Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship 2013 Season Thread

  • Thread starter Tom
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RX-7_FD3S
Would MG have the kind of money to run another driver that isnt paying for his seat ? Especially a world champion, Huff must cost quite a bit of money.

I'm not sure MG really want that kind of driver to pair up with Jason.
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Well there's no issue with building another car, I think they're using the same cars as last year, but updating them, so shouldn't cost much more.

Plus Rob could raise funds to race. Also I don't think MG would mind, Rob is quick so they could challenge for the team championship and the driver title with both drivers, thats good for them means more money.

I think Plato wouldn't mind Rob, they were ex team mates at Seat til Rob left for the WTCC - I don't Plato would mind

If Rob did rejoin the BTCC, which team would he go to? I can't see him joining a really small/slow team
 
People probably thought that too before Dave Newsham was announced at ES Racing....
The beauty of the BTCC is there is no "slow team". At one point or other, every team this year had their moment of glory getting well into the top 10 or challenging for wins or podiums.
I think only Shaun Hollamby's AmD team didn't really get to shine anywhere and Tony Gilham/Thorney had mixed outings.

I'd only consider Thorney possibly a "poor team" but even with them, Gilham managed some good runs in the Insignia for them at Snetterton.

Then there was Onslow-Cole in the VW Golf last year...seriously I don't think Huff can really go wrong with any of the current BTCC teams.
 
Ardius
People probably thought that too before Dave Newsham was announced at ES Racing....
The beauty of the BTCC is there is no "slow team". At one point or other, every team this year had their moment of glory getting well into the top 10 or challenging for wins or podiums.
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Except Thorney Motorsport.
 
Ardius
The beauty of the BTCC is there is no "slow team". At one point or other, every team this year had their moment of glory getting well into the top 10 or challenging for wins or podiums.
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It is for that reason, possibly far outweighing others that exist such as the media package or fan-base, that I think that the BTCC has made itself a very attractive option for good WTCC drivers that are looking for a drive; even if it is possible to remain in the WTCC. The series is a domestic championship that is right now probably closer to the WTCC than something like the ADAC Procar which is probably the worst domestic touring car series around. Teams are by and large competitive and well run who get results. It is for me the strongest domestic touring car series currently around.
 
Diehardracer
The series is a domestic championship that is right now probably closer to the WTCC than something like the ADAC Procar which is probably the worst domestic touring car series around. Teams are by and large competitive and well run who get results. It is for me the strongest domestic touring car series currently around.
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What's the problem with Procar?

edit: Nevermind, just been watching the 2012 season review on Youtube... pretty desperate grid really!
 
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Not too sure if its 100% confirmed or wether it comes down to the testing O'Neill did, But Speedworks FB page just said Happy Birthday to their very own Tony Hughs and Paul O'Neil.....

Could O'Neil have a seat at last?
 
Re: GTCC

Vincent Radermacker won the ADAC Procar championship.

'Nuff said.
 
Furinkazen
I believe from 4 drivers for the season start.
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Team HARD are set to run 5 drivers I am led to understand. Another to partner Tom Onslow Cole in the VW Passat CC and one to run the only Honds Civic to add to James Cole and Jack Goff.

Good luck to them but, and I know nobody needs telling, but I don't expect much from them. I fear the only success will be Tom. He seems to be the only one that looks likely to get the points.
 
Ardius
What's wrong with Jack Goff?
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Absolutely nothing. Coming from the Clio's I am totally 100% behind him as I am with every driver who comes from the Clio's. I think that his working knowledge of handling a car will be very good, but from an experience stand point he is a very raw talent. He has not driven anything more powerful than a Renault Clio. I think however with every year that experience of adapting to a much bigger and more powerful environment (the car) will grow hand in hand with his natural abilities and skills as he connects to talent who have been in the series a while. I would love to think Tom will lend him all the advice he needs as and when he needs it. He has been with just about every one of the top teams like WSR, Triple Eight and Arena Motorsport. The only top team he hasn't been with it seems is Team Dynamics.

Till then however I think he will do very well just performing well.
 
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Considering Andy Neate and Chris James are around, you can get far far worse.

I think James Cole seems a bit similar to Will Bratt - so I expect kind of similar (which isn't bad) and I expect Jack Goff to do similar to Aron Smith. Occasional top 10s for both and thats not anything to be ashamed about considering the drivers that will probably be in the top 10.

I like the fact that new talent is getting chances, even if they are un-proven. I don't think it should be a case of "fear the only success will be Tom". There is promise there.
 
OP has been updated accordingly. Team HARD. must have some serious budget to be able to run five cars.
 
Ardius
Considering Andy Neate and Chris James are around, you can get far far worse.

I think James Cole seems a bit similar to Will Bratt - so I expect kind of similar (which isn't bad) and I expect Jack Goff to do similar to Aron Smith. Occasional top 10s for both and thats not anything to be ashamed about considering the drivers that will probably be in the top 10.

I like the fact that new talent is getting chances, even if they are un-proven. I don't think it should be a case of "fear the only success will be Tom". There is promise there.
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I quite agree about the point on Jack (Goff) who I will nickname 'Goffy'. He should at any rate be much better than those two combined. Doing a simple addition of their two points it only gives then 105pts which last year would only slot them in 15th in the Drivers Championship. Perhaps a reflection of how poor their haul was over the 30 rounds. Lea Wood on his own scored more than 105pts.

