BTCC 2008 Rumours

[ed.peters]

What people say and what people do, sometimes are not always the same! ;)

[AndySpeed]

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.

These are the cars that were involved in so many accidents in the first half of '07?

[VkmSpouge]

These are the cars that were involved in so many accidents in the first half of '07?

And quite a few in the second half too.

[tisme]

These are the cars that were involved in so many accidents in the first half of '07?

And your point is?

The cars are in better condition than when Motorbase first bought them from SEAT!

[tisme]

That is why there was a Andy Neate rumour!

http://www.btccpages.com/news/NewsStory.php?SeriesID=1&ArticleID=1005

[tdb]

WSR or nothing is a bit defeatest IMO.
Maybe proving himself in a motorbase bmw or a GR asia seat would help him show the world his ability?

Surely if the funding is in place to meet Dick Bennets price, the options are limitless?

Come on Andy! sign up somewhere else and show us what your made of!!!!!!

[VkmSpouge]

It would have been good to see Andy Neate in a top car. I hope he makes it one day.

[Les]

WSR or nothing is a bit defeatest IMO.
Maybe proving himself in a motorbase bmw or a GR asia seat would help him show the world his ability?

Surely if the funding is in place to meet Dick Bennets price, the options are limitless?

Come on Andy! sign up somewhere else and show us what your made of!!!!!!

ummm now come on - as much as I would love to see Motorbase up the front or Gr Asia I just don't see them in the same league of consistent top finishes as WSR, VX, TD or Seats.

and I also said to Andy why not somewhere else and I understand exactly what Andy and his sponsors are saying

[tdb]

so he's saying it's about the car?? not the driver talent??
Matt jackson proved a smaller team can win!

As i said before, if you have the budget to be in a good car, prove the ability, get noticed and step up a leauge in 09.

[tin-top fan]

Maybe motorbase have already filled their drives though so they might not have been an option?

[dwracing23]

interesting news today which will surprize people on media day, looking forward to it, who's going to media day from here?

[Ed]

I am strugling with Neates reasons for only wanting to be in a top car. yea sure it is more likely to bring success, but also it could make him look stupid. I would have thought that Turkington would have wiped the floor with him all year long anyway. I dont see why he is not prepared to start at a smaller team not so close to the front of the grid. Many of the best drivers have started that way.

[Andy Neate]

Hi.....To clear a few things up.
Nobody is more disappointed than I to miss out on the second RAC seat so it would be easy for me to selfishly say “let’s just go somewhere else so I can realise my ambition to compete in the BTCC no matter with whom”. It’s not just a matter of having an adequate level of funding in place with the freedom to dispose of it as I wish, the package I have in place was only to be aligned with a team carrying a suitable profile capable of delivering sustained success fitting to the level of my sponsor’s investment.
Obviously my negotiations with the team will remain confidential so I will not go into the proposed contractual agreement that was in place, but to quote the chap tdb “Surely if the funding is in place to meet Dick Bennett’s price, the options are limitless?” this statement is simply inaccurate in my particular circumstance. Additional funding is required from the second driver to meet the shortfall of WSR’s own resources to maintain the BTCC programme to the level they operate, but contrary to some perception there are contracts in place significantly more costly to the paying driver along the pit lane. Although there are quite clearly three other teams in the BTCC capable of delivering equal levels of profile and performance as WSR the costs associated in these teams as a clear number three driver do not fall within my budget, hence why the top two seats in the big four are the most sought after in the BTCC.
Yes, tbd is correct a driver such a Matt Jackson has proved race’s can be won by the smaller teams but this is more down to the BTCC’s format of reverse grids and success ballast etc. Not taking anything away from Matt as he’s obviously a fantastic racing driver with huge talent but with respect he’s never going to consistently challenge the big four with the resources he currently operates with. It’s not ‘all ‘ about the car but you need a really good one to run at the front all the time not just occasionally, the leading pack is where the sponsors I’ve worked so hard to attract expect and want to be. I don’t need to run round in the midfield hoping for the odd giant killing with the aim to impress a team boss to give me a better drive in 09, motorsport does not work like that, if that was simply the case Matt Jackson would be a WSR or similar driver today. My good relationship with the team will continue and my BTCC plans for 09 are already in hand so I’m now just looking forward to an enjoyful full season of racing in 08 as I originally promised to my sponsors albeit now outside the BTCC.
It was originally planned a third chassis would be available for the seasons opening round at Brands but due to unforeseen circumstances outside the control of the team this became apparent very late on the 08 BMW kit would not be available, with only one car available it was I that would miss out. I must say on reflection to my disappointment I do take some comfort to be aware of how close I was to be the number two at WSR and the reasons I was not chosen. I must also stress without my biased head on I respect the commercial decision made by RAC completely. My failure to secure the drive was not down to any lack of pace or technical aptitude but simply a profile thing, indeed Stephen and my own performance during testing was nigh on identical and was nothing to separate us on the stopwatch. Bottom line is I’m 33 & Stephen in 25, I’m a Fiesta Champion and seasoned national racer, Stephen is the leading English driver in the British F3 championship also racing in GP2 with Raikkonen’s management team behind him. Bit of a no brainer. After dealing with the disappointment my sponsors and I did contemplate the part season proposed once we finally knew of the confirmed availability of the third chassis and kit, plus the time Dick needed to put it all together. However after spending a best part of seven months putting the deal together and thinking it was to be a full programme a half baked effort was not the way to go for anyone concerned.

