to sponsor the Lexus Cars at this round. Didn't see that. RIP Rockingham
yes i did enjoy rockingham but only on the tv very sad news about the owners shame jonathan palmer didnt buy it then that would have ben another british track going in the direction :(

[Speedworx]

Well hope you enjoyed Rockingham.
The circuit has been bought by a property development company who are building 5000 houses nearby. They were going to sponsor the Lexus Cars at this round. Didn't see that. RIP Rockingham

Rockingham can have 6 meetings a year even AFTER the houses are built!!!

[tin-top fan]

the lexus's were sponsored by Rockingham! look at the windscreen sticker: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thefilbertfox/467494164/in/set-72157600103971279/

[SEATFreak]

I must admit I had Plato's manoeuvre at the start of race 3 in mind. I mean, he almost took out his own team-mate. Poor old Darren must think nobody likes him .....

P

Hey! I don't know if it appeared to that way to you, but to me to almost appear to slalom in and out the way he did without a scratch was a joy to behold though! :)

Great driving from Jase'!

[BDunnell]

Indeed, John George is the last driver I'd expect to give as good as he gets, but it was grand to see him fighting back against the works boys whilst he had the chance!

I don't class trying to push someone off twice as 'fighting back'. If he'd been able to challenge the works cars cleanly, it would be a different matter.

[mikecapener]

Having watched the BTCC since the late eighties, have great respect for many drivers and up until yesterday one of those was Matt Neal. I have to say though that the way he blamed Tom Chilton for the incident in race 2 was utterly unacceptable. Tom gave Matt the slightest of nudges to what is a much smaller car, and if Matt is trying to tell us that he has never applied that kind of pressure on another car then I don't believe him. You only have to look at the failed move he tried to put on Giovanardi towards the end of race 3 to see that's not the case.

I think having won two championships (especially back to back) Matt can rightly think that he is one of the senior drivers (he has been around the longest after all) but to start throwing his toys out in the way he did yesterday is uncceptable to me.

I know I a few may disagree with these comments but I don't apologise for making them.

[SEATFreak]

Having watched the BTCC since the late eighties, have great respect for many drivers and up until yesterday one of those was Matt Neal. I have to say though that the way he blamed Tom Chilton for the incident in race 2 was utterly unacceptable. Tom gave Matt the slightest of nudges to what is a much smaller car, and if Matt is trying to tell us that he has never applied that kind of pressure on another car then I don't believe him. You only have to look at the failed move he tried to put on Giovanardi towards the end of race 3 to see that's not the case.

I think having won two championships (especially back to back) Matt can rightly think that he is one of the senior drivers (he has been around the longest after all) but to start throwing his toys out in the way he did yesterday is uncceptable to me.

I know I a few may disagree with these comments but I don't apologise for making them.

May a part of the frustration be not getting rid of that banner that was tied around his spoiler? It did seem to hurt his pace during the race.

[LiamM]

I must admit I had Plato's manoeuvre at the start of race 3 in mind. I mean, he almost took out his own team-mate. Poor old Darren must think nobody likes him .....


I don't think Jason is to blame for that start, after lining up pointing down the track on the grid, Allison in front of him knew where he was going, and when they pulled off, Allison moved down the track to block Plato who got a better start, just Turner got a good start too and was in the mix when Plato and Allison got to the bottom of the circuit

SF that RAC banner didnt seem to hurt Neal that much, he was with Shedden for the majority of the race

[acorn]

Rockingham is:
2.560 miles/4.120 km Road Course



not the configuration they were using this weekend which is 1.949 miles(depending on which page of the mst timings you look at 1.989 high or 1.9486 low)

[SEATFreak]

SF that RAC banner didnt seem to hurt Neal that much, he was with Shedden for the majority of the race

Exactly. As in 'sitting just behind him' "with him". I don't think he overtook Shedden once in the race. He certainly finished behind Flash and if Neal did overtake him Shedden would have to have retaken his position - and I am fairly sure Shedden didn't do that.