I do have very high hopes that he will be as good as any you can mention. Especially two in particular. Dave Newsham and Aaron Smith who are also ex-Clio drivers who I personally both rate.
 
Wouldn't be surprised to see Chilton in one of Gilham's cars but equally I think his head is set on the WTCC currently so he'll probably be driving something there (SEAT or Chevrolet probably).
Who knows really, with Aon backing he can go anywhere he likes.

Maybe even 888 with the 2nd MG is a possiblity.
 
Ardius
Wouldn't be surprised to see Chilton in one of Gilham's cars but equally I think his head is set on the WTCC currently so he'll probably be driving something there (SEAT or Chevrolet probably).
Who knows really, with Aon backing he can go anywhere he likes.

Maybe even 888 with the 2nd MG is a possiblity.
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I'd love to see Chilton back, it depends on whether or not MG want another Andy Neate or if they'll use their head and snap up Chilton.
 
Tom
I'd love to see Chilton back, it depends on whether or not MG want another Andy Neate or if they'll use their head and snap up Chilton.
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I'd imagine 888 would jump at the chance. It's pretty clear Tom wants to drive on the world stage, although with the sorry state of affairs that is the WTCC, I don't know if its worth it and we may see a return to BTCC.
 
TyrrellRacing
I'd imagine 888 would jump at the chance. It's pretty clear Tom wants to drive on the world stage, although with the sorry state of affairs that is the WTCC, I don't know if its worth it and we may see a return to BTCC.
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Have you heard about the 'Push-to-Pass' scheme they're thinking of introducing? Things must be really bad. I think the FIA should just call it a day with the WTCC, it's nothing like it should be.
 
"Push-to-pass"? That's ridiculous for touring cars. 👎
 
With regard to Tom Chilton, I think he has now committed himself full to the WTCC because rightly or wrongly I can't help get the feeling that he would view coming back to the BTCC with some negativity. Like he has failed in some way. Not so much failed but just not perhaps done what he thought he would be able to achieve when he set his sights on the WTCC. I could be wrong but it is a feeling I get. Not really any estimation of the true state of affairs. But coming back he would be doing so to a very strong series with seats at big teams available. Seats at WSR and the one vacated by Andy Neate at Triple Eight are still available.

Regarding the stupid 'push-to-pass' concept, I am just staggered by the very idea someone had the bright idea of putting a power boost system in the car. How would it be installed? What would it do to the weight of the car? The car does have to comply with a maximum limit with no tolerance IIRC. It must tip it over that limit. Wouldn't it? Also, it would for me just ruin one of the last bastions of nature left in motorsport. Us tin-top fans pride ourselves on the concept we love being proper cars based on showroom models being turned into racing cars. This would ruin that for me and begin to turn it into Formula One style cars.
 
Diehardracer
Regarding the stupid 'push-to-pass' concept, I am just staggered by the very idea someone had the bright idea of putting a power boost system in the car. How would it be installed? What would it do to the weight of the car? The car does have to comply with a maximum limit with no tolerance IIRC. It must tip it over that limit. Wouldn't it? Also, it would for me just ruin one of the last bastions of nature left in motorsport. Us tin-top fans pride ourselves on the concept we love being proper cars based on showroom models being turned into racing cars. This would ruin that for me and begin to turn it into Formula One style cars.
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They're on about introducing Hybrids, so no doubt it would be in conjunction with that.

As for Chilton, it's up to him really, be moderately successful at a national level, or (possibly) start from the bottom at an international level.
 
Diehardracer
Regarding the stupid 'push-to-pass' concept, I am just staggered by the very idea someone had the bright idea of putting a power boost system in the car. How would it be installed? What would it do to the weight of the car? The car does have to comply with a maximum limit with no tolerance IIRC. It must tip it over that limit. Wouldn't it? Also, it would for me just ruin one of the last bastions of nature left in motorsport. Us tin-top fans pride ourselves on the concept we love being proper cars based on showroom models being turned into racing cars. This would ruin that for me and begin to turn it into Formula One style cars.
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The problem is that most GT series are becoming quite boring to watch. I've followed BTCC, WTCC, superGT and DTM this year and if it's not raining most race except BTCC are boring. However BTCC is using artificial things to keep the field even (boost penalty + weight penalty) that's why it's so close and interesting.

The others series (WTCC superGT and DTM) need money to keep things running smooth, money comes with TV rights and if the race are too boring you wont sell much TV rigths, that's why all racing series are thinking of ways of developping there sports. Since DTM and SuperGT rules are merging, they obviously thinking at something, while WTCC had to do other stuff.

Beside I dont see what's wrong with a power boost usable from time to time. Street racing have it, why not track racing ?

I have to admit I'm a fan of overtaking and exciting stuff happening during a race so I'm not really partial here.
 
MatskiMonk
Starting the season with the VW though.... I wonder how many races (delays!) it will be before the Astra is on the grid.
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Said there going to run it alongside with the VW at mid-point of the season, probably round 16 then Im guessing but does depend on funding and work done on it
 
Strawman Andy
AMD gone all Astra! http://btcc.net/html/generalnews_detail.php?id=3287
We now have two types of Vauxhall's, bit weird but another NGTC car.👍

There also running the VW, as they couldn't get anyone to buy it, so that means theres two spots for AMD and another driver needed
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Lets get that picture on to the forum for people to see:
st_9452_1ef0.jpg


👍

Although, sadly the cars look nothing like road cars anymore.
 

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