[VkmSpouge]

Good luck for getting a good drive in the BTCC in 2009, Andy.


interesting news today which will surprize people on media day

What is it? Arnold Schwarznegger starting his own team? Jackie Stewart coming out of retirement to drive for Xero Competition? A two car team of Super 2000 Reliant Robins being entered? What is it? :p :

[dwracing23]

A two car team of Super 2000 Reliant Robins being entered? What is it? :p :

It would be great to see that I must say, it's not 100% confirmed yet but its great news for the championship - trust me. The BTCC picture is well and truly taking shape now, just waiting for Motorbase - Xero - and a few one car teams now, should be a good day at the rock and an even better one at Brands, I for one cant wait! see you all there.

[Rusty]

I'll be there cant wait. and Dan Don't put statements like great news that will surprise you all media day and then just leave it at that.....lol

[Scuderia ferrari]

When is the official BTCC testday?

[LiamM]

Week today

[Robinho]

Thanks for the update Andy, i must say i was reading the situation pretty much as you have described - it makes perfect sense that the backing is tied in with the drive you were aiming for, and the work taken to get to the stage you have couldn't be replicated with your backers and another team in the short time before the start of the season.

i hope for your sake your pace in testing is remembered by the team or noticed by others and you get your drive next year - in the meantime enjoy your racing wherever you do end up for this season, best of luck, and please do pop in here to keep us informed if you can

[Captain VXR]

I'll be there cant wait. and Dan Don't put statements like great news that will surprise you all media day and then just leave it at that.....lol

Perhaps Clyde Valley's Dacia Logans are ready? :D

[VXRDartford]

Just seen in autosport that Rob Collard and Steven Kane have been testing the motorbase Beemers.

[MBailey06]

Just seen in autosport that Rob Collard and Steven Kane have been testing the motorbase Beemers.

I saw that too. With Kane, his name and a number was on the side of the car which suggests to me that he will be one of Motorbase's drivers.

[Alfa Fan]

Yeah I think that pretty much confirms Kane. Hope someone better than Collard is the other driver, but I'd say it will be Kane & Collard

[PDS]

Hope someone better than Collard is the other driver,


Interesting comment there... Do you want to 'discuss' that?

[Alfa Fan]

Interesting comment there... Do you want to 'discuss' that?

Yeah, I just really don't rate Collard as a driver. Gets involved in far too many silly accidents and is generally a liability to himself and others out there.

[PDS]

Personally, I think Collard is an underated driver.. who, as yet, has not shown his true potentional as a race driver.

