BTCC BTCC 2020 season discussion, News and Rumours! - Page 19

Evantra · 8 Oct 2019, 13:34 (Ref:3932704)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsmee

As anticipated, the Moffats are looking for expansion in 2020 with 2 or even 3 Infinitis, reliant on finding TBLs.

But having said that, when they listed their Merc for sale didnt they list it WITH a TBL? Must be more going on there..

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Hmm... I've been thinking about this as well, there are a few teams wanting to expand next year, so obviously something will have to give.

Motorbase are needing a new sponsor so may drop down to two cars (of even off the grid completely if they can't find one), same with WSR if Jordan leaves and BMW don't want to support 3 'works' cars / no one has the cash for a similar 'Pirtek Racing' entry.

Will Matt Simpson continue, results haven't been to great for him and this year in the ageing FK2? BMR may drop out completely, or HARD may (hopefully) downsize?

Evantra · 8 Oct 2019, 13:37 (Ref:3932706)

And what about Parker? They have not scored points since the summer break, will they drop Jelley? Drop out completely? Add a second 1 Series, or even switch to a 3 Series?

porsche962fan · 8 Oct 2019, 13:39 (Ref:3932707)

wouldn't it better for Simpson to get a seat at AMD instead of running on his own ?

**BertMk2** · 8 Oct 2019, 14:25 (Ref:3932715)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evantra

Motorbase are needing a new sponsor so may drop down to two cars (of even off the grid completely if they can't find one),

One of the Motorbase TBLs is the Handy TBL - so in theory that'll be going back to Handy for the Alfa, leaving Motorbase with their 2 TBLs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evantra

same with WSR if Jordan leaves and BMW don't want to support 3 'works' cars / no one has the cash for a similar 'Pirtek Racing' entry.

Blundell was in the running for a seat at WSR this year - could he still be an option there? Or will he call it a day?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evantra

BMR may drop out completely, or HARD may (hopefully) downsize?

I'd say the former is quite possible, the latter not so much - if people stump up the cash HARD will run 4 cars again I'd have thought.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evantra

And what about Parker? They have not scored points since the summer break, will they drop Jelley? Drop out completely? Add a second 1 Series, or even switch to a 3 Series?

I'd expect Parker back with the 1 Series and Jelley or not at all.

crmalcolm · 8 Oct 2019, 14:36 (Ref:3932719)

What we know is that Laser Tools have a TBL, and have two Infinitis and a Merc that are eligible for entry.

The Merc is listed for sale with a TBL, but I would imagine they will only let the sale complete if they already have another TBL (or two) in place to race with in 2020.
If a buyer comes in who wants the Merc only, without TBL, then they would likely keep it and run the single entry with that.

My expectation - and this is merely based on Sutton testing and the previous BMR saga - is that we might see a Sutton/Moffat Laser Tools entry in 2020, using the current BMR TBLs.
The existing TBL, if not sold, will be taken back by Mr Gow for retention or use elsewhere.

crmalcolm · 8 Oct 2019, 14:43 (Ref:3932720)

Neal confirmed as part of Honda Pair

'Dave Hodgetts – Managing Director Honda UK added: Dan was a natural choice for us going forward, continuing the strong pairing with triple champion Matt Neal.'

Team	Car	Driver	Notes

Confirmed Entries
Excelr8	???	???	In talks about new build - title sponsor announced
Excelr8	???	???	In talks about new build - title sponsor announced
Team Dynamics	Honda Civic	Cammish	2yr contract confirmed in press release
Team Dynamics	Honda Civic	Neal	Confirmed as driver pairing in press release

Likely Entries
HMS Racing	Alfa Giulietta	Austin	Hold TBL - have been testing
WSR	BMW 330i	???	???
WSR	BMW 330i	???	???
WSR	BMW 330i	???	???
Power Maxed	Vauxhall Astra	???	???
Power Maxed	Vauxhall Astra	???	???
Speedworks	Toyota Corolla	???	???
Motorbase	Ford Focus	???	???
Motorbase	Ford Focus	???	???
BTC Racing	Honda Civic	Smiley?	New cars for 2019
BTC Racing	Honda Civic	???	New cars for 2019
Laser Tools	Infiniti Q50	Moffat	selling Merc+TBL

