BTCC 2011 Rumours

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10th March 2011, 00:17
Alfa Fan

Its not quite that many..

1. Jason Plato Chevrolet Cruze
2. Alex McDowall Chevrolet Cruze
3. Matt Neal Honda Civic
4. Gordon Shedden Honda Civic
5. Tom Chilton Ford Focus
6. Andy Neate Ford Focus
7. Rob Collard BMW 320SI
8. Nick Foster BMW 320SI
9. Mat Jackson Ford Focus
10. Liam Griffin Ford Focus
11. James Nash Vauxhall Vectra
12. Tony Gilham Vauxhall Vectra
13. Tom Boardman SEAT Leon
14. TBA SEAT Leon
15. Andy Jordan Vauxhall Vectra
16. Jeff Smith Vauxhall Vectra
17. Harry Vaulkhard Chevrolet Lacetti
18. TBA Chevrolet Lacetti
19. Dave Newsham BMW 320SI
20. Tony Hughes Toyota Avensis
21. Frank Wrathall Toyota Avensis
22. TBA Audi A4
23. TBA Audi A4
24. Shaun Hollamby VW Golf
25. Chris James Chevrolet Lacetti
26. Lea Wood Honda Integra
27. Paul O'Neill Chevrolet Cruze
28. John George Chevrolet Cruze
29. Dan Welch Proton Gen-2
10th March 2011, 00:31
PDS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

Strange. Very strange. The article has quotes from Paul too... is he jumping the gun as well?

Paul didn't write the story!

I'm not disputing whether the story is true or not. Personally, I think it is great news for Techspeed and their drivers. Paul O'Neill finally has a car where he can compete at the front.

All I am saying is that according to the team and the story on BTCC.Net it has not officially been confirmed..
10th March 2011, 00:51
Alfa Fan

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDS

Paul didn't write the story!

Sorry I interpreted jumping the gun as "wrong". My mistake.

(That's not meant to sound sarcastic! Realised it might reading it back).
10th March 2011, 02:30
BTCC2

Michael Doyle to return...
Heard he's confident.
10th March 2011, 02:32
BTCC2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

Its not quite that many..

1. Jason Plato Chevrolet Cruze
2. Alex McDowall Chevrolet Cruze
3. Matt Neal Honda Civic
4. Gordon Shedden Honda Civic
5. Tom Chilton Ford Focus
6. Andy Neate Ford Focus
7. Rob Collard BMW 320SI
8. Nick Foster BMW 320SI
9. Mat Jackson Ford Focus
10. Liam Griffin Ford Focus
11. James Nash Vauxhall Vectra
12. Tony Gilham Vauxhall Vectra
13. Tom Boardman SEAT Leon
14. TBA SEAT Leon
15. Andy Jordan Vauxhall Vectra
16. Jeff Smith Vauxhall Vectra
17. Harry Vaulkhard Chevrolet Lacetti
18. TBA Chevrolet Lacetti
19. Dave Newsham BMW 320SI
20. Tony Hughes Toyota Avensis
21. Frank Wrathall Toyota Avensis
22. TBA Audi A4
23. TBA Audi A4
24. Shaun Hollamby VW Golf
25. Chris James Chevrolet Lacetti
26. Lea Wood Honda Integra
27. Paul O'Neill Chevrolet Cruze
28. John George Chevrolet Cruze
29. Dan Welch Proton Gen-2

Could be wrong as i'm really starting to lose track but didn't GSR state they'd be running 2 cars?
10th March 2011, 02:35
BTCC2

Quote:

Geoff Steel Racing is planning to return to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in 2011 with a pair of BMWs.

The Lincolnshire team has acquired two BMWs raced in recent seasons by the Motorbase squad.

Quote:

The team is currently in talks with a number of experienced drivers to fill the two seats.

That would make 30. The possibility of 2 more Ford's would then take us to the maximum...
10th March 2011, 02:36
Alfa Fan

Initially that seemed to be the plan but the announcement of Newsham made no reference to any other drivers to come so I've left it off for now.
10th March 2011, 02:40
Alfa Fan

Quote:

Originally Posted by BTCC2

Michael Doyle to return...
Heard he's confident.

All he's said is his future is looking promising or something to that effect? Read it on another forum somewhere earlier.
10th March 2011, 03:43
BTCC2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

All he's said is his future is looking promising or something to that effect? Read it on another forum somewhere earlier.