Yes he got involved in 'silly' accidents before, but that was due to where he was running in the pack. Just look at some of the 'mid-field' drivers from last year got up to.. even some front runners!

I would like to see what he could do in a competitive car given the chance.

Assuming he has got a drive for this year!

[Alfa Fan]

Well for me 2006 was his big change up alongside Turkington. And he blew it.

[PDS]

Who else could they put in the team?

Sensible answers please!

[Alfa Fan]

Well the fact they're considering Collards confirms that the drives are partly driver funded, so that rules out a lot of talented, but fundless drivers.

A better choice than Rob Collard? Well someone like Andy Neate for a start as he's the obvious suggestion. (Has money, and was in contention for WSR).

His ultimate pace is unproven, but I would imagine his accident damage would be significantly less!

James Pickford? Dunno where he's got to since he fell of the radar at the end of 2005. I would much rather a good young driver got the seat then Collard.

Getting less realistic due to bugdets but, any of Stefan Hodgetts, Jonathan Adam, Tom Boardman, Dan Buxton, Paul Rivett and Oli Wilkinson have all shown they have what it takes. Look at what Jackson & Shedden have done coming out of Cupras. Boardman & Adam would be just as good!

Adam has £200k to put towards a drive as well, about 1/3 of the total budget needed. (He's probabily spent it elsewhere out of the BTCC though already sadly).

[PDS]

Well the fact they're considering Collards confirms that the drives are partly driver funded.

How do work that one out???


so that rules out a lot of talented, but fundless drivers.
Unfortunatley there are too many drivers in that situation!


Well someone like Andy Neate for a start as he's the obvious suggestion. (Has money, and was in contention for WSR).
From reading a recent post. It seems that Motorbase was not a choice for him?


but I would imagine his accident damage would be significantly less! No way of telling... Is there?

The biggest problems for a lot of teams is..
so that rules out a lot of talented, but fundless drivers. hit the nail on the head there!

[Alfa Fan]

How do work that one out???


Unfortunatley there are too many drivers in that situation!


From reading a recent post. It seems that Motorbase was not a choice for him?

No way of telling... Is there?

The biggest problems for a lot of teams is.. hit the nail on the head there!

Because there are far better prospects than Collard sitting on the sidelines!

Well judging by previous years, Collard has got involved in far too many expensive accidents.

[PDS]

Because there are far better prospects than Collard sitting on the sidelines!

Well judging by previous years, Collard has got involved in far too many expensive accidents.

So Giovanardi, Neal, Plato, Thompson, etc, etc.

Have never got involved in expensive accidents?

[Alfa Fan]

So Giovanardi, Neal, Plato, Thompson, etc, etc.

Have never got involved in expensive accidents?

Not to the same extent. Usually the accidents there involved in are fighting it out for the win or podium positions. Not usually involved in as many silly accidents as Collard.

[PDS]

Not to the same extent. Usually the accidents there involved in are fighting it out for the win or podium positions. Not usually involved in as many silly accidents as Collard.

I give up!

Your dislike for Collard goes deep... I recommend therapy!

Good luck!

[tdb]

Well judging by previous years, Collard has got involved in far too many expensive accidents.

As fer as i'm aware there are only 5 drivers in the btcc that do not pay for their drives.

Also any damage is paid for by the driver,so it is only expensive for said driver.


Unless you refuse to pay like 1 driver i could name.

[cpearson]

Personally, I think Collard is an underated driver.. who, as yet, has not shown his true potentional as a race driver.

Yes he got involved in 'silly' accidents before, but that was due to where he was running in the pack. Just look at some of the 'mid-field' drivers from last year got up to.. even some front runners!

I would like to see what he could do in a competitive car given the chance.

Assuming he has got a drive for this year!


Well said Peter, thank you.

Rob has his critics but so do most drivers. His biggest critic is himself and he is very determined to get back into the BTCC and show his true potential in a competitive car.

I hope he gets this drive and his luck turns.

