BTCC 2008 Rumours

[SEATFreak]

thats very intersting news. any one know which team it is? what abouty Bell, he bought an ex D Muler car and Scentzer have been gibving techincal support to him in the pass (albeit on a limited basis)

No. It doesn't say.


I'd heard that was Motorbase Performance, since they were unhappy with the spares availability they'd experienced with the Tolly's

I can see how the Beemers would be a much more attractive car than the Tolly's. Yes they Tolly's can still race but their not race winning cars for me now. The Beemers in almost any hand can compete well and win races.

I am almost terrified of saying this but if people would keep their angry gobs shut for a moment I hope they would allow me to say though Schnitzer's beemers and Jackson's beemer are different in that Schnitzer's beemers are works backed cars and Jackson's beemer is a small family run outfit car, one thing that connects then is both the Schnitzer beemers and Mat Jackson's beemer won this season.

* See how well I can help conduct a debate if certain angry people just shut their angry gobs and left me alone in peace? For the first time ever I am enjoying a debate. :) :up:

[m0rk]

I think what you're saying is that there's 'factory' parts, and 'customer' parts - and the factory wouldn't want to be beaten by a customer

in which case you're right

[SEATFreak]

I think what you're saying is that there's 'factory' parts, and 'customer' parts - and the factory wouldn't want to be beaten by a customer

in which case you're right

That wasn't my intention but that is an opinion I do actually hold. That factory cars don't really like being beaten by customer cars if it is the case a beemer made from customer parts has beaten a beemer made from factory parts.

But I just think the beemer has proven itself time and time again to be competitive in any hands.

If it is Motorbase that has bought the cars I am predicting they will be in the top 6 in the Independent Teams Championship standings come this time next year.

[CroftPilgrim]

I thought it has already been established that Motorbase aren't running Toledos and are looking at running Leons?

[PDS]

If you read some other forums, they running Civics as well Leons and BMW's!

[Dickie L'Amour]

Not Alfa Romeos or Chevrolets or Vectras even reverting back to the BTC-spec Honda Integras?

[SEATFreak]

I know touring cars are littered with teams buying up and using old and slightly uncompetitive cars; as I am sure all know and has been mentioned Kartworld are still running the ZS and may even extend to three got next year and Drednaught Racing are securing funding to run a ZS a whole 8 years since it's debut. Eight years of sucessive racing seems a long time for one make and model.

But now that theirs two ex-WTCC N.Technology Alfa's for sale, knowing just how competitive the 156 is now, I am sure the will be purchased; Arkas for instance are looking at racing two new cars, but how quickly will they be snapped up by a team?

[LiamM]

The MG ZS was introduced in the last rounds of the 2001 series, hence they are just SIX years old

[SEATFreak]

I simply miscalculated. Easy done by me.

[mattie007]

And in better hands next year, it will be alot more competitive.
TBH, I dont think the Alfa's will be snapped up as they need alot of money behind them to make them competitive on Dunlop's.

[peewhee]

But now that theirs two ex-WTCC N.Technology Alfa's for sale, knowing just how competitive the 156 is now, I am sure the will be purchased; Arkas for instance are looking at racing two new cars, but how quickly will they be snapped up by a team?

Erkut is tied in with 888, so I can't see him going with the Alfa's! ;)

[jackmarsh]

Motorbase are the team with the BMW's I have that on good authority from someone who was asked to pay for a drive.

[tin-top fan]

Motorbase are the team with the BMW's I have that on good authority from someone who was asked to pay for a drive.

would that someone have been chilton before he got the honda drive?

[SEATFreak]

Erkut is tied in with 888, so I can't see him going with the Alfa's! ;)

I didn't know Erkut was tied with 888 despie racing for Arks.

I adore being me. I am no unware of so much I learn new stuff every day.

[LiamM]

Isnt most of Erkuts money coming from Opel Turkey?

[tisme]

Isnt most of Erkuts money coming from Opel Turkey?

Never tried them!

I've had Opel Fruits!

[VX_Rules]

Why would he get money from Opel Turkey To drive a Vauxhall Badged car in a British Series?

Unless the BTCC is broadcasted and popular in Turkey? :confused:

[LiamM]

It was for development of his skill?

He still runs in the Turkish Championship when he can right?

[CroftPilgrim]

It was for development of his skill?

He still runs in the Turkish Championship when he can right?

Yes - he won the first two races of the 2007 Turkish Touring Car Championship.

[KyKiske]

Can we not assume Seat will run the Diesel so they can be the only competitive diesel on the grid and hence press for rule changes whenever they dont win? Afterall, that does seem to be their tactic when things dont go their way, moan about the cars not being equal (even though if you ask me, if you choose to run a brick on wheels for marketing purposes you dont deserve to win races).

I do see for the Seat guys though, cos the factory must be under pretty big pressure to take to drivers title...

Love to see Adam get a Seat ride with JP. Mr Grumpy has been a nice addition to the BTCC grid, but you can tell his heart isn't in Touring Car racing.

[jackmarsh]

it is possible tin top fan ;)

[tisme]

it is possible tin top fan ;)

In that case... I'm glad he's gone to TD!

[cookingfat]

I didn't know Erkut was tied with 888 despie racing for Arks.
Erkut bought the 888 Sportshatches with the promise of 888 backup! I understand there was a 888 technician attached to Techspeed who ran Erkuts car!


I adore being me. I am no unware of so much I learn new stuff every day.
It's amazing what you can learn if people (that's a generic 'people', not aimed at you) listen and not try to contradict because it doesn't sound right!

[tdb]

Isnt most of Erkuts money coming from Opel Turkey?

I beleive that the funding for Erkut's racing comes from Arkas (Erkut's company)hence the team name!

He looked at a different brand originally but was convinced to go the astra route.

Maybe this will change, i hope so!
His original choice would have been better for him in my opinion.

[VX_Rules]

As Erkuts planning to run a two car team next year, i really hope he'll have this years Vectra VXRs so he can be properly competitive.

[nicemms]

As Erkuts planning to run a two car team next year, i really hope he'll have this years Vectra VXRs so he can be properly competitive.

I'm sure I read somewhere that he;ll be racing two Astra Sport Hatches.

[VkmSpouge]

Yes, in the Arkas Racing press release a couple of months ago on BTCC.net.

[SEATFreak]

Does anyone have any idea who the rumoured team-mate is?

[nicemms]

My guess is on Paul O'Neill since he was working with them alot last season.

[VkmSpouge]

Does anyone have any idea who the rumoured team-mate is?

A driver who comes up with the cash.

[SEATFreak]

A driver who comes up with the cash.

But as a touring car fan their must me zillions of racing drivers you know; ok not personally but purely as a racing driver.

I rely on and expect you and your friends to tell me about drivers I never knew existed. I know nothing. I think I have proved that every time. You know so much I would be a fool not to rely on you. :up:

[Winchester]

But as a touring car fan their must me zillions of racing drivers you know; ok not personally but purely as a racing driver.

I rely on and expect you and your friends to tell me about drivers I never knew existed. I know nothing. I think I have proved that every time. You know so much I would be a fool not to rely on you. :up:

No offence SEATFreak, but I end up skipping most of your posts when I'm reading a topic because so few of them make any sense...

[SEATFreak]

You made a post just to say that? :confused:

No offense taken. I skip posts that clearly are just written because they want to say something negative about the comments I make. :)

[BTCC2]

In my opinion possibilities for the second Arkas seat are¦

Paul O'Neil
Fiona Leggate
Gareth Howell
Gavin Smith
Tom Ferrier
Nick Leason

[MBailey06]

In my opinion possibilities for the second Arkas seat are¦

Paul O'Neil
Fiona Leggate
Gareth Howell
Gavin Smith
Tom Ferrier
Nick Leason

Perhaps add Carl Breeze to the list too because he wants to be in the BTCC next year, again could be down to money, so the second Arkas seat could be exactly what he is looking for.

[SEATFreak]

What about Harry Vaulkhard? He was one of the drivers to test the Leon along with Carl Breeze. But again it all comes down to funding. If he hasn't got the dough he cannot race.

[VX_Rules]

Carl Breeze wont be racing in the BTCC aless it's with the SEAT works team, And please god no don't let Leggate Near a Vauxhall again.

