Vauxhall "regret" BTCC exit

According to Matt James' MN column Vauxhall are regretting their decision to not participate in this years British Touring Car Championship.

He also suggests they are already working towards a possible comeback, maybe as soon as next year.

Might help explain why Triple Eight have entered a pair of Vectra's this year, could we yet see them represented in the Constructors championship, and possibly some VX Racing branding retained?

I hear there's an Italian driver who would like a break from his renovation work in Modena who might be on the market :)

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Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

I hear there's an Italian driver who would like a break from his renovation work in Modena who might be on the market :)

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well, Luca Badoer has got to go somewhere :p

jokes aside, very interesting, but I doubt Vauxhall would want to compete as a manufacturer against parents Cheverolet. IMO, something would have to give there.

Whilst both are under the umbrella of GM (but in Vauxhall's case for how much longer?) I don't see it being a catastrophic conflict of interest. Both are marketed quite independently in this country.

I don't think the expectation is of any form of manufacturer entry, but maybe an entry to the Constructors cup with the cars carrying VX Racing branding (as opposed to Vauxhall).

Plus any big-name Vauxhall representation would only raise the profile of the series which would benefit both. Chevrolet's entry is significantly funded by their commercial sponsors, and any Vauxhall entry will be too.

Thats pretty much what I guessed could/would happen in another thread.
Is it too late for them to come back this season?

I remember in 2004 when MG pulled the plug, they still had MG Xpower branding along with Xpart and Powertrain.
I suppose VXR could do a similar thing?

http://i40.tinypic.com/ndvok0.jpg

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Originally Posted by mattie007

Thats pretty much what I guessed could/would happen in another thread.
Is it too late for them to come back this season?

I remember in 2004 when MG pulled the plug, they still had MG Xpower branding along with Xpart and Powertrain.
I suppose VXR could do a similar thing?

http://i40.tinypic.com/ndvok0.jpg

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Yeah you could have VXR and GMAC logos on the car as opposed to Vauxhall ones, because then its still advertising Vauxhall's VXR Brand without it being directly linked to Vauxhall...

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Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

Whilst both are under the umbrella of GM (but in Vauxhall's case for how much longer?) I don't see it being a catastrophic conflict of interest. Both are marketed quite independently in this country.

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I don't either.

In the early 80s Vauxhall & Opel both competed seperatly with works entries in the British Open Rally Championship without too much trouble.

Both brands have an image problem. Vauxhall is seen as being downmarket and somewhat crap and Chevrolet is seen as being American, downmarket and even more crap. They both need motorsport to boost their image!

Very true! I still think of Chevvy as Daewoo!

http://i39.tinypic.com/2i7vmlu.jpg

Didnt Ford own Volvo when they raced together in 97/98?

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Originally Posted by mattie007

Very true! I still think of Chevvy as Daewoo!

http://i39.tinypic.com/2i7vmlu.jpg

Didnt Ford own Volvo when they raced together in 97/98?

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Yes but then Volvo pulled out later leaving the Ford Mondeos.

Do the Silverline Chevys have backing from GM/Chevy UK?

Yes.