Do you think Neal would be happy with his race right now?

If not then may that be enough for Neal to throw his toys out as mikecapener alluded to.

[BDunnell]

Having watched the BTCC since the late eighties, have great respect for many drivers and up until yesterday one of those was Matt Neal. I have to say though that the way he blamed Tom Chilton for the incident in race 2 was utterly unacceptable. Tom gave Matt the slightest of nudges to what is a much smaller car, and if Matt is trying to tell us that he has never applied that kind of pressure on another car then I don't believe him. You only have to look at the failed move he tried to put on Giovanardi towards the end of race 3 to see that's not the case.

I think having won two championships (especially back to back) Matt can rightly think that he is one of the senior drivers (he has been around the longest after all) but to start throwing his toys out in the way he did yesterday is uncceptable to me.

I know I a few may disagree with these comments but I don't apologise for making them.

I agree with you. I thought his reaction was totally unnecessary.

[KILOHMUNNS]

Exactly. As in 'sitting just behind him' "with him". I don't think he overtook Shedden once in the race. He certainly finished behind Flash and if Neal did overtake him Shedden would have to have retaken his position - and I am fairly sure Shedden didn't do that.

.

Neal did overtake Flash, Flash only passed him on the last lap as Neal attempted to overtake Chilton and failed and lost speed.

Agree Neal outburst was uncalled for but don't most of the drivers do it when things don't go their way!!!!!

[SEATFreak]

Agree Neal outburst was uncalled for but don't most of the drivers do it when things don't go their way!!!!!

Err..not to the extent that Matt Squeal does. He may not rant like the term "throwing one toys out" implies, but he does appear to voice any attacking manouver where most top drivers like Jase', Turkington and Giovanardi would largely appear to accept it. I am not saying Jase' is whiter than white but he does not appear to hold the grudge for as long.

PS - sorry....as a Jase fan I couldn't resist the little jovial twist on Neal's surname! ;)

[TCuns]

mikecapener IS RIGHT!!! Neal's reaction was totally un called for, double champion should be the benchmark, well done ITV for showing it!!!! Shows little matty strop strop in his true colours.

[Steelrat]

mikecapener IS RIGHT!!! Neal's reaction was totally un called for, double champion should be the benchmark, well done ITV for showing it!!!! Shows little matty strop strop in his true colours.

I'm still chuckling at Pinkney's reaction at Knockhill last year ......

And, yes, I don't see how Neal can blame Chilton, it was a racing rub around the corner as he turned across Chilton's car. I would have thought Turkington would have more of a grievance against Neal .....

P

[thompp]

Certainly the clerk of the course saw no problem with it, not even a hint of punishing Chilton.....the clerk certainly saw it as a racing incident

[Speedworx]

Good attendance figure:

35,000

[tintin]

I agree. Drop the Porsche and Formula Renault. Keep the Formula BMW and bring in T-Cars. Seriously ....

P

T-Cars?
There were only six of them at their last race. Hardly the sort of thing you want supporting the BTCC.

[tintin]

Great days racing at the Rock as usual.
Agree with Gary 580 on cutting Cleo race (thats live tv coverage for you)

I think you'll find the Clios were cut short because of Rockingham's ridiculously early curfew.

[Steelrat]

T-Cars?
There were only six of them at their last race. Hardly the sort of thing you want supporting the BTCC.

There were only 11 BTTC on the grid at Donnington in 2005 but it's popularity has grown. I think what I'm trying to say is, with the sort of people that watch BTCC, and given the wider exposure, maybe the T-cars can get more entrants to make it a bigger draw. I mean, look at the Clio grid now. Massive.

