Mark Thomas to quit BTCC

Reido Rules · 22 Aug 2002, 17:55 (Ref:363800)

Beacons Mark Thomas has quit the team, it is unclear whether the driver will finish the season with the team, but he has not been sacked or pushed. He has left because of his own feelings based on performance and economics.

Mark Thomas will switch back to rallycross after agreeing terms to buy John Moloney's Ford Escort WRC

The driver was successful in the categories two-wheel division, he will now join his father in the series in the Supercar class.

His father Geoff reported "We're not getting the return from touring cars, so we've decided to have another look at rallycross. We need to get some publicity from our racing and we think we'll get that here."

Thomas had origionally hoped to race in rallycross before the end of the season but his BTCC contract did not enable him to do so.

This story is also reported on page 103 of autosport in the bottom left.

The entertainer is going, but will finish the season???

Carrie · 22 Aug 2002, 20:37 (Ref:363914)

My Autosport hasn't arrived, so I can't read this story on there. If he's said he's quit now, why the query about whether he'll drive til the end of the season? If he has quit with immediate effect, will we see someone else in the Beacon car at Brands and Donny or will it just not run?

**Craig** · 22 Aug 2002, 21:20 (Ref:363952)

I don't think he's quit immediately. He will probably not be back next season - well almost certainly - but I think he will be seeing out the rest of the season in the Accord.

Reido Rules · 22 Aug 2002, 22:58 (Ref:364036)

I think Chris Boon will have to way up whether Mark Thomas wants to keep running at this loss for 2 races, and will his lack of committment to the BTCC show in his driving, will his heart be in it, and Chris may well start to quiery whether he should try out an option for next year or stick with Thomas as both are decent guys and Mrak is unlikely to just stop trying.

KA · 23 Aug 2002, 10:51 (Ref:364330)

Quote:

Originally posted by Carrie
My Autosport hasn't arrived, so I can't read this story on there. If he's said he's quit now, why the query about whether he'll drive til the end of the season? If he has quit with immediate effect, will we see someone else in the Beacon car at Brands and Donny or will it just not run?

I think the query may have been because the story said that Thomas had wanted to debut the Escort at Lydden on Monday, but couldn't because of the clash with the Brands BTCC meeting- he'll apparently run it at Croft in October instead. I'm guessing that he's probably going to see out the season in the Accord and then return to rallycross full-time next year

**Craig** · 23 Aug 2002, 14:09 (Ref:364489)

Am I right in thinking that Beacon drivers pay for their seats ? If so then it's not up to Mr Boon to try out a possible new driver in Thomas's place unless it's Mark's decision.

pv27uk · 23 Aug 2002, 20:42 (Ref:364687)

I'd have guessed so, looking at the sponsorship from Baglan Car Centre Mark brings.

As others have said, I think he'll see out the season in BTCC.

Vatanen · 23 Aug 2002, 20:57 (Ref:364697)

And then there's Spencer Marsh with Anadin and Snappy Tomato Pizza!

Reido Rules · 24 Aug 2002, 18:22 (Ref:365168)

Chris Boon still has the right to sack him, especially if he feels it will benefit the team. That much I do know.

Vatanen · 24 Aug 2002, 18:50 (Ref:365174)

Do U have insider knowledge?

Reido Rules · 24 Aug 2002, 21:31 (Ref:365286)

I have no knowledge of Mark being sacked or whether it will happen but I do have good knowledge ont hat if beacon wish to loose Thomas then they definately can with no problems.

BootsOntheSide · 24 Aug 2002, 21:42 (Ref:365295)

I'd expect that basically everyone in Production class pays for their seat to an extent. If Mark isn't committed, and the team can find a driver who is and can pay for the drive, Mark has a moral obligation to stand aside and allow the team to try a potential 2003 driver.

**Craig** · 26 Aug 2002, 19:53 (Ref:366201)

Beacon can ask all they want but I can't see how it would do their reputation any good at all if they were to force Mark out of the team. They are a professional outfit and I expect them to act professionally. Which they have.

And, no, not *everyone* pays for their ride in the production class. At least one team are prepared to give underfunded drivers an opportunity by not charging them a penny.

Les · 26 Aug 2002, 20:33 (Ref:366223)

Mark will be racing for the rest of the season - he had no intention of stopping.

Reido Rules · 27 Aug 2002, 18:11 (Ref:366835)

Sychro?

Anyway, I have got word, (I really can not say) that if Beacon were to be in the touring class then Mark is almost certain to be with the team, along with a limited Rally Cross campaign, and he will definately finish the season, and he is welcome at the team in the future.

BootsOntheSide · 28 Aug 2002, 20:42 (Ref:367768)

I guess the team with underfunded drivers I think must be B&Q's team, I'm sure Hyla Breese said something along those lines now I think about it.

Vatanen · 6 Sep 2002, 23:48 (Ref:374959)

Back to the car sales for Mark then!

Didn't know he was a salesman.

Reido Rules · 7 Sep 2002, 11:16 (Ref:375204)

Baglan car centre, to exact.

Vatanen · 7 Sep 2002, 13:53 (Ref:375253)

I know.

Lately he has been advertising Van Value though.

Barrie · 18 Sep 2002, 18:53 (Ref:383624)

At the recent rallycross meeting at Lydden usually reliable with news commentator Arthur Debenham said nothing about Mark Thomas returning to rallycross in Moloney's Escort. Also I noticed in "Motorsport News" this week Moloney has his car up for sale again. hmm

KA · 19 Sep 2002, 16:03 (Ref:384228)

Quote:

Originally posted by Barrie
At the recent rallycross meeting at Lydden usually reliable with news commentator Arthur Debenham said nothing about Mark Thomas returning to rallycross in Moloney's Escort. Also I noticed in "Motorsport News" this week Moloney has his car up for sale again. hmm

I'd noticed that as well. I was at the Lydden meeting and it didn't occur to me at the time that no-one had mentioned it- and I'd have thought anyone taking on the Moloney Escort would have been pretty significant news in rallycross circles- it's a very competitive car

Anyone got any idea what's happening? At a rough guess has the deal fallen through for some reason? The story was in both MN and Autosport, so presumably there were some grounds to think it was happening at the time.....

View Poll Results: Was Mark Thomas suitable for the BTCC in the first place?
Yes	7	43.75%
No	6	37.50%
I don't know enough about his past to judge his suitability	3	18.75%
Voters: 16. You may not vote on this poll

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