Leave her with the MG. :p :

[BTCC2]

Well lets see what we have so far then:

Fabrizio Giovanardi VX Racing Vauxhall Vectra
Matt Neal VX Racing Vauxhall Vectra
Jason Plato SEAT Sport UK SEAT Leon
Darren Turner SEAT Sport UK SEAT Leon
Gordon Shedden Team Halfords Honda Civic
Tom Chilton Team Halfords Honda Civic
Colin Turkington Team RAC BMW 320si
Harry Vaulkhard Robertshaw Racing Chevrolet Lacetti
Alan Taylor Robertshaw Racing Honda Integra
Michael Doyle Robertshaw Racing Honda Civic

Not bad for the start of December!

[VkmSpouge]

You're missing Mike Jordan, Andrew Jordan, Erkut Kizilirmak and John George from the list.

[peewhee]

Confirmed.

Vauxhall Sport. - Vectra. - F Giovanardi
Vauxhall Sport. - Vectra. – M Neal
WSR. - BMW 320si. – C Turkington
SEAT Sport. – Leon. - J Plato
SEAT Sport. – Leon. - D Turner
AFM. – BMW 120d. - R Kerry
Team Halfords. - Honda Civic. - G Shedden
Team Halfords. - Honda Civic. - T Chilton
Eurotech. - Honda Integra. - M Jordan
Eurotech. - Honda Integra. - A Jordan
TH. - Honda Integra. - J George
Robertshaw. – Chevrolet Lacetti. – H Vaulkhard
Robertshaw. - Honda Integra. – A Taylor
Robertshaw. - Honda Civic. - M Doyle
Arkas Racing. – Astra Sporthatch. - E Kizilirmak
:s mokin:

[BTCC2]

Sorry, knew I would forget some!

[A Scotsman]

In my opinion possibilities for the second Arkas seat are¦

Paul O'Neil
Fiona Leggate
Gareth Howell
Gavin Smith
Tom Ferrier
Nick Leason


Fiona Leggate :p

[MBailey06]

With Arkas, Gavin Smith would be a smart option as he drove the Astra Sport Hatch for 2 seasons, so he knows the car quite well already.

[PDS]

Post deleted!

[peewhee]

In my opinion possibilities for the second Arkas seat are¦

Paul O'Neil
Nick Leason
Paul has said he is doing GT's!

Nick Leason is connected with AFM!

[cos]

I read that Paul Luti could be Turkington's team-mate at RAC, but I think it might be someone getting their wires crossed somewhere...

[Les]

I read that Paul Luti could be Turkington's team-mate at RAC, but I think it might be someone getting their wires crossed somewhere...

who on earth is Paul Luti? Someone enlighten me please

[Marc W]

This should help...

http://www.paulluti.com/

[cookingfat]

Lets update!

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

Confirmed.

Vauxhall Sport. - Vectra. - F Giovanardi
Vauxhall Sport. - Vectra. – M Neal
WSR. - BMW 320si. – C Turkington
SEAT Sport. – Leon. - J Plato
SEAT Sport. – Leon. - D Turner
AFM. – BMW 120d. - R Kerry
Jackson MSport - BMW 320si - M Jackson
Team Halfords. - Honda Civic. - G Shedden
Team Halfords. - Honda Civic. - T Chilton
Eurotech. - Honda Integra. - M Jordan
Eurotech. - Honda Integra. - A Jordan
TH. - Honda Integra. - J George
Robertshaw. – Chevrolet Lacetti. – H Vaulkhard
Robertshaw. - Honda Integra. – A Taylor
Robertshaw. - Honda Civic. - M Doyle
Arkas Racing. – Astra Sporthatch. - E Kizilirmak
Motorbase Performance - BMW 320si - TBC
Motorbase Performance - BMW 320si - TBC
:s mokin:

18 before Christmas! Must be some sort of record!

[VkmSpouge]

Why no second WSR car on your list?

[cookingfat]

Okay... 19!

Lets update!

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

Confirmed.

Vauxhall Sport. - Vectra. - F Giovanardi
Vauxhall Sport. - Vectra. – M Neal
WSR. - BMW 320si. – C Turkington
WSR. - BMW 320si. – TBC
SEAT Sport. – Leon. - J Plato
SEAT Sport. – Leon. - D Turner
AFM. – BMW 120d. - R Kerry
Jackson MSport - BMW 320si - M Jackson
Team Halfords. - Honda Civic. - G Shedden
Team Halfords. - Honda Civic. - T Chilton
Eurotech. - Honda Integra. - M Jordan
Eurotech. - Honda Integra. - A Jordan
TH. - Honda Integra. - J George
Robertshaw. – Chevrolet Lacetti. – H Vaulkhard
Robertshaw. - Honda Integra. – A Taylor
Robertshaw. - Honda Civic. - M Doyle
Arkas Racing. – Astra Sporthatch. - E Kizilirmak
Motorbase Performance - BMW 320si - TBC
Motorbase Performance - BMW 320si - TBC
:s mokin:

[VkmSpouge]

It is looking pretty good so far. So many teams able to get their plans together before Christmas is good news. Can't wait to see what the new year brings.

[tin-top fan]

There seems to be no second chevy for robertshaw on there either...... :p :

[DazzlaF1]

Okay... 19!

Lets update!

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

Confirmed.

Vauxhall Sport. - Vectra. - F Giovanardi
Vauxhall Sport. - Vectra. – M Neal
WSR. - BMW 320si. – C Turkington
WSR. - BMW 320si. – TBC
SEAT Sport. – Leon. - J Plato
SEAT Sport. – Leon. - D Turner
AFM. – BMW 120d. - R Kerry
Jackson MSport - BMW 320si - M Jackson
Team Halfords. - Honda Civic. - G Shedden
Team Halfords. - Honda Civic. - T Chilton
Eurotech. - Honda Integra. - M Jordan
Eurotech. - Honda Integra. - A Jordan
TH. - Honda Integra. - J George
Robertshaw. – Chevrolet Lacetti. – H Vaulkhard
Robertshaw. - Honda Integra. – A Taylor
Robertshaw. - Honda Civic. - M Doyle
Arkas Racing. – Astra Sporthatch. - E Kizilirmak
Motorbase Performance - BMW 320si - TBC
Motorbase Performance - BMW 320si - TBC
:s mokin:

Not forgetting the other likely entries

A 2nd Robertshaw Chevrolet Lacetti
2/3 Kartworld MG ZS's
1/2 GR Asia entries

So we're already talking about potentially at least 23 cars alreasy, AND we've still got the Autosport show to come where we usually get a god bunch of drivers/teams confirming their plans.

Things are looking good

[peewhee]

Confirmed.
Vauxhall Sport - Vauxhall Vectra - F Giovanardi
Vauxhall Sport - Vauxhall Vectra – M Neal
WSR/RAC - BMW 320si – C Turkington
WSR/RAC - BMW 320si – TBC
SEAT Sport – SEAT Leon - J Plato
SEAT Sport – SEAT Leon - D Turner
AFM – BMW 120d - R Kerry
Jackson MSport - BMW 320si - M Jackson
Team Halfords - Honda Civic - G Shedden
Team Halfords - Honda Civic - T Chilton
Eurotech - Honda Integra - M Jordan
Eurotech - Honda Integra - A Jordan
TH Motorsport - Honda Integra - J George
Robertshaw – Chevrolet Lacetti – H Vaulkhard
Robertshaw – Chevrolet Lacetti – TBC
Robertshaw - Honda Integra – A Taylor
Robertshaw - Honda Civic - M Doyle
Arkas Racing – Astra Sporthatch - E Kizilirmak
Motorbase Performance - BMW 320si - TBC
Motorbase Performance - BMW 320si - TBC
:s mokin:


Not forgetting the other likely entries

Yeh.. Lets not forget them!

Waiting Confirmation.
A-Tech Racing - Alfa 156 - D Pinkney
A-Tech Racing - Alfa 156 - TBC
AFM Racing – BMW 120d - N Leason
MBR - TBC - M Bell
MBR - TBC - TBC
BTC Racing - Lexus IS200 - C Stockton
BTC Racing - Lexus IS200 - TBC
Xero Competition - Lexus IS200 - TBC
Kartworld Racing - TBC - J Hughes
Kartworld Racing - TBC - TBC

And other rumours include..
Quest Racing - Alfa 156 - E Murray
Dread0 - MGZS - P Luti
Arkas Racing - Astra Sporthatch - second car
Jackson MSport - BMW 320si - second car
Vauxhall Sport - Vauxhall Vectra - third car
Even mutterings of another manufacturer!