Possible Entries
BMR	Subaru Levorg	???	???
BMR	Subaru Levorg	???	???
AmD	Honda Civic	???	???
AmD	Honda Civic	???	???
TradePrice(Amd)	???	???	???
TradePrice(Amd)	???	???	???
Team Parker	BMW ?	???	???
HARD	VW CC	???	???
HARD	VW CC	???	???
HARD	VW CC	???	???
HARD	VW CC	???	???
Ciceley Motorsport	MB A-Class	Morgan	???
Ciceley Motorsport	MB A-Class	???	???
Simpson Racing	Honda Civic	Simpson	???
Motorbase	Ford Focus	???	TBL on loan for 2019
???	MB A-Class	???	TBL+Car on sale from Laser Tools
???	Jag ?	Crees	Rumoured by Crees in a Facebook interview
Laser Tools	Infiniti Q50	Sutton	Sutton tested car (BMR leaving?)

Entries with doubt
???	???	Jordan	Lost Pirtek sponsorship
???	???	Shedden	Speculation about wanting a return
???	???	M.Jackson	Linked to half of the teams on the grid
???	???	Blundell	Stated that he is undecided about a 2020 return

Evantra · 8 Oct 2019, 14:51 (Ref:3932723)

Having had a pretty bad season I thought he might finally retire (though we say this every year!) leaving a Dynamics seat open. But I guess not! 2 down, 28 to go?

Evantra · 8 Oct 2019, 14:54 (Ref:3932724)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BertMk2

One of the Motorbase TBLs is the Handy TBL - so in theory that'll be going back to Handy for the Alfa, leaving Motorbase with their 2 TBLs

Blundell was in the running for a seat at WSR this year - could he still be an option there? Or will he call it day?.

Ah yes, forgot about that. Hope they do return, but I can't remember hearing or seeing a single thing from them since the Snetterton test?

As for Blundell, I will be very surprised to see him carry on, from his Twitter I get the impression he's not too keen! I will be so disappointed if he takes the BMW though, there is such a long list of drivers I would rather see get that seat! But as always, money talks.

Alfisti · 8 Oct 2019, 15:01 (Ref:3932726)

Expect 4 #HARD cars next year. I believe TC will start drip feeding driver announcements soon after season end.

billy bleach · 8 Oct 2019, 16:00 (Ref:3932731)

Autosport £3.99 last week, £10.99 this week!!!!

S700UBO · 8 Oct 2019, 16:05 (Ref:3932733)

In regards HMS / Austin

While at Knockhill i heard that the sponsors of Rob (unsure of who) were hoping to tie in with Speedworks and run a second Corolla.

Again this is not gospel but heard from someone who is associated

crmalcolm · 8 Oct 2019, 16:13 (Ref:3932735)

Quote:

Originally Posted by S700UBO

In regards HMS / Austin

While at Knockhill i heard that the sponsors of Rob (unsure of who) were hoping to tie in with Speedworks and run a second Corolla.

Again this is not gospel but heard from someone who is associated

My guess would be Close Brothers. They have had a season to compare what they get from Speedworks compared to HMS.

http://www.speedworksmotorsport.com/announcements/close-brothers-asset-finance-returns-to-btcc-grid-with-speedworks#.XZy1C83TU0M

Evantra · 8 Oct 2019, 16:24 (Ref:3932739)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Expect 4 #HARD cars next year. I believe TC will start drip feeding driver announcements soon after season end.

Hmm well I hope that doesn't mean 4 wasted drivers. Honestly they need to do away with the VW but I doubt that will happen.

Personally I very much hope Bobby Thompson is picked up by a 'bigger' team, he's had some really good drives recently and until the last round was ahead of Goff in the standings. As for Goff himself I imagine he will be knocking on the doors of pretty much every single team!

Boardley was disappointing, and although Crees has been a great personality I still don't think he's quite on the BTCC level, but I would guess he'll stay on for next year.

Max Coates and Jamie Bond have been very good for HARD in tne Clio Cup so have to be strong candidates for moving up - whether that's with HARD or another team.