Chris

[Rusty]

Hear Hear good call gents and good luck Rob,

Peter you are LEGEND!!!!! see you media day..

[Allyc85]

Is there any news on the rumoured Arena Motorsport Ford Focus?

[cos]

Is there any news on the rumoured Arena Motorsport Ford Focus?

They didn't get very far into the project before it was canned (presumably because Chilton decided to go with Dynamics).

[Eurotech]

Just read in this weeks Autosport that Steven Kane and Rob Collard have been testing the Motorbase Perfromance BMW 320s at Brands Hatch this week.........................

Good news for Rob after he missed out on a Chevy drive with Robertshaw Racing and good to see that Steven Kane might just be moving up as I think wel all know he is a very good driver (especially in RWD)...................

[Ed]

have to agree with alfa fan. Putting collard in the car is a waste. He was no where compared to Turkington in 2006. People say he is underated, I just dont see how!! yea he is a very nice guy, but he doesent get the results in

[VkmSpouge]

Collard did struggle against Turkington at WSR but he had very competitive seasons before that with WSR and his own team, so I think he deserves another shot in a competitive car.

[SEATFreak]

Who else could they put in the team?

Sensible answers please!

I would go with Alfa Fan. I think theirs loads of talent who have shown they can crack it outside of the SCC and I think is worth a punt.

Can we look at Tom Bordman, Neil Waterworth and Liam McMillan who are doing as far as know all rounds of the EuroCup and Supacopa with Triple R and can we also add Pinkney and Ferrier to like likes of Jackson and 'Flash' (Shedden)?

Can I suggest four?:

JonathanFildes?
Adrian Churchill?
Carl Breeze?
Alan Blencowe


James Pickford? Dunno where he's got to since he fell of the radar at the end of 2005. I would much rather a good young driver got the seat then Collard.

Last I heard he won the FiA GT3 Porche Manufacturers Cup with Richard Williams last year.

[Dickie L'Amour]

I also think you should go with Alfa Fan. As far away from this forum as possible!

[SEATFreak]

I also think you should go with Alfa Fan. As far away from this forum as possible!

And pray tell what could I have done now to offended you for you to come out with that?

But then why am I compaining? No doubt the mods will conveniently miss that and let you get away with it.

[VkmSpouge]

I also think you should go with Alfa Fan. As far away from this forum as possible!

There's no need to be like that. SEATfreak was only expressing his opinion that there are a lot of drivers out there who deserve a chance in the BTCC.

[SEATFreak]

There's no need to be like that. SEATfreak was only expressing his opinion that there are a lot of drivers out there who deserve a chance in the BTCC.

Thank you Vkm. Exactly. And despite the long rivalry with him I guess you can also say the same thing about AF.

One can only suggest Dickie doesn't agree therefore with the view that we ( Alfa Fan and I) share that talent in the SCC have the capabilities to confirm their readiness to break into championships like the BTCC.

[VX_Rules]

I think Breeze is too much of a liability, he had his chance, and shown he just wasnt good enough in the BTCC, i'd like to know just how many DNFs he got that year...

[tdb]

I'm sure, had any of the "talent" you and Alfa FAn wish to champion, Had gone to Dave Bartrum with a large enough cheque, the they would have been in with a shot at the drive.

It seems to be missed by a lot of people that running racing cars is a business!

Unless you are a manufacturer or a team backed by a major sponsor, then 99 times out 100, the guy with the fatest wallet gets the drive.
Talent can, unfortunately, be irrelevant!

[tdb]

in Carls defence, the car and team didn't help his efforts much.

[SEATFreak]

I think Breeze is too much of a liability, he had his chance, and shown he just wasnt good enough in the BTCC, i'd like to know just how many DNFs he got that year...

8 in total. In rounds 1, 2, 4, 10, 12, 14, 19 and 20. :p : :)

[VX_Rules]

Yeah, that's pretty, Well, Consistent i suppose you could say, sure he's talented when he doesnt crash, but even in the Cupras he doesnt seem to have much luck.

