BTCC rounds 22, 23 and 24 @ Rockingham

[Craner Curves]

What was Dave Bartrum talking about when the camera cut to him with Simon Hill? Paul O'Neill was talking to Dick Bennetts, then it cut to the Bartrum and Hill, with Bartrum appearing to be saying "Hello Simon I'm a New Zealander, very slow and boring".

[Jon411]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

What was Dave Bartrum talking about when the camera cut to him with Simon Hill? Paul O'Neill was talking to Dick Bennetts, then it cut to the Bartrum and Hill, with Bartrum appearing to be saying "Hello Simon I'm a New Zealander, very slow and boring".

Presumably it was a tongue-in-cheek comment about Dick Bennetts to Simon Hill and Dave didn't realise that he was live on air which was rather unfortunate for him.

[VXDave]

Is it just me (I hope it is!) or have the last few rounds been rather dull and unexciting? I know the last couple of races at Rockingham were a bit more spicy (although I suspect that's mainly down to the rain!) but everything seems rather predictable. I loved the look of NGTC initially, but it is rather tacky having seen many of the cars now, and there's not so many decent drivers as there have been in recent years IMO. I hope things improve for next year, it would be nice to have a couple more works teams to hopefully bring international interest. Very pleased for Shedden anyway, great driving, but it's all a bit bland watching Neal, Plato and Shedden share most of the winnings!

[W.A Trichlorostyrene]

Very pleased for Shedden, two more strong week-ends like this, and might very well win the championship. Great to see he had the guts to attack his team-mate Neal in race 3, because in the previous years he often seemed to lack that special "agression" factor that separates the great drivers from the champions.

[FFSM]

Originally Posted by VXDave

Is it just me (I hope it is!) or have the last few rounds been rather dull and unexciting? I know the last couple of races at Rockingham were a bit more spicy (although I suspect that's mainly down to the rain!) but everything seems rather predictable. I loved the look of NGTC initially, but it is rather tacky having seen many of the cars now, and there's not so many decent drivers as there have been in recent years IMO. I hope things improve for next year, it would be nice to have a couple more works teams to hopefully bring international interest. Very pleased for Shedden anyway, great driving, but it's all a bit bland watching Neal, Plato and Shedden share most of the winnings!

I agree. It's all got rather predictable. I'd like to see Plato dominate at Silverstone just so it isn't a Honda procession at Brands, but in general there's too many mediocre drivers out there. Yeah, there's a few that can turn in the odd good race or hot lap, but the top three are miles ahead in terms of consistency.

[Icebaby]

Originally Posted by FFSM

but in general there's too many mediocre drivers out there. Yeah, there's a few that can turn in the odd good race or hot lap, but the top three are miles ahead in terms of consistency.

Who's mediocre?

[FFSM]

Didn't really want to play that game, but since you've asked - Jackson, Collard, TOC etc; all capable of winning but too many simple errors and mad moments that cost them.

I'd like to see Newsham, AJ, Wrathall and a couple of others in a works outfit to see how they'd get on. But I can't think of many others in the current field that stand out. Certainly none that are in the same league as Thommo, Gio, Neal or Plato.

I see from btcc.net that Aaron Williamson has got a drive with Team Hard at Brands, good to see another young lad getting a chance. I'm hoping that Tom Ingram's sponsorship with KX will yield an MG outing at some point - there's a kid I see as having big potential and I think (despite his odd games last year with sponsors) one that can get the backing he deserves.

[yesnomaybe]

heres my pics from Rockingham
http://www.flickr.com/photos/coletri...7631648383509/

enjoyed the racing all day, was impressed with Aron Smith staying in front for so long in the reverse grid race, Sheddens save was fantastic

[sceptic]

Originally Posted by FFSM

I agree. It's all got rather predictable. I'd like to see Plato dominate at Silverstone just so it isn't a Honda procession at Brands,

Given that Silverstone is three long straights and four corners, and that the MG has been given another turbo boost increase, I fully expect to see Plato dominating.

[Gloria LeicesterFan]

Originally Posted by sceptic

Given that Silverstone is three long straights and four corners, and that the MG has been given another turbo boost increase, I fully expect to see Plato dominating.

Another boost increase is ridiculous.

[auroan]

Originally Posted by sceptic

Given that Silverstone is three long straights and four corners, and that the MG has been given another turbo boost increase, I fully expect to see Plato dominating.

Have they ? We're s that info from ?

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by sceptic

Given that Silverstone is three long straights and four corners, and that the MG has been given another turbo boost increase, I fully expect to see Plato dominating.

wouldnt it be great if people used facts
the MG is running the exact same boost level as Rockingham

[Gloria LeicesterFan]

Originally Posted by touring fan01

wouldnt it be great if people used facts
the MG is running the exact same boost level as Rockingham

Good. Another increase would be ridiculous. Honda deserve an increase if you ask me.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Gloria LeicesterFan

Good. Another increase would be ridiculous. Honda deserve an increase if you ask me.

I suppose that depends on how the calculations for boost are made.
If it's based on speed traps, then clearly the Hondas are not competing on a level playing field.
Based on results though, the Hondas need pegging back as they are leading the championship.

They are suffering as a result of their success (oxymoron I know) due to having what is recognised as one of the best chassis in the pack.

[tux]

The difference in pure straightline speed between the MG and Hondas were not as big as it would appear from laptimes. Silverstone will be more about the s2000 cars and if any of them can manage to get infront of the MG/Honda and save enough tyre wear to hold them off in the last 4-5 laps. Id expect WSR to be strong.

[auroan]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

I suppose that depends on how the calculations for boost are made.
If it's based on speed traps, then clearly the Hondas are not competing on a level playing field.
Based on results though, the Hondas need pegging back as they are leading the championship.

They are suffering as a result of their success (oxymoron I know) due to having what is recognised as one of the best chassis in the pack.

It's purely based on lap times and nothing else.

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by auroan

It's purely based on lap times and nothing else.

Which we knew at the start of the year, yet still people moan about it (fans and teams/driver) being an injustice when changes are made. They know the rules, so therefore they should shut up and get on with it.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by auroan

It's purely based on lap times and nothing else.

Does it include dry and wet laps, or purely dry laps?

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Does it include dry and wet laps, or purely dry laps?

Both. It's based on speeds relative to the rest of the grid rather than absolute values so the track conditions don't matter as they are the same for everyone.

[Gloria LeicesterFan]

In my mind - there shouldn't be equalisation between the same types of car. Eg MG and Honda. It's up to MG to improve their chassis, not to rely on TOCA to give them extra boost.

Honda must wonder why bother developing a chassis to the level they have.

[markreeves]

Heard that Eurotech considered running Andy in Smiths vectra from last year as they feel the Civics will be that much slower than the S2000's

Cant remember whether it was on TCT or autosport

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by markreeves

Heard that Eurotech considered running Andy in Smiths vectra from last year as they feel the Civics will be that much slower than the S2000's

Cant remember whether it was on TCT or autosport

If that was the case it seems strange to be using a shell from Team Dynamics, and rushing to get it ready for Smith?

[auroan]

Originally Posted by markreeves

Heard that Eurotech considered running Andy in Smiths vectra from last year as they feel the Civics will be that much slower than the S2000's

Cant remember whether it was on TCT or autosport

Really

He wouldn't be able to add any points to his tally if he switched cars.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by auroan

Really

He wouldn't be able to add any points to his tally if he switched cars.

How is Mat Jackson still adding to his tally?

[auroan]

Because he's switched to a new chassis permanently. You can't jump from one to another and still be classed for overall or independent championship standings.

He may get the points but he's removed himself from eligibility to win either championship.