[BTCC] Rounds 25-27 Brands Hatch Indy

[bella]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

I don't believe bella is anti-TOCA, but what you are suggesting is that people are not allowed to criticise their employers. Have a think about that stance.

correct. i've worked on quite a few different events under different organisers this year (gotta hustle, amirite). i've seen how different paddocks are handling it in different countries in different temperatures. quite a lot of us out here are in a similar position in terms of experience this season.

i look at what toca does in that context.

back to brands, and boy, what a relief that they've confirmed the event is going ahead. not just for those of us who need the work, but for the teams and drivers as well. it's been a weird season but we need to do it justice and have a proper finale. think it's only the carrera cup that has a confirmed champion?

[AmD Tuning]

Originally Posted by bella

steady on now, let's not get carried away

the number of people present at btcc events who aren't actually working makes me angry, it feels like it's one rule for the big boys in the garages and another for the rest of us. it's now noticeable versus the start of the season.

Firstly, isn't it great that our leading motorsport championship, including supports, will get to the end of its season thus keeping employed all the staff who earn their living from it.

Secondly, each BTCC car has a maximum of 20 people, inc drivers and team personnel, per car. This is strictly enforced and its completely untrue "its one rule for the big boys". I'm afraid Bella you're making it up.

[bella]

thanks for clearing that up. definitely heard and seen different, so it’s good to know that it can’t be the case and that the spectators walking around must be coming from somewhere else.

it’s fantastic that we get to finish the season - nobody loses out. it’s a reward for the hard work we’ve *all* put in to rewire our habits.

[S griffin]

At least now we know what the rules are regarding people at the track. It’s probably the right thing to limit the numbers per team at a track, nobody really loses out. It’s a shame though no spectators, that’s really what has been missing

I am sure we will have a great finale, I have a feeling Tingram and Cammish can get back in it. This season has been great and Brands Hatch should be another great one. Watch them go. I think the FWD could be the ones to watch this time

[sceptic]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

The thermometer thing to detect it is a nonsense. I speak as someone who was involved in work in fancy pants thermal CCTV systems that can pick out hot people in a crowd. They work, but are easily fooled if you are so minded. The Chinese manufacturer has back peddled on it's covid claims in the wake of legal threats in China and elsewhere, which says it all.

Yes, I agree that infra-red thermometers are about as accurate at detecting Covid-19 as tying women up with ropes and throwing them into a lake was at detecting witches, but it's about perception and confidence.

At the moment, the perception is that TOCA (and British motor sport generally, outside of Silverstone) doesn't have a Covid-safe environment, and is relying on people signing disclaimers that aren't worth the paper they're printed on.

I understand how they've got into this situation, because they've been reliant on worthless health and safety disclaimers for decades, but they need to pay attention to what other sports are doing.

[S griffin]

I don’t see how infra red helps that much. Obviously it’s a good guide but that’s about it. We need better technology, but eventually we will get through it all

[Alfisti]

I'm thinking this rope tying and lake submersion technology could definitely have it's uses. It may be an accurate way to detect BS spouting from politicians. I think we need to know...

[billy bleach]

Originally Posted by sceptic

Yes, I agree that infra-red thermometers are about as accurate at detecting Covid-19 as tying women up with ropes and throwing them into a lake was at detecting witches, but it's about perception and confidence.

At the moment, the perception is that TOCA (and British motor sport generally, outside of Silverstone) doesn't have a Covid-safe environment, and is relying on people signing disclaimers that aren't worth the paper they're printed on.

I understand how they've got into this situation, because they've been reliant on worthless health and safety disclaimers for decades, but they need to pay attention to what other sports are doing.

How is Silverstone doing it so well?

[crmalcolm]

For finals day, the BTCC heads to Brands Hatch once again. This year though, the Indy layout will be used.
Brands has been a popular circuit for BTCC/BSCC meetings hosting no less than eight rounds and twelve championship races in the inaugural season. Given the association with series, it seems fitting that one of the class winners in the very first BSCC race was Jack Sears, with John Sprinzel the other class winner. That same day, Tommy Sopwith was also a class winner, and the two were tied at the end of the very first finals day, again at Brands Hatch before the shootout.
The layout back then would be very familiar to those racing this season, although with different corner names to those currently used. The design utilising the natural amphitheatre to create a layout that offers great viewing opportunities and significant elevation changes to challenge all types of racer.


The first time we saw NGTC machines running as constructor entries on the Indy circuit, the race wins were taken by Collard in a BMW, Neal in a Civic and Plato in an MG. The results were shared between RWD and FWD cars, and across a range of manufacturers. There appeared to be no specific advantage to any particular setup.

