Will Drason Barwell continue in 2009?

[gregw]

Following Lord Drayson's return to the UK government, will he continue racing in 2009? While not a cabinet member, he will attend cabinet, leaving little time for other activities.

I hope the project isn't cut short. The team have struggled all season, but they have shown some good improvements recently, with some excellent practice sessions as Petit.

[tux]

well..... Turner needs a drive next season

[kipper]

I'd be surprised if Paul Drayson were to continue racing to same frequency in America. However, that doesn't mean to say that the project won't continue. I guess a possibility is that the project is switched to Europe - afterall he has balanced Government and racing commitments in the past, albeit in British GTs.

[airbusA346]

As Kipper pointed out Drayson was in government when he was racing in British GT.

I think they will race in LMS or even FIA GT and travel over to the US for Sebring etc.

And if Drayson can't race then I think they will keep the project going and have Cocker as one of the drivers and maybe Turner seen as he needs a driver for next year.

Tom.

[ss_collins]

universities, innovation and skills - thte motorsport industry being the poster child of all three

[Graham Goodwin]

Oddly I used to work for one of his predecessors with a very similar brief - Lord hesketh!

[airbusA346]

"The most important thing from the Drayson-Barwell racing team’s point of view is that this new position won’t affect Paul’s racing programme and future goals."

http://www.drayson-barwell.com/artic...overnment.html

Tom.

[Mike_Wooshy]

if you also notice his role in goverment is an unpaid posistion.

[old man]

Originally Posted by Mike_Wooshy

if you also notice his role in goverment is an unpaid posistion.

Well spotted, this is an interesting role, how does he get on with "Mandy"?

[Mike_Wooshy]

Aslong as he doesnt go all Barry Manilow on us over mandy, then I think he will still be racing next year.

[JHamilton]

I would expect them to race in Europe next year. I didn't realize that they had two of the chassis until walking through the paddock this weekend. It would appear that all it needs to run is an engine, which my understanding is that they are in short supply.

[airbusA346]

Originally Posted by JHamilton

I would expect them to race in Europe next year. I didn't realize that they had two of the chassis until walking through the paddock this weekend. It would appear that all it needs to run is an engine, which my understanding is that they are in short supply.

I think Chassis #002 has got an engine in it.

Tom.

[Hugewally]

Engineless - more like a rolling parts bin.

[Ryan]

How many engines have they gone through this year? I saw them uncrating one at Road America.

[Hugewally]

14 I believe. Engine 10 is their best.

[Ryan]

Well, if they don't show up next year, I can always say I met the Lord.

[TWK]

Originally Posted by airbusA346

"The most important thing from the Drayson-Barwell racing team’s point of view is that this new position won’t affect Paul’s racing programme and future goals."

http://www.drayson-barwell.com/artic...overnment.html

Tom.

Yes, and his "future goals" are in LMS, not ALMS.

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by TWK

Yes, and his "future goals" are in LMS, not ALMS.

Hmm, I heard he told someone at Petit "I spoke to Lord Drayson in the paddock and he said they wanted to stay over here next year with both cars running".
Maybe it is down to the LMS allowing him to participate, or not.(?)


L.P.

[cmk]

What we want and what we do are often different things. If wishes were horses...

[Mike_Wooshy]

Intresting that Lord Drayson has put his hand into helping the bloodhound SSC.
Aparently capable of 1000 mph, more info is here.
Also intresting he wants to get people into space here.
He seems really really passionate about bring Britain to the front of the Engineering world, and what better way than motorsport ??

[Hugewally]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

Hmm, I heard he told someone at Petit "I spoke to Lord Drayson in the paddock and he said they wanted to stay over here next year with both cars running".
Maybe it is down to the LMS allowing him to participate, or not.(?)


L.P.

Preference is closer to home - hence LMS. But all depends on the ACO.

[old man]

Given the improved performance of the works car at Zolder I would expect new parts be homologated over the winter to align ALMS and LMS

[airbusA346]

What does everybody make of this:

Barwell Looks To The Future With New Aston Martin Vantage GT2

Any parties interested in racing this fabulous GT2 car in the future should contact Chris Needell
on +44 1372 457788 / +44 7860 633971

http://www.barwellmotorsport.co.uk/content/index.asp

Tom.

[KA]

Could be they've split with Drayson, but as I remember they've got a second GT2 Aston chassis, used as a spare this year- maybe looking at a 2-car effort next year?

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by KA

Could be they've split with Drayson, but as I remember they've got a second GT2 Aston chassis, used as a spare this year- maybe looking at a 2-car effort next year?

That they split is always a possibillity but I have seen nothing so far to go there.

Remember that when the GT-2 effort was announced ( link ) it was supposed to be a split effort with Drayson in the ALMS and Barwell with a car in the LMS. Maybe the program, mainly AMR, has finally moved forward enough to do this now, and they will run the second car next year.


L.P.