[BTCC] 2010 rumour mill

[Thorney]

Originally Posted by snowen250

also in Autosport was a comment that Thorney Motorsport (see above) were considering a move to the BTCC.
Care to shed any light

Simon

Ah, you have me at a disadvantage as our copy of Autosport hasn't turned up yet, sodding Royal Mail.

We've made no real secret as to our plans for BTCC next season but the change of regs have thrown a spanner in it somewhat as uncertainty is not a good bed fellow for sponsors. If we can get a better idea on what is likely to happen we can commit but at the moment all we really know is that its either BMW or Vauxhalls, as thats all we tune for the road and racing is part and parcel of our road car business.

For the moment all we are 100% behind is the CSL Cup, Sportmaxx and BTCC are questions marks and maybe linked, but my gut feeling is we maintain our three car team in Sportmaxx with scope to expand with another two cars and a 1-3 car BTCC team depending on budget, drivers and exactly what engines can be put where driving which wheels!

[M0T0RSP0RTDAN]

Originally Posted by Thorney

Ah, you have me at a disadvantage as our copy of Autosport hasn't turned up yet, sodding Royal Mail.

We've made no real secret as to our plans for BTCC next season but the change of regs have thrown a spanner in it somewhat as uncertainty is not a good bed fellow for sponsors. If we can get a better idea on what is likely to happen we can commit but at the moment all we really know is that its either BMW or Vauxhalls, as thats all we tune for the road and racing is part and parcel of our road car business.

For the moment all we are 100% behind is the CSL Cup, Sportmaxx and BTCC are questions marks and maybe linked, but my gut feeling is we maintain our three car team in Sportmaxx with scope to expand with another two cars and a 1-3 car BTCC team depending on budget, drivers and exactly what engines can be put where driving which wheels!

Blimey, talk about hearing it here first !

[Thorney]

Having only spent a short time working with Tom I have to say I think he is very deserving of a berth back in BTCC and I know he has a few irons in the fire.

As for us, lets say we have our options open at the moment but there are too many unanswered questions for us to commit one way or the other at the moment.

[andy_b]

Originally Posted by touringlegend

I think for the past 4-5 years there's been a consistent rumour about Kia.

correct...

[duke_toaster]

Presumably it would be the Ceed (punctuation not included). With regards to the thought that some teams want the NGTC TOCA engine for next year, if it is available would 888-Kia (if 888 stay, my bet's on them running Vectras) consider it, bearing in mind it would be another engine to tune?

[Craner Curves]

The problem with a cee'd or a pro_cee'd (punctuation included), is that their bodyshape is similar to the Astra SportHatch and the Leon, cars that have never ultimately been that successful in the UK due to their size and natural aerodynamics.

I understand they have some new mid-size saloon models due though.

[Hazard]

Originally Posted by Craner Curves

The problem with a cee'd or a pro_cee'd (punctuation included), is that their bodyshape is similar to the Astra SportHatch and the Leon, cars that have never ultimately been that successful in the UK due to their size and natural aerodynamics.

I understand they have some new mid-size saloon models due though.

Excuse me, SEAT were the 2006 manufacturers champions!

[Alfa Fan]

And there only competition, Vauxhall, were running a similarly shaped Astra. Had the Integra been a manufacturer entered car Honda would have been champions.

[M0T0RSP0RTDAN]

The integras are very decent cars.

[gregc]

Getting back to 2010... Here's my guess - works Honda/Dynamics and Volvo/888 efforts. As I understand it the Honda thing was about as close as you can get to a done deal last year before the world went mad, and given Honda's continued close involvement with TD this year and their big presence at Silverstone I don't think it's too much of a stretch.

As for 888/Volvo - the word I hear is that 888 had "guests" at Silverstone, and there may be a show car at The Rock this weekend. All speculation of course, and based on sources that have a hit and miss record, but Honda vs Volvo next year? Could be fun

[werner]

After the wackeyraces in Sweden last weekend, and the aftermath, Volvo seems to have another reason to look with more interest to the BTCC.

[Sodemo]

Originally Posted by werner

After the wackeyraces in Sweden last weekend, and the aftermath, Volvo seems to have another reason to look with more interest to the BTCC.

Off topic I know, but would you mind filling me in?

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Off topic I know, but would you mind filling me in?

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=3959
http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=3967
http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=3970

[Icebaby]

Originally Posted by werner

After the wackeyraces in Sweden last weekend, and the aftermath, Volvo seems to have another reason to look with more interest to the BTCC.

Why?, what happened is a normal weekend in BTCC so no incentive for Volvo to come across on this basis.

[werner]

Ha, but in Britain they won't get a 10-point penalty so fast.

[Icebaby]

Originally Posted by werner

Ha, but in Britain they won't get a 10-point penalty so fast.

Very true

[stedevil]

Originally Posted by werner

Ha, but in Britain they won't get a 10-point penalty so fast.

BTW 10 points in STCC equals about 23-24 points in BTCC if comparing max score per weekend. So it is a sever punishment. In BTCC I assume it would have given 2 points out of 10 on a licence that in any case is renewed yearly. Still, I don't see Volvo leaving STCC (especially since they have a 3 year participation contract), but it might still give them a bigger incentive to get into BTCC as a full manufacturer instead of "just" selling the car to a customer.

[touringlegend]

Bamboo Engineering have secured another 2008 spec Lacetti for next year, hope to run 2 cars, Vaulkhard will drive one.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78677

They say they are likely to be the only team running Lacetti's next year, does this mean RML / Silverline will run Cruze's or will there be no Racing Silverline team next year?

[helterskelter]

I think RML/Racing Silverline will have the Cruze next year... Personal opinion, though

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by touringlegend

Bamboo Engineering have secured another 2008 spec Lacetti for next year, hope to run 2 cars, Vaulkhard will drive one.

Didn't they say the same last year when they were Tempus.

[Craner Curves]

I'm taking it with a pinch of salt for now. It's changed days now, there are more cars than available drivers.

[pinkd56]

Anyone see about 888 Running the cars in the Caparo Pro1000 series?

[nickyf1]

Would love to see the Cruze next season, that thing looks awsome.

[Sodemo]

For the record I have watched that STCC video several times, and from what I can see, it looks like the Volvo driver's fault, no question. Too late on the brakes, ran over the inside kerb, car launched onto 2 wheels, launched into the BMW, both of them off the road. End of story.

[Icebaby]

I'll believe this second Bamboo car when I see it, assuming its true which car have they purchased?

Back on topic for 2010 predictions you may as well assume Matt Neal will be back with Dynamics as the second sure thing to happen in 2010 along side Vaulkard with Bamboo (who thought of such a strange name for a team?)

The third will be Chilton with Aon/Arena, the rest is yet to be seen, WSR need a sponser/manufacturer to continue to pay Turkington in 2010 but think he is part of a BMW plan somewhere.