BTCC 2018 in-season discussion

[medius]

Originally Posted by sceptic

Tony Gilham is going to return to driving, to replace a Team HARD driver who is moving to another team for the second half of the season.

Difficult to see that happening. If so, why not take the CC seat instead of bringing back an old car?

But thinking more, my theory is on the basis the TG means 001 an Avensis, but it could be the first CC built by HARD? That's the current Michael Caine chassis. The next question is where is Caine going to wind up?

[Evantra]

Knowing Tony, I would imagine we're all overthinking this!

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by medius

Difficult to see that happening. If so, why not take the CC seat instead of bringing back an old car?

But thinking more, my theory is on the basis the TG means 001 an Avensis, but it could be the first CC built by HARD? That's the current Michael Caine chassis. The next question is where is Caine going to wind up?

I don't think it's chassis based - Gilham refers to drivers in the context of numbers, and semi-admits that he is the 001 he refers to in his replies:

'I guess @robbholland3 was 001 really as he was the first in the @TeamHardRacing civic after me'

Unless he's referring to AJ Sofroniu? Team HARD's other 001 driver?

[Evantra]

Onslow-Cole driving Hill's car at the tyre test.

Good to see TOC back in BTCC machinery but I hope this doesn't signal anything bad for Jake's season.

[medius]

Good for HARD, the whole team has been pretty directionless for several seasons now apart from flashes of good results. An experienced pair of hands can work out the weak points of the car and help the regulars. Although TOC hasn't driven it with RML parts before, he'll help to steer the in the squad in the right path.

[S griffin]

Glad to see them giving TOC a run. He’s driven the car and delivered good results with it before, so hopefully will help point them in the right direction. Would love to see him back on the grid full time though

[Evantra]

That makes 5 Toms now...!

[Sodemo]

If I recall, TOC was there at the start of the VW project, with the Kraftwerk sponsored car?

[Racing Harz]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

If I recall, TOC was there at the start of the VW project, with the Kraftwerk sponsored car?

Yes!

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

If I recall, TOC was there at the start of the VW project, with the Kraftwerk sponsored car?

http://www.touringcarregister.com/register/103/ (and in various other liveries as well) hence Tony referencing 'the original'

[btccbloke]

struggling to get excited over TOC testing a VW...

[Evantra]

Tom Boardman to be replaced!

(see Snetteron thread)

[BobJones]

Interesting wording in the Facebook post.

Butcher has been significantly quicker across the races so far.

It sounds like a performance-related switch, in which case hopefully a quick driver comes along.

[S griffin]

Be interesting to see who takes his place

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by BobJones

Interesting wording in the Facebook post.

Butcher has been significantly quicker across the races so far.

It sounds like a performance-related switch, in which case hopefully a quick driver comes along.

Originally Posted by S griffin

Be interesting to see who takes his place

Who takes the seat may come down to financials - but Matt Jackson has got to be a contender for the seat surely?

[S griffin]

Well they can always test him during the mid season test

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by Evantra

That makes 5 Toms now...!

...and back down to 4 again!

Reckon Shaun will have a poke round the HARD garage at the test?

[sceptic]

Originally Posted by Evantra

...and back down to 4 again!

Reckon Shaun will have a poke round the HARD garage at the test?

I reckon Shaun may have done so already at Croft.

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by sceptic

I reckon Shaun may have done so already at Croft.

Jake Hill?

[Jiiiiiiim]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

Jake Hill?

Certainly a few ‘unhappy’ drivers at Team HARD, two of which have both raced for Shaun before...................

[Craner Curves]

So much for all the hoo ha surrounding Hard and their new engineering setup.

[Steel Wheels]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

So much for all the hoo ha surrounding Hard and their new engineering setup.

I don’t think the drivers have taken to kindly to being told ‘that’s how Tingram has his car set up & he was winning races’ as not only are the cars different each driver has different styles & set-up preferences!

[Jiiiiiiim]

Well it look like HARD are either ‘letting out’ drives at the Snetterton test or are looking for even more feedback or trying potential drivers as Dan Welch and Carl Boardley (their Ginetta GT4 driver) are also getting a run out in the CC’s.

Mind you at ASI word was none of the Team HARD drivers had enough budget to see the year out, so with their ‘disappointing’ performance to date, the drivers might be struggling to get enough funds to complete the year. However Tony is known for renting out seats so might just be that, but at least it gives us something to pontificate about in the summer break!

[medius]

Rember each TBL can have 1 driver swap in a season, so that's potentially 8 candidates for TG's revolving door of chequebook talent.

[Alfisti]

AmD have axed Boardman.

Given the statement made by Tom I am very disappointed that he found out indirectly via social media.

Tom: chin up lad, you're certainly good enough to run competitively at this level.

I do hope for a swift return.