[cos]

Confirmed.
A-Tech Racing - Alfa 156 - D Pinkney
A-Tech Racing - Alfa 156 - TBC


Not so sure Pinkney will be driving? Reid, Collard and The St.. er, Collins have been out testing the A-Tech cars recently.

[Alfa Fan]

Would this mean that their would be an A-Tech entry AND a new Pinkney entry?

[peewhee]

Not so sure Pinkney will be driving? Reid, Collard and The St.. er, Collins have been out testing the A-Tech cars recently.

If you read the list properly. The A-Tech cars are in the waiting confirmation list!
Not as you have posted, in the confirmed list!

[PDS]

Would this mean that their would be an A-Tech entry AND a new Pinkney entry?

As David Pinkney is one of the owners of A-Tech why would he be run as a seperate entry?????

My understanding is that A-Tech want to run two cars. David would like to be in one and they are trying to find another driver for the other. But as usual this time of year, nothing is certain what will happen!

[reidy_fan]

reckon there is a good chance of seeing Paul Luti out in the dreadnaught MG, Paul has been down at WSR recently. Watch this space

still nothing concrete from Jonathan Adam/TCR, there was a piece in one of the scottish tabloids from Jonathan saything that he wants to do BTCC in 08 but if it doesnt happen he will do SCC again.

[Alfa Fan]

BTC Racings website says they're going to announce thier second driver for 2008 soon.

[tisme]

NO!

What it says is:
BTC Racing driver for 2008, is Chris Stockton and watch this space for the details of our second driver.

I don't see the word SOON anywhere in that statement!

[DazzlaF1]

NO!

What it says is:
BTC Racing driver for 2008, is Chris Stockton and watch this space for the details of our second driver.

I don't see the word SOON anywhere in that statement!

I dont think their 2nd driver will be revealed till media day to be honest

[Alfa Fan]

NO!

What it says is:
BTC Racing driver for 2008, is Chris Stockton and watch this space for the details of our second driver.

I don't see the word SOON anywhere in that statement!

Watch this space generally means an announcements fairly soon?

[VkmSpouge]

NO!

What it says is:
BTC Racing driver for 2008, is Chris Stockton and watch this space for the details of our second driver.

I don't see the word SOON anywhere in that statement!

I have to admit "watch this space" does mean pretty shortly otherwise there is little point in watching that space.

[PDS]

Yes.. but that message has been on the site for over a month now!

[Red200]

Its great to see the intrest in our team, but we are not in a position to provide any news yet.

It is my poor choice of words on our site, we are working hard on what our arrangements will be for 2008. We do want you all to visit our site and as soon as we are able to announce our final arrangement we will.

We did wait until media day this year!!!!!

It is shaping up for a block buster season in what we consider to be the best race series available.

Roll on March 2008

[VkmSpouge]

Will you be doing much testing with the car?

[tisme]

Will you be doing much testing with the car?

Which car?

[VkmSpouge]

The car(s) that BTC Racing hopefully intend to race.

[SEATFreak]

Its great to see the intrest in our team, but we are not in a position to provide any news yet.

And what role do you have in the team Red200?

I know Alfa Fan is going to blow yet another somewhat short fuse and have yet another fit, but as I am assuming Red200 isn't your real name it is a bit difficult for me to tell who you really are.

[PDS]

Red200 is an important member of the BTC Racing team!

If he says it will happen! It will happen!

[SEATFreak]

Red200 is an important member of the BTC Racing team!

If he says it will happen! It will happen!

That makes things much clearer. Thanks. :rolleyes:

[Red200]

And what role do you have in the team Red200?

I know Alfa Fan is going to blow yet another somewhat short fuse and have yet another fit, but as I am assuming Red200 isn't your real name it is a bit difficult for me to tell who you really are.

Hi some say general dogs body and many other nice terms!!!!

On file - Team Manager

Best Wishes

[SEATFreak]

Well, it's always nice to have people who are a part of the BTCC members of this forum.

Good luck for 2008 Red200. I will be keeping an eye on your team at Croft :up: :)

wanna now more about the FREAK and his FREAKY and SICKO endeavours???

Check out lady - dash - sonia - dot - uk - dot - co

u can figure out his screename

hes truly a sick individual

unless u consider licking another man's semen normal

and whining about having a twoinch member :)

an picking fights with anybody ho has a dick longer than twoinches

SFreak is freakier on Lady Sonia website free forum were he idolizes uglyfat chick with boots and want to lick man-goo off her vulgar boots what a sicko

[tdb]

So i guess the "TOC potentially being run by triple8 in a vectra" is still a rumour and no one has posted it, so i thought i'd add it here.

Just wanted to say, jeeeeeeezus!!!!!!!!!!!! how much ,money must he have to spend????? a works car, run by a works team, but not a works drive! and a seperate set up!

Would seem an oportunity has been lost by many a team owner!
Especially if you have BMW's!

[Rover V8]

Not so sure Pinkney will be driving? Reid, Collard and The St.. er, Collins have been out testing the A-Tech cars recently.

According to Dailysportscar, A-Tech have confirmed Richard Marsh's British GT entry- Ferrari 430, shared with Anthony Reid- that could put paid to any speculation of a BTCC return for Reid....

[tisme]

Blimey... I wouldn't mind buying them myself!!!

http://www.motorbaseperformance.co.uk/motorbase-carsales.html

If I had the money! They look the business!

[VkmSpouge]

Motorbase really have made those Toledos look very neat and tidy, I'm sure they would be would be fairly decent in the right hands.

[Allyc85]

Considering the shunts theyve had this year Motorbase have done a great job with looking after the cars. The plain white looks beautiful :D

[redcoat]

When ever i have seen any of the motorbase cars ,either btcc or porsche they have always been very well presented.

[peewhee]

Matt Allison qualified 10 at the last round at Thruxton in the white car. I'm really amazed that someone like Kartworld hasn't snapped these up! Better bet than those MG's!

Martyn Bell has mentioned he wants to FWD.

They certainly look great in those pictures!

[SEATFreak]

Any word on the drivers? They are supposed to be, according to touringcartimes.com, in talks with a number of "race winning" drivers.

Dave Bartrum seems to me, from what he said in ther above mentioned article, very aware he needs his team to have the latest equipment to challenge and he seems very confident and driven with it too. And with the combination of a good working relationship from Schnitzer and possibly the most popular and widely competitive racecar in the 320si E90 I certainly and very sincerely hope the do become a very strong promising team to go to for Independents with a history of winning races.

[redcoat]

I would like to see matt allison stay with the team,ithink he did a good job in 07 ,considering he only had a team mate fully for the first half of the season.
He started the year as the new boy and by the halfway point while he was still learning he became the team lead driver.
Not a bad effort inyour first year.

[SEATFreak]

I would like to see matt allison stay with the team,ithink he did a good job in 07 ,considering he only had a team mate fully for the first half of the season.
He started the year as the new boy and by the halfway point while he was still learning he became the team lead driver.
Not a bad effort inyour first year.

That's very true indeed.

Also, I get the impression judging by even what he did other than his racing theirs enough promise their to suggest a very strong future top driver.

Many will do the opposite and consider it not accounting for much, but for me, OK I admit it isn't world changing, but Matt Allison achieving the second fastest lap in Race 2 at Thruxton in an old works Toledo when not that massively quicker was the brand new factory Vectra of Fabrizio Giovanardi is a good achievement by me.

[VkmSpouge]

Allison did well in his opening year in the BTCC, he just had far too many big shunts, though I think almost all were not his fault.

[redcoat]

Allison did well in his opening year in the BTCC, he just had far too many big shunts, though I think almost all were not his fault.

the biggest was at thruxton when both allison and howell were up in the top 6 it all went wrong when they both tangled with turner,I think that sumed up motorbases season .

[VkmSpouge]

Or when Howell clipped those tyres at Croft that moved them directly into the path of Allison. The unavoidable result was the destruction of Allison's front end.

[amtmotorsport]

i have read like meny others on here bmw wtcc are testing a oil burner motor (derv ) so don t think vxr can stand still and not join in the derv game as seat bmw lexus all been testing there motors and also steve neal said he would like to use a derv to .

so if the storys are true of vxr to run 3 cars maybe vxr have realy used there heads and taken matt neal on to help sort out there new tdi (think cdi is there model name but not sure ) as after he sorted out the honda s so quickly . just a thought thats all

[Robinho]

didn't VXR test a diesel car a couple of years ago when appraising the vectra before the Sport Hatch - so i'm sure they are still looking at it

[VX_Rules]

It would be odd for VXRacing to use a Diesel from their advertising point of view as no VXR models are diesel aless this is to coyly coincide with a diesel release VXR model, as we know from Triple 8, they really know how to tune the turbo diesels. (Thurlby Astra Sport Hatch Diesel).