I mean 8 DNFs is like MG standard :D

[SEATFreak]

But does anyone seriously believe he will be as bad if not worse again?

If I had said the news, that Richard Williams returning back to the BTCC with a new team but with one who has a decent racing pedigree (and btw I know no such news exists - it is only purely hypotehetical.) is bad because Richard Williams didn't do that well with HPI Racing, how many would have said something along the lines that "That was back then. Things might be different now. He has done diffrerent things since then."

[Les]

But does anyone seriously believe he will be as bad if not worse again?

If I had said the news, that Richard Williams returning back to the BTCC with a new team but with one who has a decent racing pedigree (and btw I know no such news exists - it is only purely hypotehetical.) is bad because Richard Williams didn't do that well with HPI Racing, how many would have said something along the lines that "That was back then. Things might be different now. He has done diffrerent things since then."


jees I had to read that twice to realise it was hypothetical - bummer really because Richie is a very good driver in the right car as shown by his Porsche exploits.

[SEATFreak]

jees I had to read that twice to realise it was hypothetical.

You didn't see the part that actually specifies it is a purely hypotethical scenario? Despite being told it is a hypothetical scenario you have to rely on realising it was hypothetical?

Did you not see the part that predicted with frightening accuracy that atleast one person would take my comment as a fact?

I am really starting to be worried at how people seem to be treating my posts in general because I said it was hypotehtical yet you didn't know it was until you realised it.


bummer really because Richie is a very good driver in the right car as shown by his Porsche exploits.

Exactly. Do you also think Richard is a very good driver in the right car? Because two seasons ago he finished 4th in the Carreras and finished 10th (respectable??) in the Supercup last year for Racing Team Indonesia as I am sure you all know. Compare that to the 14th with 14pts for HPI.

Surely this is proof perhaps of some existing realism that the differing situations can change a driver. The different car, the different team, the different tracks and the different quality in the championship.

[LiamM]

Exactly. Do you also think Richard is a very good driver in the right car? Because two seasons ago he finished 4th in the Carreras and finished 10th (respectable??) in the Supercup last year for Racing Team Indonesia as I am sure you all know. Compare that to the 14th with 14pts for HPI.

Surely this is proof perhaps of some existing realism that the differing situations can change a driver. The different car, the different team, the different tracks and the different quality in the championship.

The HPI Lexi were the problems there, the team never really got on top of them

[Eurotech]

I think that the Lexus was way to under developed to race in 2005 and it was a shame because it kind of ruined Richards ans Ian Curleys BTCC Careers........

[Iain]

Not really. Who is to say that they would have been in the BTCC, had their team not moved up? If anything, it gave them a bit more exposure than being 2 Clio drivers in a field of 20 other Clios.

[LiamM]

Hence we're still talking about them

[dwracing23]

interesting news today which will surprize people on media day, looking forward to it, who's going to media day from here?

Hi guys, sorry I couldn’t put more about this but this was Team 48, its a fantastic deal with some great guys behind it, in Luther, Jon, Les and Kevin.

I bet this was the biggest surprise of the day for everyone. I must say I am very hopeful of a good show at Brands on the team’s first race. It was a great day at Rockingham today and I must say I was surprised by the amount of people that did attend.

It’s a big challenge for the two drivers but an exciting one as well.

What do you think of it?

[VX_Rules]

I wish them all the luck. I hope they get some good performance out the Alfas. Which are definately going to stand out!!!

What meeting are they hoping to be ready for in time?

[dwracing23]

I wish them all the luck. I hope they get some good performance out the Alfas. Which are definately going to stand out!!!

What meeting are they hoping to be ready for in time?

Brands in two weeks, will be a quality weekend. Come and say hello

[VX_Rules]

Ready for Brands? Awesome. :)

Cant wait!

[mattie007]

Are you part of the team then dwracing?

I only caught the Alfa's just as I was about to leave as they were tucked away! Quite like the apple green and red look!
Hope they do well. Les lives nearby and I sometimes see him about, I might be able to have a little chat with him about it!
When I heard the 'footballers link' I automatically assumed it was Peter Encklemans 'Encke Sport' entry!