Yeah having re-read it, it's far less of a hint than i'd first taken it as.
10th March 2011, 14:56
Alfa Fan

I've heard that the announcement of Motorbase's 3rd driver is imminent. Could come tomorrow.
10th March 2011, 16:04
Eurotech

I'm loving this talk of the championship getting a potential 30+ entries this year, remember back to Thruxton 2005?

2. Yvan Muller - VXRacing - Vauxhall Astra
5. Matt Neal - Team Halfords - Honda Integra
6. Colin Turkington - VXRacing - Vauxhall Astra
8. Dan Eaves - Team Halfords - Honda Integra
9. Tom Chilton - Arena Motorsport - Honda Civic
10. James Kaye - Syncro Motorsport - Honda Civic
11. Jason Plato - SEAT Sport UK - SEAT Toledo
12. James Pickford - SEAT Sport UK - SEAT Toledo
21. Rob Collard - WSR - MG ZS
57. Luke Hines - SEAT Sport UK - SEAT Toledo
88. Gavin Smith - VXRacing - Vauxhall Astra

That was the complete entry list. Yes, 11 Cars.
10th March 2011, 16:24
Torg22

Yep, quite a contrast. The amount of cars taking part in the last few seasons has been pretty healthly but the interest that has been show on the run up to the 2011 season is just crazy. Dont think ive looked forward to the start of a BTCC season as much since 1995!
10th March 2011, 19:04
VkmSpouge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurotech

I'm loving this talk of the championship getting a potential 30+ entries this year, remember back to Thruxton 2005?

2. Yvan Muller - VXRacing - Vauxhall Astra
5. Matt Neal - Team Halfords - Honda Integra
6. Colin Turkington - VXRacing - Vauxhall Astra
8. Dan Eaves - Team Halfords - Honda Integra
9. Tom Chilton - Arena Motorsport - Honda Civic
10. James Kaye - Syncro Motorsport - Honda Civic
11. Jason Plato - SEAT Sport UK - SEAT Toledo
12. James Pickford - SEAT Sport UK - SEAT Toledo
21. Rob Collard - WSR - MG ZS
57. Luke Hines - SEAT Sport UK - SEAT Toledo
88. Gavin Smith - VXRacing - Vauxhall Astra

That was the complete entry list. Yes, 11 Cars.

2005 was a strangely low ebb for the championship, I never could think of a fundamental reason why there were so few entries.
10th March 2011, 19:11
Allyc85

What happens if we do get too many entries, do we have pre-qualifying or are the entries all considered 1 by 1 and they are selected by the BTCC?
10th March 2011, 20:40
Eurotech

I remember the Clio Cup was over subscribed a few years back and they had to 'qualify' for the event (ie the slowest cars from qualifying wouldn't be in race.) And those who didn't qualify would become reserve entries and would be allwed in if one of the other cars couldn't race for some reason...
10th March 2011, 20:45
BTCC2

There will be no pre-qualifying...The entries will be capped at 32.
10th March 2011, 21:03
Iain

That's the fairest way to do it, saves a wasted journey for anyone. Back in 2002 it was oversubscribed at times with the Production class also being there. The best example I can think of was at Knockhill with it's (in those days) 28 car limit. Gavin Pyper qualified, but wasn't guaranteed a slot on the grid as he was a late entry at round two Oulton Park, so was only on reserve. Jim Edwards Jnr failed to take his place on the grid, so Pyper replaced him.
10th March 2011, 21:30
Allyc85

So its just which ever 32 gets in there first I guess :)
11th March 2011, 17:01
Alfa Fan

Rumours have Mark Hazell as STR's 2nd driver
11th March 2011, 18:21
Allyc85

Who?
11th March 2011, 18:38
speedy king

Thats what i'm thinking to most of these drivers names!!! Although wasn't Hazell in Porsches??? No??
11th March 2011, 18:56
Allyc85

Ah yea, now I know the name! bit of info..