[tdb]

It would be odd for VXRacing to use a Diesel . as we know from Triple 8, they really know how to tune the turbo diesels. (Thurlby Astra Sport Hatch Diesel).

Think you just answered yourself there!

[SEATFreak]

didn't VXR test a diesel car a couple of years ago when appraising the vectra before the Sport Hatch - so i'm sure they are still looking at it

Where do you get this info from?!

Who needs the internet or books! Just phone Robhino!

Nowhere will I find that information on the internet.

Your totally amazing! :)

What was SEAT's stance on diesel a few years ago? Could they have introduced it then or was it not thought about as a power for racing cars?

[Robinho]

just got a head for useless info Seatfreak!

it might not make sense from a marketing point of view, but ultimately the best marketing tool is battling at the front and winning, regardless of the engine type - after all the Astra and Vectra VXR both have very different engines than the BTCC cars, altho they are all petrol. if it takes a move to diesel to stay at he front i can't see why they wouldn't.

presumabley there are constant appraisals of differing technologies behind the scenes and as soon as regs or performance make it practical then a change occures, as per Seat last year

[tintin]

Where do you get this info from?!

Who needs the internet or books! Just phone Robhino!

Nowhere will I find that information on the internet.


...It was mentioned on this forum at the time.
It was a Vectra diesel too - which was odd because they were racing Astras at the time.

[BDunnell]

...It was mentioned on this forum at the time.
It was a Vectra diesel too - which was odd because they were racing Astras at the time.

Was it not around the time they first looked at changing to the Vectra, though?

[Robinho]

yeah, they were appraising which car to use after the Astra Coupe, apprasied the sport hatch and Vectra together, the vectra also being a diesel IIRC

[LiamM]

The 'Vectra diesel concept' was shown at the British Motorshow in 2004

[DazzlaF1]

I dont know what you think, but i've got a feeling that Onslow-Cole might get one of the Motorbase drives

[LiamM]

I dont know what you think, but i've got a feeling that Onslow-Cole might get one of the Motorbase drives

It'd make sense. He has a knowledge of the car and should know how he likes to set it up

[cos]

I dont know what you think, but i've got a feeling that Onslow-Cole might get one of the Motorbase drives

TOC wants to go back to FWD, so will be in a Vectra next season most likely.

[Ed]

well that would make sense for vauxhall. They have lost the hoilday sun sponsership, and with two big name drivers on board will need to get sum extra cash

[tintin]

I don't think they "lost" the Holiday Inn sponsorship - more like GM told them it was detracting from the promotion of the Vauxhall brand, and they should "lose" it.

[cos]

well that would make sense for vauxhall. They have lost the hoilday sun sponsership, and with two big name drivers on board will need to get sum extra cash

I don't remember TOC's car being particularly flush with his own personal sponsors..?

[MBailey06]

well that would make sense for vauxhall. They have lost the hoilday sun sponsership, and with two big name drivers on board will need to get sum extra cash

Does this mean the Vectra won't have the green on the front if the holiday inn sponsorship is gone?

[peewhee]

Let's hope so!

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=1744

[tdb]

I don't think they "lost" the Holiday Inn sponsorship - more like GM told them it was detracting from the promotion of the Vauxhall brand, and they should "lose" it.

and you think you're right because?

[cos]

The original deal was for 2 years with an option for a 3rd... maybe ICH just didn't take up the option?

[SEATFreak]

Question is guys...with Tom Onslow Cole now linked to a new 3rd VXR seat who will be now be not the one but the two new drivers that could racing next season at WSR?

I hope this could increase the chances of Duncan Huisman coming. I have longed to see more WTCC drivers coming.

[Elmo]

[quote="SEATFreak"]Question is guys...with Tom Onslow Cole now linked to a new 3rd VXR seat who will be now be not the one but the two new drivers that could racing next season at WSR?

It could be a driver previously linked with WSR, possibly a driver with heaps of experience in diverse machinery and a championship winning credentials from another tin top series outside of the TOCA tour? Possibly somebody that Dick Bennets has been keeping tabs on for a long time? Maybe someone who's talents where originally picked up by the same driver management group as Andy Priaulx, Giorgio Pantano, Jacky Van der Ender to list a few but never got the break to push on.

Lets wait and see :)

[Les]

or perhaps someone who used to race against Colin in another series? Having 2 drivers with the same background would be good.

[harry1]

Recon Huffy could be in one of the Bennets BMW as he has yet to sign for RML so just have to wait til Autosport show for the big anouncement!

[Les]

Recon Huffy could be in one of the Bennets BMW as he has yet to sign for RML so just have to wait til Autosport show for the big anouncement!

I hope it isn't Rob as he should have a paying drive not a paid for drive as in 2007. Well I hope he does!

[DazzlaF1]

Question is guys...with Tom Onslow Cole now linked to a new 3rd VXR seat who will be now be not the one but the two new drivers that could racing next season at WSR?

It could be a driver previously linked with WSR, possibly a driver with heaps of experience in diverse machinery and a championship winning credentials from another tin top series outside of the TOCA tour? Possibly somebody that Dick Bennets has been keeping tabs on for a long time? Maybe someone who's talents where originally picked up by the same driver management group as Andy Priaulx, Giorgio Pantano, Jacky Van der Ender to list a few but never got the break to push on.

Lets wait and see :)

Duncan Huisman maybe? he'll know the team a bit after Macau

[SEATFreak]

Recon Huffy could be in one of the Bennets BMW as he has yet to sign for RML so just have to wait til Autosport show for the big anouncement!

I feel if you were to use that logic theirs so many others in the WTCC that are yet to resign for their team with only the 5 at BMW (Priaulx, Zanardi, J. Muller, Farfus and Porteiro), the 5 at SEAT (Tarquini, Y Muller, Gene, Monteriro and Rydell), Larini and Menu at Chevy, Thommo at N.Technology, PYC at Exagon and I think the guys at Engstler fully confirmed.

I think with Tom (Onslow-Cole) in mine, Dick, considering how long he has spent at the helm of WSR since taking over the running of Ford Motorsport from RouseSport in 1996 (see - the benefits of my new book is paying dividends!! :) ), is wise enough to see the potential in lesser known but burgoning talent in support series like the Renault Clio's rather than established drivers who have already made a name for themselves in top series' like the WTCC.

I am quite confident Dick will get

[dwracing23]

I have heard a lovely rumour from a very well connected person on the inside of the BTCC world that we could see a "Super" team next year all running in new BWM's - Turkington, Jackson and Jones!

It may not happen but imagine if it did? what a team WSR would have, very strong and a very youthful team.

[VXRDartford]

I have heard a lovely rumour from a very well connected person on the inside of the BTCC world that we could see a "Super" team next year all running in new BWM's - Turkington, Jackson and Jones!

It may not happen but imagine if it did? what a team WSR would have, very strong and a very youthful team.

Considering that Jackson has the title winning wtcc bmw of last year they can't all be new bmw's would be good if Jones got a seat his talents deserve

[VkmSpouge]

TouringCarTimes.com running a story that Xero Competition may return for 2008 with their two Lexus IS200s.
http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=1759

[SEATFreak]

TouringCarTimes.com running a story that Xero Competition may return for 2008 with their two Lexus IS200s.
http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=1759

Interesting article.

How much longer do you reckon the IS200 has in it as a BTC-spec car?

Do you see it going the way of the the ZS or the Integra in terms of its life.

[VkmSpouge]

How much longer do you reckon the IS200 has in it as a BTC-spec car?

Xero Competition's cars are Super 2000-spec not BTC-T-spec. The life of the car is dependant on how much development they can get out of it. The Vauxhall Astra coupe was the best car for four years and a decent privateer car for another two. Of course Xero Competition don't have the resources Vauxhall do.

[SEATFreak]

Xero Competition's cars are Super 2000-spec not BTC-T-spec. The life of the car is dependant on how much development they can get out of it. The Vauxhall Astra coupe was the best car for four years and a decent privateer car for another two. Of course Xero Competition don't have the resources Vauxhall do.

Course! Stupid me. :uhoh: I was still thinking about the IS200 of ABG Motorsport in 2001.