P

[reidy_fan]

T-car are shot mate, series is far too expensive to build car car new you are looking at 40k used about 20k as they are proper spaceframe cars

I agree the carerra cup needs dropping as it is getting to be a joke grid wise

here is my thinking

series aimed at age 10-16 year olds
cars based on medium family cars so focus, astra, civic etc. Bog standard engine and transmission probably 2 litre no performance mods whatsoever, bodykits can be fitted, interiors stripped out and usual cage etc, if abs and traction control was fitted to production car it stays, only off the shelf suspension mods. Slick/rain tyres as appropriate. should be able to build a car of that type for less than 15-17k

[Steelrat]

<snip>

here is my thinking

series aimed at age 10-16 year olds
cars based on medium family cars so focus, astra, civic etc. Bog standard engine and transmission probably 2 litre no performance mods whatsoever, bodykits can be fitted, interiors stripped out and usual cage etc, if abs and traction control was fitted to production car it stays, only off the shelf suspension mods. Slick/rain tyres as appropriate. should be able to build a car of that type for less than 15-17k

Now, *that* I like. Good step up for young Karters?

[reidy_fan]

well you can race F-BMW at 15 and you are looking at a 75-100k budget for that. the type of series I have scribbled could be done on a total budget of 35-40k if you already have a transporter of sorts. of course someone has probably thought of it before and decided it is a non starter

[Winchester]

On a seperate note, does anyone know why the porsche grid was so sparse?

[BeeJ_UK]

I think the safety car was deployed in race 3 because one of the temporary crash barriers got moved.

Close. It was because the stupid foam blocks they put on the apex of one of the corners got moved. They had problems with them all weekend. I think they are too light to use to try and stop corner cutting. On the post I was flagging on there was one of those floppy black and white posts that they replaced once in the morning and when it got knocked out again they left it out, they should have left the blocks out as well.

TOCA have been known to have the safety car called out just to close the pack up. The last time I remember was last year at Silverstone.

[LiamM]

I remember the Masters race at Donington, where Mr Gow told Alan Hyde that there was the wrong type of leaves on the track so they sent the safety car out unluckily just before the last few laps - not exactly the same, as its not a championship race but still

[gary_580]

There were only 11 BTTC on the grid at Donnington in 2005 but it's popularity has grown. I think what I'm trying to say is, with the sort of people that watch BTCC, and given the wider exposure, maybe the T-cars can get more entrants to make it a bigger draw. I mean, look at the Clio grid now. Massive.

P

Its shrunk to what it was in the 90's when Rouse and Co were racing.

[BDunnell]

Good attendance figure:

35,000

Good? I'd say that was excellent. Is it maybe a record for the championship, excepting British GP meetings?

[Brown, Jon Brow]

I thought that the racing was harmed by too many accidents taking out front runners, e.g Turkington, Neal, Shedden in race 2. I also feel that in race 3 success ballast on the Vauxhalls stopped them from being able to challenge Plato and Jackson :down:

[acorn]

Good? I'd say that was excellent. Is it maybe a record for the championship, excepting British GP meetings?

that's a combined 2 day Rockingham calculated figure but good never the less.

[SEATFreak]

Damn shame we have moved on and it is an irrelevant point now but having finally had the chance to see the incident over and over again Chilton was spot-on I rekon in his view of Neal in his interview with Louise Goodman.

Trying to put down what Chilton is currently saying, Tom is I think saying Neal was attempting to outbrake everyone going into the hairpain and that going into what was a tight turn three their was three-abreast and Tom was trying to hold the inside and Tom and Mat just touch. And Neal simply said he got "turned round" by Chilton.

But the pictures of the event when it happend suggests to me Neal was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and a touching was inevitable when you look at where Chilton was going on his line.

[thompp]

Fiona's weekend report from Rockingham:

http://www.fionaleggate.co.uk/cgi-bin/Otusshow.pl?Rockingham_2007

[Wasted Talent]

I'm still chuckling at Pinkney's reaction at Knockhill last year ......

And, yes, I don't see how Neal can blame Chilton, it was a racing rub around the corner as he turned across Chilton's car. I would have thought Turkington would have more of a grievance against Neal .....

P

I couldn't agree more.

Whilst applauding Neal's success in the deepest past as a privateer (winning in the Primera against the work teams), he goes further down in my opinion each year.

