BTCC circuits?

[Andy Metcalf]

There may yet be changes to the 2004 BTCC calendar. But what would you include if you were the Boss? Would you bring back Knockhill, keep with Rockingham or drop one of the Brands rounds?

[Craig]

Presuming that CART will not be back in 04 I say drop one of the Brands Hatch rounds.

[Phoenix1]

I'd like:

-- Brands Hatch on Long circuit
-- Rockingham is it different in terms of a challenge and type of race track to the others.
-- Knockhill, It is the BTCC yet right now Ireland (not Northern Ireland either) has more races than Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland put together so for names sake and fans from Scotland who want to see a race without a big drive put Knockhill back.

[Andy Metcalf]

There are plans to upgrage and lengthen Pembrey. That would make a good Welsh event.

[lauz]

i really want the touring cars to come back up to scotland but i still want them to go to rockingham. i don't see the point of racing at a circuit twice and forcing another circuit to be left out. so why not have one brands race and at race at both rockingham and knockhill.

[touringlegend]

Originally posted by Phoenix1
so for names sake and fans from Scotland who want to see a race without a big drive put Knockhill back.

Amen to that!

I voted keep Rockingham and put Knockhill back on, but i don't reckon that will be reality.

Rockingham is a first class facility that should never be left without a round of the BTCC. I think the BTCC is actually boosted by the facilities at Rockingham so we can't let that go.

[codename_47]

Depends.....

If one Brands round is the Indy, and one the GP, then keep both, and bye bye Rockingham.....

If both Brands Hatch's are going to be the Indy, get rid of one, and lets go to both Rockingham AND Knockhill (love the inclines.....not just up, but down as well! )

[Sherman]

How can it be a 'British' touring car championship without rounds in Wales or Scotland?

[Stevespurr]

Take them to Cadwell that would sort the men from the boys.

[krt917]

Originally posted by codename_47
Depends.....

If one Brands round is the Indy, and one the GP, then keep both, and bye bye Rockingham.....

If both Brands Hatch's are going to be the Indy, get rid of one, and lets go to both Rockingham AND Knockhill (love the inclines.....not just up, but down as well! )

Yes, I think I'd go along with all of that!. I assume that the GP circuit at Brands isn't really an option, so I've voted to drop one of the races there.

[codename_47]

Originally posted by krt917
Yes, I think I'd go along with all of that!. I assume that the GP circuit at Brands isn't really an option, so I've voted to drop one of the races there.

All I know is that it wasn't possible for the Champ Cars....no Idea whether it comes up to BTCC standard or if it's even being considered! :confused:

[Andy Metcalf]

I did hear that the Seat rounds are on both the GP and Indy loop at Brands this weekend. So I am asuming that if hte Seat Cupras can race on it so can BTCC. But the only fly in the ointmnet is of course Chump Car, sorry Champ Car as Mr Antill pointed out. I would rather see BTCC run with the F3/GT's than Champ Cars. Just like at the start of 2002 on the GP loop.

[redshoes]

It's not a question of the Brands GP loop not being 'up to standard' it wasn't used for the Champ Car meeting as Dingle Dell was still being re-profiled. The Champ Cars will use the full GP circuit next year, assuming they are back.

The usual objection to the GP loop from TOCA is that most of the spectators are around the Indy track and therefore the cars disapear from view for long periods. There's also problems with planning/noise restrictions meaning it can only be used for a certain number of days during the year.

[codename_47]

Originally posted by redshoes
It's not a question of the Brands GP loop not being 'up to standard' it wasn't used for the Champ Car meeting as Dingle Dell was still being re-profiled. The Champ Cars will use the full GP circuit next year, assuming they are back.

The usual objection to the GP loop from TOCA is that most of the spectators are around the Indy track and therefore the cars disapear from view for long periods. There's also problems with planning/noise restrictions meaning it can only be used for a certain number of days during the year.

Then this can be solved by two points:

1)Bring back the big screens so fans can see what's going on when the cars are out of view (now that Motors TV's about, just tune it to that channel! )

2) Tell the residents that they knew the racetrack was there when they moved in, live with it.....you don't move in near an airport and ask the council to restrict the number of days planes fly over do you??

Chances of either idea happening: 0%

[Shirley]

I think they should drop one of the Brand's meeting.
And keep Rockingham.

[krt917]

Originally posted by codename_47
Then this can be solved by two points:

1)Bring back the big screens so fans can see what's going on when the cars are out of view (now that Motors TV's about, just tune it to that channel! )

2) Tell the residents that they knew the racetrack was there when they moved in, live with it.....you don't move in near an airport and ask the council to restrict the number of days planes fly over do you??

Chances of either idea happening: 0%

Don't get me started on point two. Moaners drive me nuts. And some of these people actually DO moan to the council about the planes!

There is a third solution. Tell spectators to be patient for a few seconds in the opening laps - after a while, the field will be spread enough for there to be something to look at most of the time!

[cntmunky]

BTCC should go to both Rockingham and Knockhill. As for brands, drop one round and do what the SEATs done this weekend, 1 race on indy 1 on GP. You cant call a championship british if it is only based in England, and 1 abroad race. Like F3's a few years ago when SPA was on but no Knockhill.

[Andy Metcalf]

It would be nice if any of the drivers (potential drivers) read this thread then tell us what they prefer.