What would it take, other than lots of resources and money, for the IS200 to be competitive? I mentioned above ABG, ABG seemed to get a competitive Touring class car able to score points without them being a top trophy challenger, which is what this BTCC follower for one expects of a good team that aren't a huge team with lots of money and resources. But what of the other teams that have ran it and how succesful they have all been with it overall. How good has it been overall?

[tdb]

It will be a lot better this year.
New engine, new gearbox. new suspension, new diff and new plenum chamber, plus a lot more upgrades and development parts.

Keep an eye on http://www.xero-competition.co.uk

Touringcartimes.com is probably the first place you'll see any major anouncements.

SeatFreak, i'm not sure how to answer some of your questions, but the car has the potential to be competitive, when we last ran, considering the budget and a driver not the best at feedback, we were chasing points finishes.

This year, with all the improvements and at least 1 driver who is excellent on feed back, i expect to be firmly and consisitantly in the top 10.

As for longevity, we plan to move on to the newer shape eventually, so there isn't really an answer.

[mattie007]

Interesting article.

How much longer do you reckon the IS200 has in it as a BTC-spec car?

Do you see it going the way of the the ZS or the Integra in terms of its life.

Thing is, the Integra and ZS were very competitive cars from the start, whereas the Lexus has always struggled, so we probably haven't seen the best from it yet. Lets hope Xero can unleash it this season! Good luck tdb.

[tdb]

Lets hope Xero can unleash it this season! Good luck tdb.

Cheers mattie007.

We aim to do our best.

[LiamM]

Course! Stupid me. :uhoh: I was still thinking about the IS200 of ABG Motorsport in 2001.

What would it take, other than lots of resources and money, for the IS200 to be competitive? I mentioned above ABG, ABG seemed to get a competitive Touring class car able to score points without them being a top trophy challenger, which is what this BTCC follower for one expects of a good team that aren't a huge team with lots of money and resources. But what of the other teams that have ran it and how succesful they have all been with it overall. How good has it been overall?

One of the only reasons ABG scored points was because after the Peugeot 407s and Alfa 147s had packed up, it was only the Vauxhalls and them.

[VkmSpouge]

One of the only reasons ABG scored points was because after the Peugeot 407s and Alfa 147s had packed up, it was only the Vauxhalls and them.

I think that is incorrect, the ABG Lexus was the second best BTC-T car through most of 2001 (up until the wonderful MG ZS entered). Certainly with Tommy Erdos the car went very well. He often out qualified and out raced the works Peugeots. They certainly did a heck of a lot better than the JS Motorsport Alfas.

[tdb]

Tommy Erdos is a legend! he has helped us no end in developing the lexus. it only took him 3 laps of silverstone to identify problems that Mr Jones could not. we have worked with tommy alot and you can disagree with me if you want. but if a 2 times LeMans winner says the cars is now good, that's good enough for me.

[VkmSpouge]

Confirmed today at the Autosport International Show, Tom Onslow-Cole will drive a third Vauxhall for VXR this year. Vauxhall boss, Mike Nicholson saying he's delighted to have TOC join them and that we will have an equal opportunity with this illustrious team mates to go for the championship.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64596

(Bah! Accidentally put this in the rumours thread!)

[tin-top fan]

if a 2 times LeMans winner says the cars is now good, that's good enough for me.

Looks like you'll be in with a good chance next year tdb! It must have been hard to be working on this car out of the limelight last year whilst the season was in full flow.....

I would come and have a chat with you guys at Brands Hatch if it wasn't so hard to get to you!

[LiamM]

I think that is incorrect, the ABG Lexus was the second best BTC-T car through most of 2001 (up until the wonderful MG ZS entered). Certainly with Tommy Erdos the car went very well. He often out qualified and out raced the works Peugeots. They certainly did a heck of a lot better than the JS Motorsport Alfas.

Ok yeah, I may have been a little quick to write ABG off, but you can see my point yeah? Back in 2001 it wasnt exactly the hardest championship to score points in.

[tin-top fan]

Just looking at the robertshaw website, it shows that they are still looking to run 2 hondas ( http://www.robertshawracing.com/racing.php ).

Also, looking round there seems to be a lot of empty pay drives floating around- e.g. motorbase beemers, 2nd wsr, 2nd chevie, 2nd btc lexus etc.....
are there enough drivers with the budget to fill all these cars?

[Les]

how can Robertshaw run two when Mickey has his own car? Have they found another one or is that page old hat?

[Alfa Fan]

That page is only a couple of weeks old I think.

[Alfa Fan]

Andy Neate's homepage now has a picture of a BTCC grid - and a coming soon message. BTCC in 2008 for him?

[peewhee]

Yep! That's the plan!

Just waiting for the announcement!

[btcc-thunder]

same story with gareth howells website

[peewhee]

same story with gareth howells website
Which bit?

http://www.gareth-howell.com/

[tdb]

WOW that site's bang up do date huh?

[tin-top fan]

Andy Neate's homepage now has a picture of a BTCC grid - and a coming soon message. BTCC in 2008 for him?

Bit late Alfa? http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=405115&postcount=27 :p :

[btcc-thunder]

Which bit?

http://www.gareth-howell.com/

whoops, i was looking at http://www.garethhowell.com/

[Alfa Fan]

Adam Jones' Toledo is for sale in Autosport this week, does that mean Air Cool have a Leon now?

[tdb]

No. Team Air Cool are no more.
I beleive Mr Jones is looking elsewhere for a drive.

[ed.peters]

Another BMW to join the BTCC?

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=1831

[vida motorsport]

Hi there just to let people know we are currently attempting to secure a car for the 2008 season. We have sponsorship in place from a major low cost airline for 5 rounds. As soon as we know more ill let you all know.

Cheers

[Allyc85]

:) sounds promising, good luck with the whole project.

[vida motorsport]

hopefully. Car we are looking ats quite old

[VkmSpouge]

Hi there just to let people know we are currently attempting to secure a car for the 2008 season. We have sponsorship in place from a major low cost airline for 5 rounds. As soon as we know more ill let you all know.

Cheers

Low cost airline for a low cost team? :p : Seriously though, I wish you luck in trying to get on the grid for the season :)

[tisme]

Hi there just to let people know we are currently attempting to secure a car for the 2008 season. We have sponsorship in place from a major low cost airline for 5 rounds. As soon as we know more ill let you all know.

Cheers


Can you clear-up one question? What is your engine based on?

[vida motorsport]

As in is it BTCC or S2000?

[mattie007]

MG or Astra perhaps?

This car needs to be in the BTCC....

http://www.touringcartimes.com/picture.php?id=1832

[vida motorsport]

It will be a BTCC spec car. Hopefully competative.

[VkmSpouge]

Do you have a driver lined up to race?

[peewhee]

This car needs to be in the BTCC.... http://www.touringcartimes.com/picture.php?id=1832
NO... This one I think!

http://www.touringcartimes.com/picture.php?id=1837

[Alfa Fan]

No Eoin Murray in an Alfa Romeo 156, the cars for sale in Autosport. However, Murray's website suggests he's going to be testing for a works BTCC team in the next few weeks.

[Northern Monkey]

I think you'll find that article is quite an old one now - and Eoin has already said what he is likely to do if he doesn't have the budget for running the Alfa.

[VkmSpouge]

TouringCarTimes.com is reporting that CMS Motorsport is looking at joining the BTCC this year but they are currently lacking drivers with "sensible budgets" according to team boss Malcolm Cleland. In other words they don't have the cash yet.

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=1887

[Alfa Fan]

Apparantly the second BTC Racing driver is ex-truck racer Stuart Oliver.

[LiamM]

TouringCarTimes.com is reporting that CMS Motorsport is looking at joining the BTCC this year but they are currently lacking drivers with "sensible budgets" according to team boss Malcolm Cleland. In other words they don't have the cash yet.

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=1887

The article kinda contradicts itself, saying that they wish to enter the BTCC in 2008 and then in the final paragraph it says they are racing in the SCC which is where the team want to be.

I think its a case of someone making something of a comment made by a team manager that was more fairy tale than reality

[tisme]

What it says is... alongside the BTCC, which is where Malcolm Cleland really wants to be!

[Marc W]

The article kinda contradicts itself, saying that they wish to enter the BTCC in 2008 and then in the final paragraph it says they are racing in the SCC which is where the team want to be.

I think its a case of someone making something of a comment made by a team manager that was more fairy tale than reality

No it actually says;


"The team intends to return to the SEAT Cupra Championship in 2008 alongside the BTCC, which is where Malcolm Cleland really wants to be!"

the "where Malcolm Cleland wants to be" statement referring to the second championship mentioned, the BTCC.

