BTCC 2012 rumour mill - Page 2

VXDave · 11 Aug 2011, 17:15 (Ref:2938562)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sodemo

None of those are manufacturer entries though, which is a shame. I personally think that "Honda" could well be the only works entry in 2012, as I fully believe that Chevy will pull out.

I was at Snett on Sunday, and I saw the Proton and the team after race 1... couple of interesting points:
1) They are using a TOCA engine (don't know if anyone wondered?)
2) There are Proton logos on the wing mirrors and one or two of the WelchMS crew were wearing Proton t-shirts... I know it doesn't mean much but it shows there is perhaps an interest from the said manufacturer...

ALSO, I remember Thorney saying that the Insignia's will not be manufacturer backed this year, but Vauxhall are happy their car's have been chosen... possible interest there too?

Robbe · 11 Aug 2011, 17:35 (Ref:2938576)

A manufacturer supported series usually has more quality drivers. The current BTCC offers great racing, but lots of the really quick drivers are sitting on the sidelines (Giovanardi, Thompson), racing elsewhere (Turkington, Muller) or drive private cars with secured #2 status or no payment (Onslow-Cole). There are some really fast drivers in independent cars (Jackson, sooner or later Wrathall) but in fact the level of the drivers in the BTCC 2011 is much lower than 1998.

Also look at the teams: Northern South is gone, Triple Eight run two cars with Nash as #1 driver, WSR is struggling and Airwaves only has Jackson as a good driver. Now, imagine all these teams plus RML and Dynamics with manufacturer support and two strong drivers.

Of course, manufacturer support also has negative effects like team orders, rules getting bent etc.. And no one wants to miss the privateers and their ambitious projects. Look at Team Dynamics, they've started as an independent team as well and now, finally, they have Honda's support.

BTCC can surely survive without manufacturers, but I'd prefer to see a mixed field of manufacturer and private entries. Well, we can't choose anyway.

Craner Curves · 11 Aug 2011, 18:16 (Ref:2938600)

Quote:

Originally Posted by VXDave

I was at Snett on Sunday, and I saw the Proton and the team after race 1... couple of interesting points:
1) They are using a TOCA engine (don't know if anyone wondered?)
2) There are Proton logos on the wing mirrors and one or two of the WelchMS crew were wearing Proton t-shirts... I know it doesn't mean much but it shows there is perhaps an interest from the said manufacturer...

The Proton probably has some support from a dealer with regards to body panels and other spares.

Sodemo · 11 Aug 2011, 19:09 (Ref:2938624)

I take it if Team Dynamics were to go off to the WTCC in 2013, would it be the end of their BTCC involvement?

AndyS · 11 Aug 2011, 20:06 (Ref:2938649)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndySpeed

Probably best you keep those thoughts, and this 'thread', to yourself at this stage.

Agree with a previous poster, totally unnecessary comment.

Thaw Daggerslash · 11 Aug 2011, 20:40 (Ref:2938665)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sodemo

I take it if Team Dynamics were to go off to the WTCC in 2013, would it be the end of their BTCC involvement?

I don't think so. Think they'd continue to do both.

PDS · 11 Aug 2011, 21:22 (Ref:2938687)

As this seems to be turning into an 'Opinons Thread' rather than a 'Rumours Thread'.

In my opinion, I can't see 888 running the Vectra for yet another year in 2012?

They should be in the running for a manufacturer backed outfit, as they should have this year..

Alfa Fan · 11 Aug 2011, 21:49 (Ref:2938703)

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDS

They should be in the running for a manufacturer backed outfit, as they should have this year..

Anyone in mind? Or just the general thought that a team of their calibre should not have to resort to running the cars and drivers they currently are?

**FIRE** · 11 Aug 2011, 22:22 (Ref:2938721)

The new Hyundai i40 and Suzuli Kizashi would be great looking NGTC cars. BTCC (or WTCC) would help to promote these big saloons (of a size relative new for both) and brands in general. Few years ago 888 was already linked to Hyundai (or Kia?).

PDS · 12 Aug 2011, 19:12 (Ref:2939033)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

Anyone in mind?

