[BTCC] BTCC 2020 season discussion, News and Rumours!

[Sodemo]

Is that why the cars are so floppy?

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Is that why the cars are so floppy?

its actually the opposite. the cage and the suspension subframes are all tied into each other. the difference is that they have full proper racing suspension front and rear. not production based suspension, so they have a greater range of adjustment.

[crmalcolm]

Another example of what is an NGTC car:



And the suspension setups:

[Sodemo]

So what causes them to roll around, dive and squat so much?

[S griffin]

Interesting if that's true about Jaguar. Maybe the hybrid technology appeals to them, even if they are only to be independent. After all they have really got involved in FE

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

So what causes them to roll around, dive and squat so much?

In a S2000 car, the suspension pivoted more than NGTC cars. This is because the suspension was based on standard production designs, as can be seen below:



This meant that, if the car was set up with zero camber, every mm of suspension travel reduced the contact patch of the tyre. To compensate, the cars ran quite a lot of camber and ran a suspension that was as firm as possible.

NGTC suspension is more of an up/down movement. This means that suspension travel does not necessarily reduce contact. The teams can run a 'softer' suspension and maintain the same level(s) of grip, and with the right damping carry a greater corner speed and cope with greater undulation.
This is why you see comparatively less occasions when cars get up on two wheels or lift a corner.

In short, they roll around more because they can and still keep a good contact.

[Evantra]

https://www.motorsport.com/btcc/news...nship/4510004/

80% chance of Andrew Jordan leaving.

I guess BMW won't support 3 works cars then - either way, if a 330 / WSR seat is up for grabs it should make for an interesting silly season *cough* Sutton *cough*

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by Evantra

https://www.motorsport.com/btcc/news...nship/4510004/

80% chance of Andrew Jordan leaving.

I guess BMW won't support 3 works cars then - either way, if a 330 / WSR seat is up for grabs it should make for an interesting silly season *cough* Sutton *cough*

He's got no money either!

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Evantra

https://www.motorsport.com/btcc/news...nship/4510004/

80% chance of Andrew Jordan leaving.

I guess BMW won't support 3 works cars then - either way, if a 330 / WSR seat is up for grabs it should make for an interesting silly season *cough* Sutton *cough*

The concern regarding Jordan's comments (IMO) would be when desperation starts to kick in. If we head to the last round and Jordan sits, say, 15pts behind, then all conservative driving goes out the window.

[Johno.UK]

I thought he was overly emotional after race 2 at Snett but I guess this explains it now. Cammish was pretty emotional as well so I hope he isn't in the same boat.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

He's got no money either!

That was true of Cookie and then he landed the expensive BTC ride. Fortunes can change. Probably scope for a fortune cookie gag here...

[Matt K]

I'm disappointed, losing Pirtek backing is a major blow but I didn't think it'd be that hard for him to secure backing. When he claims he won't be on the grid in August, I bet it's very difficult for him.
It's really a shame that BTCC is a pay-and-drive series, no one likes seeing big names out because of lack of money. It doesn't happen in championships like Supercars or NASCAR.

[VIVA GT]

Originally Posted by Matt K

I'm disappointed, losing Pirtek backing is a major blow but I didn't think it'd be that hard for him to secure backing. When he claims he won't be on the grid in August, I bet it's very difficult for him.
It's really a shame that BTCC is a pay-and-drive series, no one likes seeing big names out because of lack of money. It doesn't happen in championships like Supercars or NASCAR.

It is a shame but by declaring it in August it gives him more time to find the backing for next year. Even if he does win the championship this year it may be too late for him to secure backing i time (unless he already has someone on board who says they will back him if he's 2019 champion).

[crmalcolm]

At this stage, my guess is that there is only four, and possibly five drivers that have a secured drive in 2020.

The four all drive for family ran teams.

[Johno.UK]

Originally Posted by Matt K

It's really a shame that BTCC is a pay-and-drive series, no one likes seeing big names out because of lack of money. It doesn't happen in championships like Supercars or NASCAR.

BTCC isn't even close to those in the terms of money generated. Pretty sure there are still pay drivers in both though.

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by VIVA GT

It is a shame but by declaring it in August it gives him more time to find the backing for next year. Even if he does win the championship this year it may be too late for him to secure backing i time (unless he already has someone on board who says they will back him if he's 2019 champion).

Pirtek ending their sponsorship was announced in April and the possibly of Jordan not continuing in BTCC was raised almost immediately.
https://www.autosport.com/btcc/news/...of-btcc-career

Not sure that the recent 'news' is telling us anything we didn't already know, other than being a reminder that he is still looking for potential sponsors (and frankly, find me a driver who isn't), or perhaps it's a journo desperate to fill a quota and re-hashing and old story.

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by redshoes

other than being a reminder that he is still looking for potential sponsors (and frankly, find me a driver who isn't), or perhaps it's a journo desperate to fill a quota and re-hashing and old story.

[Matt K]

Originally Posted by redshoes

Pirtek ending their sponsorship was announced in April and the possibly of Jordan not continuing in BTCC was raised almost immediately.
https://www.autosport.com/btcc/news/...of-btcc-career

Not sure that the recent 'news' is telling us anything we didn't already know, other than being a reminder that he is still looking for potential sponsors (and frankly, find me a driver who isn't), or perhaps it's a journo desperate to fill a quota and re-hashing and old story.

What this story tells us today is that AJ hasn't secured backing for 2020. Although it's hardly surprising, what I'm more surprised about is that Jordan says he's almost certain about him not being in the championship next year. I think it's quite early for such claims.

[crmalcolm]

Having bounced around a number of different cars/teams, then perhaps the realisation of being in arguably the best NGTC car in arguably the best BTCC team still doesn't equal another title has struck home?

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Having bounced around a number of different cars/teams, then perhaps the realisation of being in arguably the best NGTC car in arguably the best BTCC team still doesn't equal another title has struck home?

I think it's more the realisation that he's had a single major sponsor for the last umpteen years and once that goes away, finding a replacement isn't that simple.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Johno.UK

BTCC isn't even close to those in the terms of money generated. Pretty sure there are still pay drivers in both though.

Oh yes; Supercars I believe so and NASCAR I know so. In fact a young man, Justin Haley, was a surprise winner at Daytona last month. In a pay to drive ride. A good chunk of the cash came from a backer (Fraternal Order of Eagles) but the family contributed too.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by redshoes

I think it's more the realisation that he's had a single major sponsor for the last umpteen years and once that goes away, finding a replacement isn't that simple.

Absolutely. And Pirtek involvement with the Jordans goes back to when AJs dad raced. So it was Mike who originally built the relationship and struck a deal.

I hope he finds a way to stay as he is quality. Being second to Colin Turkington is a damn fine achievement.

[S griffin]

It seems the Pirtek backing was that crucial for him. Can’t remember though if he had any on his car when he drove for the works Vauxhall team in 09?

Despite being a works team, AJ runs under a separate banner from Colin and Tom, does that say something?

[porsche962fan]

yes he had Pirtek on his car only but they were small stickers


https://cdn-1.motorsport.com/static/...rew-jordan.jpg

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by S griffin

It seems the Pirtek backing was that crucial for him. Can’t remember though if he had any on his car when he drove for the works Vauxhall team in 09?

Jordan had minor Pirtek sponsorship in 2009, following the withdrawal of Eurotech who didn't run their car. Pirtek became title sponsor of Eurotech in 2010.