[LiamM]

My mistake, sorry guys!

[Alfa Fan]

Apparantly the second BTC Racing driver is ex-truck racer Stuart Oliver.

Just to clarify this was a rumour I saw on Wikipedia. I checked the name and it seemed to fit the hints given on another forum, you can probabily guess which one.

[tintin]

Apparantly the second BTC Racing driver is ex-truck racer Stuart Oliver.

Now that it is officially Wednesday, the embargo on this news has been lifted, so it can be confirmed that Stuart Oliver - arguably the most successful British truck racer of all time - will be at BTC this season.

[Alfa Fan]

I'm guessing we'll see this in Motorsport News later today then?

[Northern Monkey]

Full details here: http://www.crash.net/news_view~id~159627~pid~0~cid~10~news~y.htm

[VkmSpouge]

Wow, very interesting move. Stuart Oliver to the BTCC. Other than both having four wheels I'm not sure there's too much similarity between his MAN lorry and the Lexus. Still it will be interesting to see how he does.

[SEATFreak]

Wow, very interesting move. Stuart Oliver to the BTCC. Other than both having four wheels I'm not sure there's too much similarity between his MAN lorry and the Lexus. Still it will be interesting to see how he does.

That's what I was wondering but feared being shot down in flames.

What exactly can a truck racing driver bring to touring car racing? What I mean is, how can they drive as well as an established touring car driver?

Massive credit for what I see from my vantage point as a very bold move but to add to the obvious physical and handling differences between a car and a truck, as the article says a truck weighs more than 5 tonnes and developes more than 1000hp. Again as the article says, it is a world away.

Still, that is nothing against the guy. I hope he really does well.

[thompp]

Good luck to Stuart for the 2008 season. Just hope he doesnt get articulated at Paddock Hill bend...!

[Red200]

Its great to see our new signing has gain some interest, I would like to correct some points:


Stuart is still competing in Truck racing as well as joining our team in the BTCC.[/*:m:hf1cuqqw]
Stuart's brings vast racing craft, a clear understanding of how to develop and be part of a winning team, which he will pass on to our team.[/*:m:hf1cuqqw]I hope you will welcome Stuart to the BTCC and offer support and encouragement.

The team is very excited at the opportunity to work with Stuart and we are looking forward to a positive season with two very good drivers to move us further up the grid and hopefully onto the podium.

Plus we are all looking forward to joining Stuart at a Truck race to cheer him on and watch in awe

Best Wishes to all

[tintin]

I doubt it will take Stuart that long to adjust to racing the Lexus.
I'm sure he drives a car on the road all the time.

...And arguably he is one of the best drivers in British motorsport over the last decade. He is certainly one of the most successful!

[vida motorsport]

I said i would keep people informed . I can confirm we will run an Astra Coupe in 5 rounds this year teh rounds being Rockingham,Oulton, Donington, Croft and Silverstone.
Thanks

[Alfa Fan]

Whose going to be driving the car?

[VkmSpouge]

I said i would keep people informed . I can confirm we will run an Astra Coupe in 5 rounds this year teh rounds being Rockingham,Oulton, Donington, Croft and Silverstone.
Thanks

When will the official press release go out?

[tdb]

we will run an Astra Coupe

Why???

[VkmSpouge]

Why???

There are a number of reasons why the Astra coupe would be good to choice. Cheap, reliable, proven car and Vauxhall are around to provide support if they want and can afford it.

[Marc W]

Any particular reason why those five rounds, as they are not consectutive meetings?

[thompp]

Is Vida motorsport located somewhere central to these five circuits..?

[LiamM]

Probably, looking at it they are missing out the far away ones

Brands
Thruxton
Snetterton
Knockhill

All are good enough at the edge of the country, those announced above are good enough all in the middle, with the exception of Croft, but its not too far up the A1

[tintin]

Maybe the team is also in another championship which clashes with the other events.

[tdb]

There are a number of reasons why the Astra coupe would be good to choice. Cheap, reliable, proven car and Vauxhall are around to provide support if they want and can afford it.

"Cheap", well the cars maybe, but have had no development for years.
And Actually racing in the BTCC is NOT cheap.

"Reliable", is it still with old parts and no new ones available?

"Proven" quite some time ago now and things have moved on a long way.
The only BTC spec car that is anywhere near competitive is the integra but only in the right hands.

And if someone is in a position to afford VXR support, why go for "cheap"?

Just my opinion, but i think the money would be better spent on another car or maybe even elsewhere.

[VkmSpouge]

There are certainly better cars out there, one of those Motorbase Toledos would have been a nice buy. I don't think the Vauxhall Astra coupé will necessarily be a bad choice just maybe not the best one. Lets hear what Vida Motorsport has to say about it, I'm sure he/she has their reasons. I'm also interested (in a purely anorak basis) which Vauxhall Astra coupé they have gone for.

[tisme]

Also it would be nice to know who they are? For all we know it could be a wind-up!

What have we been told? That someone has bought a Astra Coupe, when there are far betters around, and they will be racing it at selected rounds!

Who has bought it?
Who is running it?
Who will race it?
Why only selected rounds?

Sounds like a wind-up to me! ... Prove me wrong!!!

[Jimmy Magnusson]

"Cheap", well the cars maybe, but have had no development for years.
And Actually racing in the BTCC is NOT cheap.

"Reliable", is it still with old parts and no new ones available?

"Proven" quite some time ago now and things have moved on a long way.
The only BTC spec car that is anywhere near competitive is the integra but only in the right hands.

And if someone is in a position to afford VXR support, why go for "cheap"?

Just my opinion, but i think the money would be better spent on another car or maybe even elsewhere.

Reliable - I think "sturdy" is a word that should be considered! Muller and Plato proved that the Astra's are harder than rock, not what I'd say about most Super 2000 cars - maybe their driver is a bit rough on the equipment!

[VkmSpouge]

Also it would be nice to know who they are? For all we know it could be a wind-up!

What have we been told? That someone has bought a Astra Coupe, when there are far betters around, and they will be racing it at selected rounds!

Who has bought it?
Who is running it?
Who will race it?
Why only selected rounds?

Sounds like a wind-up to me! ... Prove me wrong!!!

Why does it sound like a wind up? Simply sounds like wants to enter the BTCC and is passing out some but not all information to fans. By all means be sceptical but don't start accusing people of a wind-up without proof.

[tisme]

When will the official press release go out?

But he is not answering straightforward questions?
As i said.. prove me wrong! I need convincing!

If it is kosha.. I will be the first to congratulate them.. whoever they are!

[VkmSpouge]

I notice that people involved with teams often have a knack of not answering straight forward questions around this time of year. That is understandable of course.

[dwracing23]

Why???

A more proven car than the Lexus IS200?!

In the right hands ie Paul O'neil, question is will they put the astra back to a petrol car or keep it running on different fuels? could be a reason why they are using the astra as it already has some money coming in for the same sponsor as fiona?

A general question for everyone on here - which Lexus do you think will be higher up the grid? The BTC Racing pair or the Xero Pair?

It would be interesting to know as both teams say they have "rebuilt" the cars?

[dwracing23]

No. Team Air Cool are no more.
I beleive Mr Jones is looking elsewhere for a drive.

Not actually true is it tdb!

Let me assure everyone on here that "Team Aircool" does still exist and is very much committed to be in the BTCC in 2008, the team are currently negotiating with Seat Spain for a Seat Leon and Adam is very much hoping to confirm this - finances and a Leon permitting.

I also hear that we could have a new Alfa team AND a new team running Seat's and I think it will be a shock to everyone on here!

[VkmSpouge]

I'm not sure if either will have much of an advantage on each other. I think it might come down to the choice of drivers. BTC Racing have a very quick driver in Chris Stockton. Stuart Oliver is an unknown quantity in touring cars. At the minute without knowing Xero Competition's choices of drivers I will reserve my judgement on which team will do better.

[tisme]

A more proven car than the Lexus IS200?!

A general question for everyone on here - which Lexus do you think will be higher up the grid? The BTC Racing pair or the Xero Pair?

It would be interesting to know as both teams say they have "rebuilt" the cars?


Not actually true is it tdb!

Let me assure everyone on here that "Team Aircool" does still exist and is very much committed to be in the BTCC in 2008, the team are currently negotiating with Seat Spain for a Seat Leon and Adam is very much hoping to confirm this - finances and a Leon permitting.