[dwracing23]

Are you part of the team then dwracing?

I only caught the Alfa's just as I was about to leave as they were tucked away! Quite like the apple green and red look!
Hope they do well. Les lives nearby and I sometimes see him about, I might be able to have a little chat with him about it!
When I heard the 'footballers link' I automatically assumed it was Peter Encklemans 'Encke Sport' entry!

Yes I am fella, its a "lovely" colour! haha. Im sure it will grow on people once it starts to move up the grid!

Les is a top bloke and a very good friend. Jon, Luther and Les are top blokes and have a real interest in motorsport which can only help the sport get bigger and better. The team is full of great people who have one goal - to do well.

[VkmSpouge]

It was certainly a great surprise, DW. If you are involved in the team perhaps you can answer a few pressing questions:
1). Have you got the cars?
2). Will you guys be racing at the first round at Brands Hatch?
3). Since I hadn't heard of him until yesterday; what is Matthew Gore's racing background like? (I'd look at his profile on btcc.net but at the moment the profiles page is convinced that Kizilirmak is the only driver in the championship)

and the most important question:

4). Why that colour car?! :p :

[cos]

It was certainly a great surprise, DW. If you are involved in the team perhaps you can answer a few pressing questions:
1). Have you got the cars?

Autosport says the purchase from A-Tech is yet to complete, although I understand the team is due to test at Silverstone this Sunday.


3). Since I hadn't heard of him until yesterday; what is Matthew Gore's racing background like?

Fairly accomplished racer in Jamaica in various disciplines (tourers, rally etc.) but I think there's only one decent road circuit over there so it's going to be a steep learning curve.



4). Why that colour car?! :p :

Beginnings of a Jamaica-themed livery most likely. Maybe the team will have a bit of the "Cool Runnings" air about it...

[MBailey06]

Perhaps they will be like A Tech and the livery will change from round to round, so maybe it will be nicer, a darker shade of green would do it I think.

[CroftPilgrim]

have to agree with alfa fan. Putting collard in the car is a waste. He was no where compared to Turkington in 2006. People say he is underated, I just dont see how!! yea he is a very nice guy, but he doesent get the results in

I dont think that means a thing. Remember, Turkington himself was way outclassed by Muller at VXR, but you dont hear people saying that Turkington has no talent as a result.

Collard is also an ex independants champion, so to say he hasn't got the talent is way off the mark.

[Alfa Fan]

That was Turkington in a car developed by Muller and Turkington was in his first season with the team. By the time he lined up alongside Collard at Team RAC in 2006, Collard already had a year's experience in the car.

[CroftPilgrim]

..and Turkington had been at WSR driving the MG for a number of years before that, so had more experience than Collard.

My point was that there is often more to a drivers performance than meets the eye. Yes, Collard had a disappointing year alongside Colin but you don't suddenly become a bad driver overnight. I don't know why he didn't do so well but it wasn't because of lack of talent.

As I say, he's an ex-independents champion. Rob Collard is worthy of his drive.

[tisme]

Autosport says the purchase from A-Tech is yet to complete, although I understand the team is due to test at Silverstone this Sunday.

If they ain't got them from A-Tech yet.. they ain't going to be at Silverstone on Sunday!



What do you think of it?

Not any better than A-Tech did I fear!

But good luck to for trying.

[Marc W]

If they ain't got them from A-Tech yet.. they ain't going to be at Silverstone on Sunday!

I was speaking to some of the team yesterday One car from A-tech is apparently ready to run so if they didn't paint it they could easily test this weekend if they receive it this week. The other will need a few days work.

[cos]

Apparently the cars are back in Italy and should be coming over here mid-next week.. still planning to be there at the season opener. (possibly a test at Brands a few days before race weekend, but I didn't think that was permitted!)

[Alfa Fan]

Apparently the cars are back in Italy and should be coming over here mid-next week.. still planning to be there at the season opener. (possibly a test at Brands a few days before race weekend, but I didn't think that was permitted!)

