[BTCC] BTCC 2018 Rumours & Silly Season

[Jiiiiiiim]

Originally Posted by FIRE

Huffy at Dynamics?

Interestingly I heard a rumour about Huff being at Dynamics back end of 2017, but thought he might replace a retiring Matt Neal, but with Matt going nowhere, it might be why this was bouncing about. The only spanner in the works if I’ve been told from a very good source that Huff has already signed a WTCR deal, plus Shedden whilst not officially confirmed was at ASI as a Dynamics driver!?! Could be an interesting twist here...............................

[850Estate]

It'd be a real shame to lose Shedden to WTCR, but if someone is prepared to offer him a paid drive and the opportunity to race overseas I don't think we can begrudge him it. Lets be honest, we'd likely all do the same in his shoes!

[mark_l]

Originally Posted by 850Estate

It'd be a real shame to lose Shedden to WTCR, but if someone is prepared to offer him a paid drive and the opportunity to race overseas I don't think we can begrudge him it. Lets be honest, we'd likely all do the same in his shoes!

It would be good for both Flash and the BTCC for him to join the WTCR.

It’s obviously a step up for Flash and when he does well it proves the level of competition in the BTCC.

There are some long term drivers in BTCC who would rather be a big fish in a small pond than prove themselves against international competition.


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[AdrianM]

Originally Posted by mark_l

There are some long term drivers in BTCC who would rather be a big fish in a small pond than prove themselves against international competition.

Or some who know where their fan base, sponsors and hence income is.

[Steel Wheels]

Originally Posted by 850Estate

It'd be a real shame to lose Shedden to WTCR, but if someone is prepared to offer him a paid drive and the opportunity to race overseas I don't think we can begrudge him it. Lets be honest, we'd likely all do the same in his shoes!

Apparently Flash’s contract with Dynamic’s ran until 8th January 2018, so could be why he’s still been about with TD! Also might be coincidence he wasn’t wearing any TD branded gear at ASI!

[S griffin]

If he feels it's time to move on to better things, then I wouldn't begrudge Flash moving to the WTCC. It would be a shame to lose him, but I'm sure Honda will find a good replacement for him

[Craner Curves]

At almost 39, he needs to make the move now. And who can blame him after over a decade in the series.

[BLiTZ]

Whilst it'd be a shame to lose him. It does makes sense for all concerned.

With the new car in the works it makes sense to develop it round a new driver rather than try and make a new driver get to grips with an existing car (look at how Gio succeeded when the Vectra was developed around him and the Astra Coupe around Muller before that).

You've also got to question whether this year's car will be 'as' successful out of the bag. The new Civic is a big departure from the older cars in that it's longer, it's not going to be as agile as the outgoing chassis' and with the historic power issues it's not looking like it's as good on paper. If you're given a choice between another frustrating season of chasing RWD tails or a new paid adventure abroad, it seems like a no brainer.

[Rob877]

Originally Posted by AdrianM

Or some who know where their fan base, sponsors and hence income is.

There is only V8 Supercars in Oz that I would consider a step up in competitiveness compared with the BTCC, in touring car terms. There is no way BTCC can be considered a 'small pond'. Although I wouldn't begrudge him making the move to WTCC, if he's going to be paid more, why not? Would be a big miss if he did go though, he's a great driver to watch.

[medius]

Don't forget Flash's day job is in Scotland,so relocating to race the majority outside of Europe is pretty difficult.

[porsche962fan]

and Matt Neal hadn't a problem to travel being commentator for WTCC rounds ... so I don't see a problem

[mark_l]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

and Matt Neal hadn't a problem to travel being commentator for WTCC rounds ... so I don't see a problem

There are several calendar clashes with BTCC this year so I can’t see Neal being a regular commentator for WTCR


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[ATF]

For anyone interested, there are a few BTCC highlights on the Autosport Show Highlights programme on Motors TV. About 10 mins into the show, quite a few repeats of it airing this week.

[ATF]

As for Shedden to WTCR, I wouldn't blame him if he wanted a new challenge but he'd definitely be a miss to the series.

[850Estate]

Originally Posted by medius

Don't forget Flash's day job is in Scotland,so relocating to race the majority outside of Europe is pretty difficult.

Don't forget who Mrs Flash is

[BobJones]

A strange move in my book.

Vernay was a clear number 1 in the team last year, and any teammate (Huff, Shedden and JVL) was paid to deliberately play second fiddle.

Would Shedden really want that?

It must be mega bucks and he must hope to get an early championship lead and then for the team to change their tactics. Risky.

Secondly, whilst Comini finished 3rd in TCR Int last season, there were tracks the Audi struggled at, then Hyundai created a barnstormer of an i30N which could cause real BoP issues in 2018 (or, it was simply running 'promotional boost', let's see). Plus, there's the new Civic on the scene.

If true, Bamboo has lost their primary sponsor, which may mean Lloyd, Nash and Oriola are shopping.

Lastly, if he goes, I predict he'll be the best of the Audi drivers at the season's end and prove the heavy anti-Brit brigade wrong that currently follows the series.

[S griffin]

I think it would be a very good career move if he can do it. Flash will be more than able to adapt to a new series, new cars and venues he hasn't raced on before. You ain't 3 time BTCC champion for nothing. If Sonic can win a few in WTCC, so can Flash

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by medius

Don't forget Flash's day job is in Scotland,so relocating to race the majority outside of Europe is pretty difficult.

Flash's day job is a short drive from Edinburgh airport; jetting off to race weekends won't be an insurmountable problem. Sure the journeys will mean race weekends increase by a day or two either side of race day, I think both he and Knockhill will work that out satisfactorily.

Good luck to him; I for one know he has the talent to be competitive; as long as he gels with his new team - he's been in the Dynamics family a long time!

[Greem]

Top trolling from Mr Hollamby:

https://twitter.com/AmDessex/status/955434260990779393

[VIVA GT]

Originally Posted by S griffin

If he feels it's time to move on to better things, then I wouldn't begrudge Flash moving to the WTCC. It would be a shame to lose him, but I'm sure Honda will find a good replacement for him

It'll leave an interesting hole in the BTCC if Flash does leave, and a top drive vacant too.
I haven't the time to trawl back through this thread and check if anyone else has already asked this, but have JCT600 any Honda dealerships?

[aland]

https://www.jct600.co.uk/brands/

here you go, quite a few that are currently in btcc

[BobJones]

Matt Neal's best shot at another title.

[mark_l]

Its official: Gordon Shedden leaves Team Dynamics.

Replacement to be announced in due course

[aland]

no flash in 2018 http://www.btcc.net/2018/01/22/honda...-pastures-new/

[850Estate]

All the best to him. I'm sure he'll do our poxy little national Championship proud.

Big task for Dynamics to replace him. Huffy would be perfect - but could they attract him?