Is GR Asia derived from the GR who raced in the 2001 BTCC? I have a feeling they are but can't remember the details...
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Is GR Asia derived from the GR who raced in the 2001 BTCC? I have a feeling they are but can't remember the details...
Yes. GR Motorsport ran Ford Focus' in the NSC in 2000 and then in the Production class of the BTCC in 2001.
They then purchased an Alfa Romeo 147 from JSM at the end of 2001 to run in the 2002 championship for Gordon Shedden.
Due to a lack of finance this program never got of the ground, and GR Motorsport went into liquidation.
Paul Ridigiway, with the help of the Noble Group in 2004, reformed the team as GR Asia, running a pair of Honda Civic Type-Rs in the ETCC.
The team then switched to SEAT in 2005 and have run a number of Toldeos and Leons since.
Damn it - I was beaten to it
tdb is correct GR's Toledo's where leased from Barcelona and where both due to go back to spain in addition to one that GR where doing some repair work on for Seat.one car (a 2005/6 build) less engine is still in the UK Paul would love to do the BTCC with 2 cars but only with properly funded drivers as he wouldn't want a poorly supported project to have an adverse effect on the wtcc programme.Quote:
Originally Posted by tdb
so at the moment its very much a maybe. the age old problem being getting a well funded driver to appear at their door with a fat cheques to run the car.
does anyone know how actively GR are pursuing a possible entry in the BTCC, its all very well having a car ready if someone turns up with the cash, or are they out they talking to drivers, sponsors, managers in an attempt to make it happen?
i would imagine that the WTCC programme is very much their priority, anything coming off in the BTCC would be a bonus
There's plenty of rich touring car racers like Gavin Smith or James Kaye (He runs the UK arm of Spoon Sports, a prominent Japanese Honda specialist tuning company)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain VXR
so if we've got rich drivers and decent teams with drives waiting for rich drivers why isn't the entry list sorted already?
are they not rich enough or are the teams waiting for more money, better drivers (no disrespect to those mentioned).
or could it be that the reason they are rich is because they are tight? ;)
although given James Kayes work i'd imagine it would be sacrilige for him to be in anything but a Honda
I think it might more of, Teams that have drivers they want, just waiting to secure the budget they need!Quote:
Originally Posted by Robinho
Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain VXR
The only business that Kaye now runs is SVA Uk a not very succesful logistics company. He has nothing to do with spoon sports any more.
hence why he is not confirmed for a drive this year.
Because the teams need to make sure that the driver(s) in question are the right choice. A lot of considering and negotiating is needed, rather than:Quote:
Originally Posted by Robinho
Race Driver X: Hi, Mr X, Team principle at X Motorsport, I have £X as sponsorship budget, can I drive one of your X touring cars please?
Team Principle X: Why sure, you're rich and we don't even know who you are. See you 13 March at Rockingham for the BTCC Media day.
That is true in quite a few teams.Quote:
Originally Posted by PDS