Are they not allowed to carry out a 50k shakedown or something like that if they want? I'm not sure, but didn't Neal & Kerry take advantage of that last season.

[tisme]

Apparently the cars are back in Italy and should be coming over here mid-next week.. still planning to be there at the season opener. (possibly a test at Brands a few days before race weekend, but I didn't think that was permitted!)

So they won't be at Silverstone on Sunday then!

[cos]

Not in the Alfas then! There was a plan for them to run the Sport Relief mile round the track though, might be quicker given those 156s reliability at time...

[Ed]

I dont think that means a thing. Remember, Turkington himself was way outclassed by Muller at VXR, but you dont hear people saying that Turkington has no talent as a result.

Collard is also an ex independants champion, so to say he hasn't got the talent is way off the mark.

yeas collard is a previous independant champ, but at the time there werent any other that good drivers with good cars.

[VkmSpouge]

yeas collard is a previous independant champ, but at the time there werent any other that good drivers with good cars.

I can think of one in James Kaye in his Synchro Honda Civic.

[Ed]

yes but kaye hardly set ther field a light did he!!!

[Funks]

Well, he did his best to. He pulled out a box of matches shortly after, but nobody saw.

http://www.btccpages.com/gallery/d/2225-3/kaye1.jpg

[cos]

yeas collard is a previous independant champ, but at the time there werent any other that good drivers with good cars.

Pyper would have given him a good run for his money if he hadn't been forced to withdraw halfway through the season.

[VkmSpouge]

Well, he did his best to. He pulled out a box of matches shortly after, but nobody saw.

http://www.btccpages.com/gallery/d/2225-3/kaye1.jpg

James Kaye took title "The Children of the Corn" too literally.

[Alfa Fan]

Pyper would have given him a good run for his money if he hadn't been forced to withdraw halfway through the season.

Absolutely. Pyper with a proper budget that year would have won the Indy title. Can't wait to see how he gets on in Clios this season.

[cos]

Absolutely. Pyper with a proper budget that year would have won the Indy title. Can't wait to see how he gets on in Clios this season.

Yup. Must be his first proper season of racing since 2004?

[tyreman2]

Apparently the cars are back in Italy and should be coming over here mid-next week.. still planning to be there at the season opener. (possibly a test at Brands a few days before race weekend, but I didn't think that was permitted!)

Just a couple of facts to save you all speculating.
The Alfa's are not in Italy they are at A-Tech's workshop
1 car is complete,the other is just a shell and needs putting together, a few parts are needed from Italy to complete the rebuild
It is still the teams intention to compete at Brands if at all possible
Oh 1 more thing what you have seen is not the final colour scheme but it will remain predominatly green.

[MBailey06]

Perhaps if only one car is ready for Brands, perhaps that one car can compete so that the team can get a taster of the rest of the year to come.

[Iain]

Yup. Must be his first proper season of racing since 2004?

First time he's started a season since the 2003 BTCC. Since then he's done the Carrera Cup guest car at Oulton Park in that year, then a one off for GA at Donington in 2004.

The guy's a really talented driver, I hope this gives him the springboard to get back into the BTCC.

[VkmSpouge]

Just a couple of facts to save you all speculating.
The Alfa's are not in Italy they are at A-Tech's workshop
1 car is complete,the other is just a shell and needs putting together, a few parts are needed from Italy to complete the rebuild
It is still the teams intention to compete at Brands if at all possible
Oh 1 more thing what you have seen is not the final colour scheme but it will remain predominatly green.

If that one car is complete then they will hopefully at least get that car out and racing for Brands Hatch. Of course I hope they end up getting both cars racing at Brands.

[Northern Monkey]

Just to confirm what was know already really, but Dave Pinkney won't be in the BTCC as he's signed up to do British GT with Tech 9 in a Lamborghini - running in the same team as Tom Ferrier.

Interestingly, it'll mean him racing against A-Tech.....