Nothing is ever his fault - the way he took Collard off at Croft last year at the most dangerous part of the circuit was disgusting.

This time he blames Chilton for a smaller tap than the one that gave him the win at Brands last outing, and now tries to force Turkington off onto the grass at Rockingham.

What with Shedden being really dirty as well last season (or maybe he was trying to drive faster than he actually can and remain in control), it is a pity that such great looking cars are sullied by the drivers.

WT

[BeansBeansBeans]

Matt was in the wrong, but we're all capable of having a tantrum when things don't go our way. On a lighter note, I realised at the weekend that Chilton and Neal strongly resemble Beavis & Butthead. Hur-hur....etc

[Northern Monkey]

Matt was in the wrong, but we're all capable of having a tantrum when things don't go our way. On a lighter note, I realised at the weekend that Chilton and Neal strongly resemble Beavis & Butthead. Hur-hur....etc

Also on a lighter note - Plato's 'view' of the reason for the Safety Car in race three....

http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?cid=10&id=146874&news=y

Might have been different if Mat had beaten him after the restart though!

[chloe_clio]

Hi guys im new to the forum, i went to brands and rockingham rockingham was wicked, i support chilton but his fight with oslo-cole was wicked, he deserved that 2nd. As for the incident in race 2 i saw neal in the air but havent had time to watch the race on tv, im beginning to not like neal though, and am losing faith on Leggate, Kart world cant seem to get there act together, she doesnt seem to have that racing edge whether or not thats because of her car or not i dont know.

only been supporting the btccc this season am an f1 fan, so correct me nicely if im wrong X

[Ian McC]

:wave:

Welcome to the madhouse Chloe :D

[Ian McC]

I am guessing the TV people jump on Matt as soon as possible because they know they are going to get that kind of reaction when he is wound up.

[murrayfan]

Well Ever Since He Called Plato A Pig In 05 He's The First One The Tv Goes To At The End Of The Race

[Marc W]

Hi guys im new to the forum, i went to brands and rockingham rockingham was wicked, i support chilton but his fight with oslo-cole was wicked, he deserved that 2nd. As for the incident in race 2 i saw neal in the air but havent had time to watch the race on tv, im beginning to not like neal though, and am losing faith on Leggate, Kart world cant seem to get there act together, she doesnt seem to have that racing edge whether or not thats because of her car or not i dont know.

only been supporting the btccc this season am an f1 fan, so correct me nicely if im wrong X

Welcome to the forum Chloe

I'm guessing you didn't notice her fight back in race 3 at Brands after being knocked out of race 1 with heavy car damage. She was on course for a similar race 3 before Jim Pocklington took her out. Anyone who has any doubts of her racing ability should have seen her race at rounds 1 and 2 of the EERC Britcar PS1 championship at Silverstone in March. She completely dominated her class, winning both races and taking pole and fastest race laps. She even beat most of the cars in the class above.

[mattie007]

Would the Dunlop Sport Maxx series be a good choice to join the BTCC? Or maybe Britcar or MG Trophy series?

Regarding 'RIP Rockingham', what a load of rubbish! A property company has brought it from BMW but they getting more and more races there. They are keen to get BSB, IndyCar and Moto GP there, along with bringing the BTCC back for many years to come!

[acorn]

Regarding 'RIP Rockingham', what a load of rubbish! A property company has brought it from BMW but they getting more and more races there. They are keen to get BSB, IndyCar and Moto GP there, along with bringing the BTCC back for many years to come!

just to correct you, rockingham's ex pr man made it clear that BMW at no time had ownership of rockingham.

[chloe_clio]

I'm guessing you didn't notice her fight back in race 3 at Brands after being knocked out of race 1 with heavy car damage.
thanks for the welcome guys, i completely agree she did a brilliant job then and fair play to her but i just mean that its not really consistent but whether or not thats down to her car or not i dont really know what do you think?