I also hear that we could have a new Alfa team AND a new team running Seat's and I think it will be a shock to everyone on here!

You REALLY DO have a problem with Xero and tdb.. don't you?

[dwracing23]

You REALLY DO have a problem with Xero and tdb.. don't you?

No not at all actually I dont have a problem - I just don’t like how he talks and puts things on here sometimes, ie always putting Adam down on his time at Xero, always puts peoples thoughts and opinions down. I believe everyone has the right to say what they want and when they want to say it. This makes everyone of us unique in what we do - seatfreak is a perfect example - I may not agree with all he says but that’s his right and that’s what he thinks - so that’s what makes him unique, he doesn’t deserve to get all this slack just because what he puts isn’t liked by someone else!

I also think Xero have proved over the years that they are a great race team in the radicals etc, they have a great setup.

[mattie007]

I say Xero will be slightly more faster and reliable.

[Robinho]

i can't see it, the BTC cars have been raced and developed, the Xero car(s) have been developed behind closed doors, and whilst i don't doubt that they've been putting in some serious work on them and that they have been tested there is no substitute for competing, and everyone else has been developing too, and Xero have not been able to reference themselves against the field regularly.

i wish them all the best, but i do think some people can be a bit blinded by the lights sometimes, especially if they expect these cars to suddenly appear at the sharp end of the races.

the first Target (and i'm sure anyone from Xero will agree with me) will be to confirm entry and get out on track at the first practice session and hope the car runs reliably - from then they can work on extracting the best and learning the car in a competitive environment again. i'm sure they'll have high expectations given the work they have put in, but also they'll be realistic to set their targets for finsishes and gradual improvement and with a decent bit of luck, battling the midfielders for a point or 2 on occasions.

for what its worth, good luck to both teams, just making the grid is a fantastic acheivement and the more competitive entries the better for the fans

[Alfa Fan]

Anyone heard anything about Sean Edwards for one of the Motorbase BMWs?

[MBailey06]

Anyone heard anything about Sean Edwards for one of the Motorbase BMWs?

Who is Sean Edwards and where did you here about him?

[Alfa Fan]

http://www.seanedwardsracing.com/

Seen his name linked to it somewhere, but can't find the source now, just wondered if anyone knew anything about it?

[tdb]

I just don’t like how he talks and puts things on here sometimes, ie always putting Adam down on his time at Xero, always puts peoples thoughts and opinions down. I believe everyone has the right to say what they want and when they want to say it.


So, your point is?

[SEATFreak]

I just don’t like how he talks and puts things on here sometimes, ie always putting Adam down on his time at Xero, always puts peoples thoughts and opinions down. I believe everyone has the right to say what they want and when they want to say it. This makes everyone of us unique in what we do - seatfreak is a perfect example - I may not agree with all he says but that’s his right and that’s what he thinks - so that’s what makes him unique, he doesn’t deserve to get all this slack just because what he puts isn’t liked by someone else!

YESSS! THEIR IS A GOD! FINALLY SOMEONE WILLING TO STAND UP FOR ME!!

This is one example:


Daft post SeatFreak!

Tom Onslow-Cole's drive is paid for by his dad.
He paid for his drive at WSR and is now paying for his drive at VXR. No great mystery!
And as far as i am aware Tom's dad is not a cuban crime lord!

That was a response to something was only an innocent joke. Absolutely no intention in it whatsoever. It is only in recent times I have gotten an idea of the kind of sources funding comes from. But if you were to ask me what source of funding each driver has to buy a seat within a team I could never tell you.

Another problem I have found is because he is a know-it-all he expects everyone to be a know-it-all.

If more people were like you this forum would be a better place DW!

[tdb]

Do you mean money? I take it you don't mean spinach.

Who do you think handed Ian the money to run TOC? An agent of some kind? Someone from WSR? A friend?

It's all very Inspector Cluseau that to me y'know. I am expecting to find a top Cuban crime lord at the heart of it all.

Was what you posted Seat Freak.

My response informed you of the facts and corrected you as to the lack of and cubans involvement.

DWracing takes his shots at me whenever he can as he doesn't like that i have issues with Adam Jones.

I freely Admit that i am critical of Adam Jones, i have had first hand experience of him And there is more i could go into detail on, but here is not the place for it.

So as i have advised you in the past SeatFreak, avoid daft posts and try not to throw your toys out evrytime people pick up on some of your strangely worded posts.

As for me being a "know it all", well i do know quite a lot, i have worked on touring cars since 1996 so naturally i am quite well informed.
some of said information i try to share here as and when i can.

[dwracing23]

DWracing takes his shots at me whenever he can as he doesn't like that i have issues with Adam Jones.

I freely Admit that i am critical of Adam Jones, i have had first hand experience of him And there is more i could go into detail on, but here is not the place for it.

On the contrary tdb, I enjoy reading your posts and I must admit some of them are very informative to the fans on here, from your posts I think the phase "don’t hang your dirty washing in public" springs to my mind on the AJ front. Personally MY opinion is very much different to yours on this which is fair enough, everyone is different and everyone has a different view and different reasons for these opinions.

What I was trying to say in my post is that some of the things you post are negative on people on here and not what everyone wants to read. What people want to read is when you give clues and small bits of information which helps put the pieces of the btcc jigsaw together - at the end of the day this forum is for fun and to speculate on the coming year.

It’s a place people enjoy coming on and having a laugh e.g. seatfreaks post, I thought it was quite funny and made me laugh, ok so it was a joke, but you seemed to jump on him rather than finding the funny side?

All I’m trying to say is have a laugh on here, tell people what you can and generally just enjoy your time online.

I have NO problem with you or any member on here in fact I enjoy reading all these posts

Keep on posting and hope 2008 starts better than the last time the Lexus took to the track - and the "thanks Howell" on the side of the battered car in the pits at Silverstone!

Ps sorry for the long post.

DW

[VkmSpouge]

So anyone have any rumours? Stuff like Michael Schumacher joining Dave Pinkney at A-Tech only more believable (we all know that Schumacher would never partner Pinkney because Pinkney would blow him away :p : ).


http://www.seanedwardsracing.com/

Seen his name linked to it somewhere, but can't find the source now, just wondered if anyone knew anything about it?

No one has got their wires crossed and that instead of a Motorbase BMW he might drive a Motorbase Porsche?

[SEATFreak]

My response informed you of the facts and corrected you as to the lack of and cubans involvement.

I never said ANYTHING about involvement in the BTCC by Cubans because it was all a JOKE!!!

It seems as I am a part of this forum too, I often feel I am also expected to be of a certain intellectual standard. As I didn't, rather than say "Where does his money comes from? I don't know." and fear attracting snapping comments like "How can you not know where his money comes from seatfreak? I would have thought it was obvious.", I went into the mode I only know how to go into that is my "coping strategy" to avoid realising such fears; I dilute it with a joke that makes light of it.

My only mistake in that post was naively thinking you can see a lighter side to life.

[Winchester]

I freely Admit that i am critical of Adam Jones, i have had first hand experience of him And there is more i could go into detail on, but here is not the place for it.



Obviously I don't know the ins and outs of this, but my only contribution to the debate on Jones would be a racing driver who dragged every last bit of performance out of that ancient SEAT and showed his class on a number of occasions. His 2nd at Donington was one of the best drives by any driver in the field all season.
As a fan of the series that's all I'm really concerned about!

[Allyc85]

Cant we just get back to rumours.....

[vida motorsport]

Everyrhing will be there at media day that is when it will go official. Majority of round have been chosen as the sponser is an airline and they are in the catchment area of there operations. The astra was chosen on cost and we know it will run midfield. We would rather run a proven BTC car than a slow lagging S2000. I also have to say some comments made by certain people were below the belt and when your on the podium spraying champagne please then critise us. BTC racing ill be behind you all the way. Xero good luck ull need it

[VkmSpouge]

Good luck to you, Vida Motorsport. I hope you're around at media day and for your target races.

[vida motorsport]

We have the car, currenly in the paint shop its all been checked over and ready to go. Will have picture in a few days

[VkmSpouge]

Hope the livery stands out, can't wait to see the pictures.

[vida motorsport]

Oh it will you won t be able to miss it

[BTCC2]

Anyone know if there is any further news on Darelle Wilson?

http://www.alfaromeoracing.com/index.html

[BDunnell]

I also have to say some comments made by certain people were below the belt and when your on the podium spraying champagne please then critise us.

