ABG & JSM Given a Raw deal?

[RIKB]

Both the JSM and ABG teams are struggling to get their cars on to the grid for Mondays race. JSM hope for both cars whereas ABG will only get one car there.

In fact the Lexus will not even be run for the first time until Saturday at Brands.

Both teams cite the lack of TOCA uniform parts. Here are a couple of quotes from the team bosses.

"We've been delayed by a lack of parts," said Harvey (JSM). "There are just so many parts suppliers, both from a TOCA point of view and from our own suppliers. It has been a handicap, but it's reality. [Works entries] Vauxhall and Peugeot have been the top of the pecking order and there's nothing we can do about that. It's just a fact of life."

"We're still waiting on a whole load of parts," said ABG motorsport team principal Tim Blake. "It's so frustrating. Every part we're waiting for is a TOCA part [from official suppliers] and we're particularly concerned about the endurance of the gearbox."

Has Richard West favoured the works teams too much and not given enough attention to the independents that he needs to fill the grids?

[Les]

OK so they maybe should have signed up earlier but it does seem a tad unfair.

You think the Lexus is bad not running until Saturday - Sunday will be the first try out for the Alfa.

Of course Mr West could always make the first round a non-championship round.


see that pig flying over head......

[pink69]

These are just teathing problems. They say both Lexus's will be running by round 3 but it is a shame they aren't ready yet. It may prove to be a big disadvantage due to lack of track time.

[RIKB]

Well the Lexus never even made it to the Grid. The Alfa missed qualifying, started at the rear of the tourers and blew up in the sprint. Case proven?

[Les]

Not quite right there RIKB - Dave P did qualify! It was Matt Neal who didn't.

Well done to all the boys and girls at JSM for getting the car out with new engine in time for a bit of testing. The difference in handling from Sunday to Monday was amazing.

[mickey]

totally agree with you Les, JSM have worked hard and it does seem unfair that there has been a lack of TOCA uniform parts. We all saw a vast improvement from Sunday to Monday and i think once the problems from monday are sorted out then Dave will really be able to show what he can do in a car once it is cometitive! I just hope that Richard West will allow them some more testing time, perhaps he could allow them to have the same amount of testing time Vauxhall have had. At least give the independents a chance to show Vauxhall and Peugeot what they are capable of

[Danielsun]

Hmmm... BTCC certainly does seem like a three-horse race at the moment, between the established stars Muller, Plato and Thompson.

If Richard West's team want the close racing they were promising over the winter months then they're going to have to assist the 'under-prepared' teams in getting right up to the speed of the 888-run Astras.

ToCA should give these other teams a fair go and allow them some extra testing. Don't forget that Vauxhall is the only continuing manufacturer from last season, so they at least had all the infrastructure ready for their assault on this year's title...