DOB 11/10/1959
Nationality - British
Lives – Llanhennock, Monmouthshire
Occupation – Managing director
2008 - ELF Renault Clio Cup, with a best finish of 17th at Donington Park
2007 - No racing
2006 - Part-season in Porsche Carrera Cup finishing 18th overall and 9th in pro-am category, with a best result of 8th at Thruxton with three other top-10 finishes
1999 - MGF Cup finishing 6th overall
1997 - Vectra Sri V6 Challenge in support of BTCC
1993 - Formula Ford Championship, finishing 6th overall
11th March 2011, 20:07
AndySpeed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allyc85

Occupation – Managing director

Seems to be a fairly important requirement for a lot of people entering the BTCC these days it seems!
11th March 2011, 20:25
Alfa Fan

Certainly helps. Motorsport has always been a rich man sport. At every level. I know you complain about pay drivers, but show me a driver on the grid in any series, anywhere in the world, who hasn't been a pay driver at some point in their career?
11th March 2011, 21:11
BDunnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

Certainly helps. Motorsport has always been a rich man sport. At every level. I know you complain about pay drivers, but show me a driver on the grid in any series, anywhere in the world, who hasn't been a pay driver at some point in their career?

Not least in the BTCC, going back a long way. I think we were rather spoiled in the 1990s, to be honest, with all those international superstars and ex-F1 drivers. What we're going to see in 2011 is far more what a British tin-top driver line-up was like years ago, with a good selection of top-class British drivers augmented by a clutch of 'gentleman racers', people moving up/over from other roofed formulae, and some younger hopefuls. In itself, there's nothing wrong with that.
11th March 2011, 21:50
DazzlaF1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurotech

I remember the Clio Cup was over subscribed a few years back and they had to 'qualify' for the event (ie the slowest cars from qualifying wouldn't be in race.) And those who didn't qualify would become reserve entries and would be allwed in if one of the other cars couldn't race for some reason...

What they actually did was they split the entire field into 2 groups and made both groups take part in short qualifying sprint races (no points were awarded in these qualifying races), those 2 races decided the 32 car field for each main event

But im sure BTCC2 is correct, the Entry list will be capped at 32 because of certain tracks limitations, the likes of Croft, Brands Hatch and Knockhill can only take a maximum of 32 for each race because of a mixture of 2 reasons. Circuit length and Facilities. Unlike some tracks where they can take more cars, Silverstone for example is more than capable of catering for 40+ cars
12th March 2011, 12:46
mattie007

If for example WSR and motorbase register 3 cars but only run 2, does this stop others entering? What Im trying to say, is the cap 32 entries or 32 cars?
12th March 2011, 14:30
Eurotech

They'll probably have to decide it on a 'race by race' basis, having a waiting list system like Le Mans so if someone drops out or doesn't run a car, their place will be given to someone else in the run up to the event....
12th March 2011, 16:35
DazzlaF1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurotech

They'll probably have to decide it on a 'race by race' basis, having a waiting list system like Le Mans so if someone drops out or doesn't run a car, their place will be given to someone else in the run up to the event....

The easiest solution would be to re-introduce DNQ'ing, that way you could cater for more than 32 cars on a weekend but only allowing the fastest 32 to race.

But that I do not think is possible logistically
12th March 2011, 17:03
Alfa Fan

There will be 32 entries max. IF and it's a big IF and not going to happen this season, more than 32 cars are registered then from 33 onwards they form a reserve list who will be able to participate on a round-by-round basis if some of the 32 drop out. But basically if someone doesn't get one of the 32 entries they'll go off and do something else. We won't need to worry about it this year though, there's not quite going to be a full grid.
12th March 2011, 23:12
UltimateDanGTR

Even though Alfa fan is probably right, its still wonderful to have to consider such an eventuality.
12th March 2011, 23:32
Alfa Fan

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateDanGTR

Even though Alfa fan is probably right, its still wonderful to have to consider such an eventuality.

If your doubting the entries thing, it's regulation 1.4.1 as of the 2010 regs (2011 haven't been released publically yet)

"All drivers, entrants, teams and manufacturers/constructors must register with TOCA for the Championship in accordance with Commercial Undertaking 6.5. The completed Registration Form with the Registration Fee must be received by the co-ordinator prior to 12 noon on Friday, February 26th, 2010. (Friday, February 25th, 2011. this year I believe). The Administrator has the right at his/her absolute discretion to accept or reject any registration for the Championship received after Monday, 26th February, 2010 (sic) upon such terms as he/she thinks fit. Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been accepted as enterants to the Championship by Friday, March 12th, 2010, to a maximum of 32."