I take it you have never criticised anyone or anything in fields in which you personally don't work, then?

Rebutting negative comments is one thing, but saying that no-one has the right to offer opinions when they don't do the job that you do goes too far, in my opinion. We all have opinions on things outside our areas of experience. I mean, should I have been disqualified from saying that Steve McClaren was an awful England manager because I've never managed a professional football club?

[vida motorsport]

Well ill stop posting on here. I do have experiance and i do know what im talking about. Thank you fro your support on this forum

[tdb]

we know it will run midfield. BTC racing ill be behind you all the way. Xero good luck ull need it

Firstly, Anything i post on here is my personal opinion unless i state otherwise.

I questioned your reasoning for running an old car, i have first hand experience with the sport hatch and in my opinion there are better choices available.

Midfield?, that would put you 11th or 12th, which would be among the the bmw's, seats, vauxhalls and civics then.
are you sure?

Thanks for the wishes of good luck, i appreciate it.

And as for being behind BTC racing all the way, you probably will be.

Especially with 45kgs of ballast for missing rounds.

good luck to you too!

[VkmSpouge]

Well ill stop posting on here. I do have experiance and i do know what im talking about. Thank you fro your support on this forum

You should stop just because of that.


Oh it will you won t be able to miss it

Ah good! No tarmac grey camouflage scheme :D


Midfield?, that would put you 11th or 12th, which would be among the the bmw's, seats, vauxhalls and civics then.
are you sure?

Midfield isn't the exact centre of the grid. Midfield would be the group of cars running neither at the front or back. Of course it is subjective as to where the lines are drawn but I guess a rough guide would be the middle third of the grid. It would be a good achievement to do that.

[ed.peters]

Anyone know if there is any further news on Darelle Wilson?

www.alfaromeoracing.com/index.html (http://www.alfaromeoracing.com/index.html)

I understand he is in exactly the same position he was in this time last year!

Trying to secure a car and decent backing...

But to be fair, someone is looking at coming forward to help the lad.. So, never say never!

[dwracing23]

I understand he is in exactly the same position he was in this time last year!

Trying to secure a car and decent backing...

But to be fair, someone is looking at coming forward to help the lad.. So, never say never!

A bit better than than this time last year, a few infact ed.peters.

Roll on media day.

[ed.peters]

Well ill stop posting on here. I do have experiance and i do know what im talking about. Thank you fro your support on this forum

I don't think anyone is disputing your qualifications.. It's just that some people get frustrated and sceptical about people that post bits of information on the forum, when clearly they could post more!

Good luck anyway.

[dwracing23]

I'm sure all will become clear very soon, and what Vida want people to know they will post on here and on other websites and stuff that isnt for the public domain they wont. I wonder if they have put the reg fee in to Mr Gow yet?

In fact I wonder how many teams have apart from the bigger boys?!

[tdb]

I hear darelle is linked to some major backers and is now part of something that has real potential.

having watched him race in the mini challenge and sport maxx last year i think he could do well in the btcc.

good luck darrelle and les, hope to see you both in 08

[BTCC2]

Yeah good luck to him and I hope he gets the breakthrough that he needs.

The new Lewis Hamilton??

[tin-top fan]

A new lewis hamilton? Unless he's in a race-winning car straight away I don't think so....

On another note there is an interview with Alan Gow on crash.net radio thing at the moment. He says there will be 6 race-winning BMWs on the grid this season.I can only think of 5:

-2 RAC
-2 Motorbase
-1 Jackson

I doubt Alan Gow was talking about one of the AFM ones as race-winning either...

[Alfa Fan]

3 RAC cars possibly? 3 Motorbase cars possibily? 2 Jackson cars? All have been rumoured, and I'd say in that order of likelyness.

[Iain]

In Autosport this week, WSR are advertising for a whole crew to join their BTCC team, so make of that what you will.

[Alfa Fan]

Well I'd say that surely means their going to 3 cars, given that and the hint from Gow.

[VX_Rules]

Someones trying to challenge Vauxhall :P Fun,

How about Seat and Halfords? Any news on a 3rd?

Also, RAC only have one confirmed driver so far, so what two drivers would they get to join turkington?

[ATF]

In Autosport this week, WSR are advertising for a whole crew to join their BTCC team, so make of that what you will.

How about...they're also competing in the WTCC so need more crew to compete in both! :p :

[Iain]

They wouldn't need anymore than they already have to do the WTCC though, as they're only talking about doing 4 events.

[VX_Rules]

The advert says to join their BTCC team, but either way, it could mean one of their current car squads went to do the WTCC races, but I still think it means a third car for them, but aren't they leaving it a little late?

[LiamM]

Maybe not a little late.......that interview was done ages ago - at the Autosport Show infact.

[VX_Rules]

They're doing well to keep theyre drivers hush hush, Who's without a drive this year that could be in contention?

[tdb]

Well I'd say that surely means their going to 3 cars, given that and the hint from Gow.

I wouldn't, staff move on and this time of year is when a team recruits new staff for the season.

As for the hint from Alan Gow, there are other bmw's about and don't forget the Jacksons have 2 now. both of them championship winning ones.

[Iain]

I'd appreciate it if certain people lurking from other forums didn't near enough take what I've posted word for word and then reproduce it elsewhere like they've done today and many times in the past.......

[Les]

you should be flattered Iain

[SEATFreak]

Does anyone have the current edition of Autosport News?

It is just I noticed whilst in WHSmith, looking for something else, I browsed the pages of the aforementioned magazine and came across an ad in the classifieds for a drive with what was termed "KWR" (KartWorld Racing) and below it somewhere was another ad for another 2008 BTCC drive. But with a drive with a team currently established or registered but has ideas on entering. It is a team I have never heard of.

Does anyone know anything about the ad below the Kartworld one?

[Iain]

Autosport or Motorsport News?

[mattie007]

Could it be for Dreadnaught?

[DazzlaF1]

Does anyone have the current edition of Autosport News?

It is just I noticed whilst in WHSmith, looking for something else, I browsed the pages of the aforementioned magazine and came across an ad in the classifieds for a drive with what was termed "KWR" (KartWorld Racing) and below it somewhere was another ad for another 2008 BTCC drive. But with a drive with a team currently established or registered but has ideas on entering. It is a team I have never heard of.

Does anyone know anything about the ad below the Kartworld one?

The one below the kartworld ad in the copy of Autosport i've got (February 21) looks like advertising for Ginetta cup drives.

Must be Motorsport news you picked up

[SEATFreak]

Autosport or Motorsport News?


Does anyone have the current edition of Autosport News?



The one below the kartworld ad in the copy of Autosport i've got (February 21) looks like advertising for Ginetta cup drives.

Must be Motorsport news you picked up

No. It was definitely Autosport. You cannot get Motorsport News in the WHSmith outlet in town.

OK it may not have been literally directly below it, and it may have been a later edition to the copy you have as it was just Tuesday I saw it, but it is on the same page.

It is the copy which has a history of Triple Eight which might be of help to you.

[Brown, Jon Brow]

There's an advert in today's Autosport (Feb 28th) for a KWR drive (p79)

contact [email:2yrmn4ju]jason@teamkwr.com[/email:2yrmn4ju]- guessing 'Jason' is Jason Hughes :erm:

i wonder how many people contact him who have no racing experience at all?

[MBailey06]

In todays autosport, they talk about Adam Jones in the British GTs this year, but it says he will be dovetailing it with a BTCC campaign, so I guess that means he will be in the BTCC this year, just a question of who with and which car!

[LiamM]

Maybe GR Asia (or whatever they like to call themselves in the BTCC) as the WTCC clashes with more rounds this year, so Adams looked elsewhere to do another half season?

[tintin]

GR Asia have already said they have no intention of doing BTCC this season.

[Alfa Fan]

Where?

[SEATFreak]

In todays autosport, they talk about Adam Jones in the British GTs this year, but it says he will be dovetailing it with a BTCC campaign, so I guess that means he will be in the BTCC this year, just a question of who with and which car!

That reminded me of another car that was for sale. Or was it a drive?

Adam raced a Toledo. It wasn't Adam's old Toledo but it was a Toledo. I think it was Mat Allisons Motorbase Toledo that was advertised on the opposite page in the issue I refered to.

So if a buyer can be found we will surely be seeing a new team running the ex-Motorbase Toledo.

[Iain]

The 2 Motorbase cars, plus the Air Cool car were for sale in last week's issue. The Motorbase ones have been advertised for some time now.