[chloe_clio]

matt neal also annoyed me after watching the race he blame two people for going for spaces that weren't there and from my opinion he looked like he moved over onto chilton and turkington so he was the one going for the space that wasnt there...
and after all 'rubbings racing' i quote from days of thunder the character who plays tom cruises team boss. quality film...

[Les]

apart from the stupid comments from Matt Squeal (heck I love that name!) about the incident - what really annoyed me was his saunter across the circuit back to the paddock - he never once looked to see if a car was coming and Jason Hughes was coming round at racing speed way behind the pack. He should know better and set a better standard to others.

[Marc W]

I'm guessing you didn't notice her fight back in race 3 at Brands after being knocked out of race 1 with heavy car damage.
thanks for the welcome guys, i completely agree she did a brilliant job then and fair play to her but i just mean that its not really consistent but whether or not thats down to her car or not i dont really know what do you think?

It is difficult to be consistent when you keep getting knocked off and your engine blows though! :)

[murrayfan]

I Agree When Kartworld Get There Car Up To Speed Jason And Fiona Will Be Up There And Get A Few Points Here And There :)

[chloe_clio]

mmm any likely hood of kartworld of getting there act together?
Neal acted like an idiot the play back of him slapping his head and thumbs up at chilton while the race carried on was childish and as someone mentioned dangerous. hey ho
onslo-cole and chilton though was good to see them both behaving like pro's especially as at the track chilton got out the car and said genuinly he really enjoyed it even though he lost, shame neal wasnt behaving as mature on the day

[cookingfat]

It is difficult to be consistent when you keep getting knocked off and your engine blows though! :)

She didn't have these problems last year.. Personally, I think she has made a wrong move with the MG at Kartworld. 1 finish in 6 races..

She should have stayed with her original choice for 2007!

[murrayfan]

[quote="chloe_clio"]mmm any likely hood of kartworld of getting there act together?
MAYBE WITH 2 ROUND'S TO GO THE MITE GE INTO THE TOP TEN LOL :)

[unsung hero]

They have new spec engines ready for thruxton and fiona was saying she is ready to kick some ass and prove that her abilities as a racing driver. Never under estimate the power of a woman. Fiona has got great talent and she is a fiighter not a quiter give her a chance as the only female in a male dominated Btcc she will get all those back that have punted her off by beating them i feel by race 2 at thruxton she will be in the top 12 with the help from jason maybe higher if you saw at the rock jason took fiona around behind him on a few qualifiers to give her a bit of a tow. Good luck Fiona prove them all wrong your a very talented driver.

[Marc W]

She didn't have these problems last year.. Personally, I think she has made a wrong move with the MG at Kartworld. 1 finish in 6 races..

She should have stayed with her original choice for 2007!

She had loads more problems last year! Engine failure, meaning she missed Donnington, Repeated misfires, Gearbox failures! She never had a weekend last year where the car ran without a fault. Something always failed, often in the races.

I'm wondering what you think her original choice for this year was?

[Alfa Fan]

Yet the car was fine when Paul O'Neill took it over for the final two meetings? 6 finishes out of 6 races, mostly in the points?

And this year, Jason Hughes has finished 3 of the 6 races, with his non-finishing usually being due to driver error or accidents (stuck in the gravel at Brands, etc)

[Marc W]

It had mechanical problems at Silverstone too, but I'm not sure what your trying to say by that anyway?

[Alfa Fan]

That I believe that drivers that don't look after their equipment have more problems ;)

[Marc W]

None of the failures this year or last have or were attributed to anything Fiona had done while driving.

[tisme]

I'm wondering what you think her original choice for this year was?
If you are that connected with Fiona, you will know what else was avalaible to her!

[Marc W]

I never said I didn't know, I was wondering what you thought it was!

[cookingfat]

I never said I didn't know, I was wondering what you thought it was!

'Nothing!'

[chloe_clio]

Never under estimate the power of a woman.
i agree i am one! im glad i have had this convo as its very hard to understand her and the team having only seen a fraction of her talent at brands and rockingham. but hey ill wait and see lets hope her luck gets better