As with most recent years, the series visited the circuit twice. The events of the 2019 finale on the GP circuit are still fresh in many memories, and we recall the close battle between Turkington, Jordan and Cammish that was ultimately decided by a brake failure on the Honda. However the results on the Indy layout were a different story.
Cook won the first race of the day, opting to run on slicks from 10th on the grid while may others switched to wet tyres with fog and drizzle shrouding the circuit. Hill and Chilton completed the podium in the first race, as the conditions came to those on slick tyres.
With everyone on dry tyres for race two, it was Jordan’s BMW starting in 15th that managed to take the victory, in what set the marker for how strong the BMWs would be through the season. Sutton took second by just 0.022s from Morgan.
Race three was taken by Butcher, following a penalty applied to Chilton. Completing the podium that race was Jelley, as Neal dropped back with a wheel problem in the latter stages.

Brad Philpot is scheduled to be behind the wheel for the PMR Astra in the final outing this season.

Qualifying is scheduled to be on the ITV Hub at www.itv.com/btcc , with the Sunday coverage starting at 09:20 on ITV4. The full timetable can be found at - https://www.barc.net/wp-content/uplo...ands-Hatch.pdf - the first BTCC race begins at 10am.



Early weather forecast shows that Saturday is forecast to be 14deg with a 0% chance of rain and cloudy.


Sunday 12deg and Cloudy; a little rain in the morning.


There are a few trophies to be handed out, with close battles for a few of the titles.
New for 2020 is the Goodyear Wingfoot. A 4-way battle at the top has Turkington in the lead, with Cammish close behind. This one will be decided in Saturday Qualifying – although the award will be far from the drivers’ minds with the main title at stake, the contest will be fiercely fought. Jake Hill’s position in the table underlines the pace that is still in the FK2 though:

Position	Name	Points
1	Colin TURKINGTON	117
2	Dan CAMMISH	111
3	Rory BUTCHER	104
4	Jake HILL	100

The Jack Sears trophy can indicate a stepping stone for an up and coming driver, and this one sees five drivers with the potential to take the crown. Thompson chances suffered through having to miss the last round, and Crees looks favourite going into the meeting.

Position	Name	Points
1	Michale CREES	303
2	Carl BOARDLEY	292
3	Bobby THOMPSON	280
4	Sam OSBORNE	278
5	Jack BUTEL	264

The Independent Teams’ title looks like a 2-horse affair between Laser Tools Racing and Motorbase Performance. BTC, Carlube and Exceler8 all have mathematical chances, but they appear very slim.

Position	Name	Points
1	Laser Tools Racing	394
2	Motorbase Performance	370
3	BTC Racing	334
4	Carlube Triple R Racing with Mac Tools	291
5	Excelr8 Motorsport	277

The Independent Drivers’ title will go to Ash Sutton, barring an amazing turn of events due to his 60-point lead. Likewise it seems like Butcher will take 2nd place with a very healthy lead over Chilton.

Position	Name	Points
1	Ash SUTTON	362
2	Rory BUTCHER	302
3	Tom CHILTON	267
4	Adam MORGAN	258
5	Jake HILL	241

The Teams’ title has quite a large spread over the leading contenders, so it is expected to see little change at the top. Motorbase and BTC Racing have outside chances of making up places, if the teams above have a washout of a weekend.

Position	Name	Points
1	Team BMW	513
2	Halfords Yuasa Racing	446
3	Laser Tools Racing	378
4	Motorbase Performance	359
5	BTC Racing	338

With only three teams competing for the Manufacturers’, there is only a small table to look at. Toyota’s place in 3rd was pretty much guaranteed at the start of the season with only fielding a single car. BMW have a significant lead, but Honda cling on to the hope of making up ground. BMW would have to record a few DNFs for this to happen though.

Position	Name	Points
1	BMW	696
2	Honda	648
3	Toyota	344

Nearly all eyes will be on the main drivers’ title throughout the day. Mathematically five drivers are in contention, however realistically the field is just four. The RWD pair of Sutton and Turkington go into the event with a gap over the FWD cars of Cammish and Ingram. It is possible for Cammish and Ingram to see there title hopes over by the end of R1 depending on results, however this is likely to go down to the wire.

Position	Name	Points
1	Colin TURKINGTON	309
2	Ash SUTTON	300
3	Dan CAMMISH	284
4	Tom INGRAM	275
5	Rory BUTCHER	246

The form table in this year’s championship shows that, over the last 9 races the five drivers in contention are ranked:

Position	Name	Points
1	Dan CAMMISH	117
2	Tom INGRAM	98
3	Colin TURKINGTON	96
4	Ash SUTTON	91
5	Rory BUTCHER	71

The form table for the last 6 races at this layout shows the top five contenders ranked:

Position	Name	Points
1	Tom INGRAM	60
2	Rory BUTCHER	54
3	Ash SUTTON	53
4	Colin TURKINGTON	39
5	Dan CAMMISH	19

This season, Cammish’s recent form suggests he can take the title, but Ingram’s results both recently and at this layout bode well for a last challenge. When the lights go out though – all form will probably go out of the window. It’s a late time of year to be holding the final round, and an early start to the day’s racing – so the climate may have an impact.
On the tight twisty layout will the FWD pair be able to make up the ground?
Will the lack of a teammate to Ingram make life difficult?
Will the teammates of the other contenders be close enough to the front to make a difference?