Vauxhall!

**touringlegend** · 13 Aug 2011, 19:04 (Ref:2939318)

Don't they prefer football now?

Thaw Daggerslash · 14 Aug 2011, 13:37 (Ref:2939513)

Quote:

Originally Posted by touringlegend

Don't they prefer football now?

Footbore you mean.

PDS · 14 Aug 2011, 20:18 (Ref:2939628)

Quote:

Originally Posted by touringlegend

Don't they prefer football now?

They have sponsored football in the past!

They sponsored England back in Euro96. The same as they are doing now I believe.

jimothy84 · 15 Aug 2011, 18:08 (Ref:2940114)

As for 888, Gilham's current vectra is gonna be raffled at the end of the season, so they've gotta have something else up their sleeves...

nickyf1 · 16 Aug 2011, 09:23 (Ref:2941674)

Yes, but could it be a Father Ted-esque raffle in which a Triple Eight employee gets the number ''11'' ticket?

Alfa Fan · 16 Aug 2011, 11:20 (Ref:2941696)

Chevrolet to build an NGTC Cruze! Didn't see that one coming...

nickyf1 · 16 Aug 2011, 11:32 (Ref:2941700)

Really?!

I am surprised about that!

Craner Curves · 16 Aug 2011, 12:26 (Ref:2941716)

Is there real evidence of this or are you assuming that'll happen with Chevy Sweden giving their backing to the STCC's NGTC rules?

Alfa Fan · 16 Aug 2011, 13:09 (Ref:2941726)

It would seem strange to back the rules and then not build a car? Especially as you've just hired a top-line driver this year (Rydell). Why else would you release that statement if the intention wasn't to build an NGTC Cruze? I'm not saying its certain, but it's very strange otherwise.

"and we are happy that we get an opportunity to continue our efforts during 2012" pretty much confirms they are entering the STCC in 2012, and that would have to be with an NGTC engine.

auroan · 16 Aug 2011, 13:28 (Ref:2941731)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

It would seem strange to back the rules and then not build a car? Especially as you've just hired a top-line driver this year (Rydell). Why else would you release that statement if the intention wasn't to build an NGTC Cruze? I'm not saying its certain, but it's very strange otherwise.

"and we are happy that we get an opportunity to continue our efforts during 2012" pretty much confirms they are entering the STCC in 2012, and that would have to be with an NGTC engine.

No, just means they can continue running the current N/A S2000 Cruze.

Chevy Sweden is the same as Chevy UK. They just run a WTCC hand me down car and put a top name driver in it.

**FIRE** · 16 Aug 2011, 18:03 (Ref:2941818)

Alfa Fan you are reading to much into this. In STCC S2000 is allowed until 2014 so Chevy can use the current Cruze in coming years.

Aunt Sally · 16 Aug 2011, 18:43 (Ref:2941828)

And just like Chevy UK employ a driver that complains about not being able to go faster than the others and win the 2012 & 2013 championships..

Alfa Fan · 16 Aug 2011, 18:45 (Ref:2941829)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE

Alfa Fan you are reading to much into this. In STCC S2000 is allowed until 2014 so Chevy can use the current Cruze in coming years.

"STCC offers us a great marketing platform and we support the decision that has been taken," said Jonas Ahnve, MD for Chevrolet Sweden.

"We are convinced that STCC's future lies in a strong relationship with the car industry and we are happy that we get an opportunity to continue our efforts during 2012," said Ahnve.

That sounds more than just a, "we'll run old S2000 Cruzes whilst their still eligible" to me.

Craner Curves · 16 Aug 2011, 19:15 (Ref:2941841)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

"STCC offers us a great marketing platform and we support the decision that has been taken," said Jonas Ahnve, MD for Chevrolet Sweden.

Sounds like "we can use our old cars for another few years at no extra cost and get the same marketing value from it" to me.....

tin-top fan · 1 Sep 2011, 15:15 (Ref:2949464)

Honda confirmed as full works ngtc for next year already

http://www.hondauk-media.co.uk/release/?release=1499

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