S griffin · 8 Oct 2019, 17:15 (Ref:3932751)

It would make sense for Handy to tie up with Speedworks, after all they were originally the satellite team for Speedworks. Be a shame if we lose the Alfa though

Matt K · 8 Oct 2019, 18:08 (Ref:3932759)

I'd be disappointed to see Handy teaming up with Speedworks as I still hope we'll see a strong, two-car factory Toyota team next year. I'd love to see Sutton alongside Ingram but this is sadly only dreaming.

porsche962fan · 8 Oct 2019, 18:11 (Ref:3932760)

Moffat seems very enthusiastic about Sutton so Ash may end up in Inifnity

Evantra · 8 Oct 2019, 18:15 (Ref:3932761)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt K

I'd be disappointed to see Handy teaming up with Speedworks as I still hope we'll see a strong, two-car factory Toyota team next year. I'd love to see Sutton alongside Ingram but this is sadly only dreaming.

Sutton's has to be the main focus of this year's silly season. It'll be really disappointing if he's back in a BMR Subaru again, and quite honestly likewise if he's in an Infiniti.

Have to agree, I'd love see him in a Corolla, or at WSR, either of which would be a pretty unstoppable combination.

Otherwise I'm sure he's looking at TCR, or even Supercars down in Australia.

Pickles · 8 Oct 2019, 18:42 (Ref:3932767)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt K

I'd be disappointed to see Handy teaming up with Speedworks as I still hope we'll see a strong, two-car factory Toyota team next year.

I'm pretty sure that will be happening.

Alfisti · 8 Oct 2019, 18:48 (Ref:3932769)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pickles

I'm pretty sure that will be happening.

Yeah. Many things I've heard, it's certainly been discussed. If HMS did return as a stand alone single car entry (which I can't see but am usually wrong!)I very much doubt we'd see that Alfa. The Avensis just needs the RML bits and engine bolting back in and will kick the Alfas ass.

Alfisti · 8 Oct 2019, 18:50 (Ref:3932770)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evantra

Sutton's has to be the main focus of this year's silly season. It'll be really disappointing if he's back in a BMR Subaru again, and quite honestly likewise if he's in an Infiniti.

Have to agree, I'd love see him in a Corolla, or at WSR, either of which would be a pretty unstoppable combination.

Otherwise I'm sure he's looking at TCR, or even Supercars down in Australia.

Sutton will need to drum up sponsorship wherever he goes. Remember it was JP who got Flux in at BMR. Ditto Silverline and nearly Tesco. Sutton arrived into an already largely sponsored seat.

Pickles · 8 Oct 2019, 18:52 (Ref:3932772)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfisti

The Avensis just needs the RML bits and engine bolting back in and will kick the Alfas ass.

I never even considered that! But guessing if the support from Alfa (Dealer network?) has ended then there's no reason to necessarily bring the Giulietta back...

Alfisti · 8 Oct 2019, 18:53 (Ref:3932773)

Quote:

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

What we know is that Laser Tools have a TBL, and have two Infinitis and a Merc that are eligible for entry.

The Merc is listed for sale with a TBL, but I would imagine they will only let the sale complete if they already have another TBL (or two) in place to race with in 2020.
If a buyer comes in who wants the Merc only, without TBL, then they would likely keep it and run the single entry with that.

My expectation - and this is merely based on Sutton testing and the previous BMR saga - is that we might see a Sutton/Moffat Laser Tools entry in 2020, using the current BMR TBLs.
The existing TBL, if not sold, will be taken back by Mr Gow for retention or use elsewhere.

If any bookie will take my money on that I'd be having a punt. Can't see Sutton at WSR, he needs 500k + for that. That would be my fantasy driver and car combo. Mind you when Cookie rocked up at BTC with a sack of gold I bet nobody saw that coming.

Alfisti · 8 Oct 2019, 18:56 (Ref:3932774)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pickles

I never even considered that! But guessing if the support from Alfa (Dealer network?) has ended then there's no reason to necessarily bring the Giulietta back...

One year deal. And not many $$$'s either, Alfa branding was near non existent on the car.

porsche962fan · 8 Oct 2019, 18:57 (Ref:3932776)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfisti

he needs 500k + for that.

maybe Chilton can afford the WSR seat ?

crmalcolm · 8 Oct 2019, 19:06 (Ref:3932778)

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

maybe Chilton can afford the WSR seat ?

Chilton could easily afford to if he was that way inclined - but he doesn't go racing to spend his family's money.

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