It’s been the strangest of circumstances behind this year’s championship – but everyone involved behind the scenes should be congratulated for keeping the show on the road and giving spectators a solid series of races to watch. ITV’s commitment to showing every round live is commended.

Here’s hoping that the title is decided without controversy, that the discussion revolves around the on-track talent, the driver-bashing can be put aside for a while and may the best driver win…………..

[Northern Monkey]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

The Independent Drivers’ title will go to Ash Sutton, barring an amazing turn of events due to his 60-point lead. Likewise it seems like Butcher will take 2nd place with a very healthy lead over Chilton.

Sutton has won the Indy title already. Even if Butcher won all three and Sutton didn't score, he would take the title on countback.

[codename_47]

Traditionally in the past, ITV have shown the Saturday racing from the supports on the web stream post qualifying

Any idea on if this is to happen this time?

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Northern Monkey

Sutton has won the Indy title already. Even if Butcher won all three and Sutton didn't score, he would take the title on countback.

Yes, you are right it is provisionally his.
The 'amazing turn of events' I refer to is for Butcher to win all 3 rounds, Sutton to nil score in all 3 rounds, and for Sutton to have points docked for some breach of regulations.

It's never going to happen, but the title won't be awarded until the final results are declared.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by codename_47

Traditionally in the past, ITV have shown the Saturday racing from the supports on the web stream post qualifying

Any idea on if this is to happen this time?

I'm not sure. The races available from Snetterton can be found at https://www.itv.com/btcc/articles/btcc-2020-snetterton

[Alfisti]

.

[sceptic]

Originally Posted by codename_47

Traditionally in the past, ITV have shown the Saturday racing from the supports on the web stream post qualifying

Any idea on if this is to happen this time?

Traditionally they only do it if the title can be decided. Can any of the championships be settled on Saturday this year?

I know F4 can't, and obviously Porsche is over already.

[porsche962fan]

any new forecast ?

[sceptic]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

any new forecast ?

As in weather forecast?
Dry Saturday, wet Sunday.

[porsche962fan]

yes that one

wet sunday doesn't sound good for BMW unless it's full wet

[codename_47]

We are a week away from the racing.

Your guess is as good as mine.

[codename_47]

We are a week away from the racing.

Your guess is as good as mine.

I'm pretty sure today's British GT racing had a big rain cloud on the forecast until raceday, which then turned into very fine raindrops about race start time on the forecast, which meant bugger all rain fell in actuality.

We'll see what happens, the only way to accurately predict weather

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

any new forecast ?

There will be weather - all weekend.

[Sodemo]

Well it looks mild for a start, could be around 13-14C all weekend, which is a darn sight warmer than it was on March 31st 2013 @ Brands Hatch. I had numb fingers and toes for hours after that event, it snowed on qualifying day, and I think it was around 1C, with a wind chill of about -10.

[crmalcolm]

Just to demonstrate the range of weather options for Sunday (somewhere there might be an accurate prediction):

BBC - High 14, Low 7, Light Rain showers and a moderate breeze, 39% rain, 17mph wind
Met Office - High 14, Low 8, Partly cloudy, 20% rain, 18mph wind
Netweather - High 13, Low 7, Scattered showers, 5mm, 22mph wind
Two - High 15, Low 6, Light rain, 2.4mm, 20mph wind
WeatherOnline - High 16, Low 13, overcast with rain, 4mph wind
weather-forecast - High 14, Low 9, Heavy Rain, 19mm, 40mph wind
MetCheck - High 13, Low 8, Heavy Rain, 14mm, 29mph wind

[ATF]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Just to demonstrate the range of weather options for Sunday (somewhere there might be an accurate prediction):

BBC - High 14, Low 7, Light Rain showers and a moderate breeze, 39% rain, 17mph wind
Met Office - High 14, Low 8, Partly cloudy, 20% rain, 18mph wind
Netweather - High 13, Low 7, Scattered showers, 5mm, 22mph wind
Two - High 15, Low 6, Light rain, 2.4mm, 20mph wind
WeatherOnline - High 16, Low 13, overcast with rain, 4mph wind
weather-forecast - High 14, Low 9, Heavy Rain, 19mm, 40mph wind
MetCheck - High 13, Low 8, Heavy Rain, 14mm, 29mph wind

But no snow?

[redshoes]

Sorry to interrupt this fascinating discussion about the weather with some actual BTC news, but Bobby Thompson still isn't fit to come back so Ethan Hammerton stays in the TPC Audi