So based on the time frames remaining the same this year, everyone found out whether they got their entries yesterday!!
13th March 2011, 00:52
BTCC2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

If your doubting the entries thing, it's regulation 1.4.1 as of the 2010 regs (2011 haven't been released publically yet)

"All drivers, entrants, teams and manufacturers/constructors must register with TOCA for the Championship in accordance with Commercial Undertaking 6.5. The completed Registration Form with the Registration Fee must be received by the co-ordinator prior to 12 noon on Friday, February 26th, 2010. (Friday, February 25th, 2011. this year I believe). The Administrator has the right at his/her absolute discretion to accept or reject any registration for the Championship received after Monday, 26th February, 2010 (sic) upon such terms as he/she thinks fit. Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been accepted as enterants to the Championship by Friday, March 12th, 2010, to a maximum of 32."

So based on the time frames remaining the same this year, everyone found out whether they got their entries yesterday!!

Yes they have. Though they simply confirm what Alfa Fan has said.

All drivers, entrants, teams and manufacturers/constructors must register with TOCA for the
Championship in accordance with Commercial Undertaking 6.5. The completed Registration
Form with the Registration Fee must be received by the Co-ordinator prior to 12 noon on Friday,
February 25th 2011. The Administrator has the right at his/her absolute discretion to accept or
reject any registration for the Championship received after Monday, February 25th, 2011 upon
such terms as he/she thinks fit. Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been
accepted as entrants to Championship by Friday, March 11th, 2011, to a maximum of 32.
Drivers who are accepted into the Championship after Friday, March 11th, 2011, will be classified
as Late Registrations and may incur a 20 per cent entry fee surcharge at the Administrator’s
discretion.
Any subsequent change to an Entrant's registered car during the course of the Championship is by application to and approval of the Administrator.
13th March 2011, 01:16
Alfa Fan

Where's the 2011 ones posted?
13th March 2011, 02:06
BTCC2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

Where's the 2011 ones posted?

http://www.btcc.net/pdf/regulations_2011.pdf
13th March 2011, 02:10
Alfa Fan

Nice find!

Interestingly the appear to confirm only a single BTC-Touring entry, as expected!

And that the Independents will carry some extra car markings this year.
13th March 2011, 15:31
UltimateDanGTR

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

If your doubting the entries thing, it's regulation 1.4.1 as of the 2010 regs (2011 haven't been released publically yet)

"All drivers, entrants, teams and manufacturers/constructors must register with TOCA for the Championship in accordance with Commercial Undertaking 6.5. The completed Registration Form with the Registration Fee must be received by the co-ordinator prior to 12 noon on Friday, February 26th, 2010. (Friday, February 25th, 2011. this year I believe). The Administrator has the right at his/her absolute discretion to accept or reject any registration for the Championship received after Monday, 26th February, 2010 (sic) upon such terms as he/she thinks fit. Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been accepted as enterants to the Championship by Friday, March 12th, 2010, to a maximum of 32."

So based on the time frames remaining the same this year, everyone found out whether they got their entries yesterday!!

When I said you were probably right, I was refering to your prediction that there would not be more than 32 cars planning to enter this season ;)
13th March 2011, 15:36
Alfa Fan

Ah ok, sorry misunderstood :)
13th March 2011, 15:58
Iain

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndySpeed

Seems to be a fairly important requirement for a lot of people entering the BTCC these days it seems!

Quite an interesting point. Of all the confirmed entries so far, there are quite a few MDs, company owners or directors signed up.

Jeff Smith - Owner of Industrial Control Distributors
Liam Griffin - MD of Addison Lee
Shaun Hollamby - MD of AmD Essex
Dave Newsham - MD of Norscott Vending Services
Alex MacDowall - Director of ECM Vehicle Delivery Services
Tony Hughes - MD of Hughes Safety Showers
Rob Collard - MD of R.Collard Demolition
Nick Foster - Chairman of Countour Electronics
Chris James - MD of Electro-Services

Then you've got other people who are high up at companies such as Matt Neal being Group Marketing Director at Rimstock Plc, Andy Neate the Chief Technical Officer at Ceravision and even Jason Plato is a director at his marketing company Brand Pilot.

Like it's been said above, there are very few 100% professional drivers these days, but even in the 1990s, the drivers had outside business interests. John Cleland, Steve Soper and Jeff Allam the car dealers, Will Hoy the chartered surveyor, Tim Harvey was an estate agent and Rickard Rydell owned a florists!

If you're in a position at a company where you are able to support your racing, then fair play to them. :)
14th March 2011, 12:44
AndySpeed

Looking forward to an announcement from TOC soon. This from one of his sponsors:

"Cleaner Air Solutions are proud to once again be sponsors of Team AON driver Tom Onslow-Cole of the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship) for the coming 2011 season."

Just in which team?

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