[BTCC] BTCC 2023 season discussion, News and Rumours!

[S griffin]

I think the BTCC is getting bigger. It’s probably the second most popular motorsport in the UK after F1

[Matt K]

Originally Posted by S griffin

I think the BTCC is getting bigger. It’s probably the second most popular motorsport in the UK after F1

Well, I think the BTCC is in quite a healthy condition in its own 'category' - the grids are full, the viewership is, I believe relatively high and stable and same could be said about race attendance (correct me if I'm wrong in any of the points, don't have knowledge about specific numbers) and there are many good teams and drivers there so yeah, in this sense BTCC is in a very very good place and I'm happy about that.
However, is it getting bigger? Not so sure about that, depending on what you mean by it but BTCC certainly lacks some kind of incentive that would make it really bigger - for various reasons big sponsors are not really flocking to the championship (NAPA being one of rare exceptions), manufacturers can't be bothered about participating (for reasons already explained), BTCC drivers are relatively anonymous in the wider motorsport world and most of them are semi-amateurs and even though there are probably quite a lot of people who know BTCC and follow it from outside the UK, it can't kind of break any new grounds and reach a lot new audiences. At least that's my impression.

Yes, I know, many of you will tell me that BTCC doesn't have to because after all it's a national series, financial outlook in the world is not really good and so on and so forth. I get that. It's just that in my opinion the potential in the BTCC is much bigger than that but for various reasons it's either impossible or unreasonable to go the extra mile.

[FIRE]

The teams get bigger. Where are the days teams entered only 2 cars.

[FIRE]

If people outside the UK talk about BTCC they still talk about the ST days, which is a real shame because the BTCC of the last decade is a very good series. The problem is lack of coverage outside the UK which makes it difficult to watch races in a legal way. Why can't they stream it on Youtube or other platform with geo restriction? A bigger international audience will give the series, drivers and teams more prestige.

Lack of race coverage is the reason why I have stopped following the series closely.

[Pickles]

Excelr8 livery reveal, looks smart:

https://www.btcc.net/2023/03/01/exce...tors-machines/

[Matt K]

Originally Posted by FIRE

If people outside the UK talk about BTCC they still talk about the ST days, which is a real shame because the BTCC of the last decade is a very good series. The problem is lack of coverage outside the UK which makes it difficult to watch races in a legal way. Why can't they stream it on Youtube or other platform with geo restriction? A bigger international audience will give the series, drivers and teams more prestige.

Lack of race coverage is the reason why I have stopped following the series closely.

Well, straight to the point. That's exactly what I'm thinking of. I'm sure there are many others who would watch BTCC but can't and this just puts them off.

[Matt K]

Originally Posted by FIRE

The teams get bigger. Where are the days teams entered only 2 cars.

Haha that's for sure

[aland]

Originally Posted by FIRE

The teams get bigger. Where are the days teams entered only 2 cars.

where is the true privateer with 2 vans a trailer and a old caravan?? or a volvo b10m coach

[peebee2]

Originally Posted by aland

where is the true privateer with 2 vans a trailer and a old caravan?? or a volvo b10m coach

LOL. Barred! Permanently!!

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by Pickles

Excelr8 livery reveal, looks smart:

https://www.btcc.net/2023/03/01/exce...tors-machines/

I wonder how well the silver Bristol Street Motors text will show up from trackside. The problem with that sort of highly reflective livery is that it's heavily dependant on what angle you are looking from and what is being reflected.

[Ant25]

Looks like one Motorsport only have 3 licenses! Looking like they will be announcing there third driver soon

[Millvi]

Originally Posted by Ant25

Looks like one Motorsport only have 3 licenses! Looking like they will be announcing there third driver soon

Goff, Edwards and Crees were all still seeking a deal last week. So I’m going to say a Proctor return or Will Powell being the team’s Jack Sears contender.

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by Millvi

Will Powell being the team’s Jack Sears contender.

Believe the press releases read that Powell was sticking very much to the management side… which is probably for the best

[Daverb]

Strange no announcement from Team Dynamics yet.

I’m thinking Neal x2 at Team Dynamics.

Shedden will join Butcher at Toyota.

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by Daverb

Strange no announcement from Team Dynamics yet.

I’m thinking Neal x2 at Team Dynamics.

Shedden will join Butcher at Toyota.

Shedden was testing Dynamics’ Cortina this week so seems likely he’s staying put. Would’ve thought if the Neals wanted a BTCC career for Henry he would’ve been there years ago, really hasn’t done much racing I don’t think since TCT?

[S griffin]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Shedden moves onto another series again. Neal is doing his own thing now and looks like Henry has decided against racing anymore, although he may pop up again

[Matt K]

Well, I think Shedden will remain at Dynamics and would be surprised to see Butcher gone from Speedworks.
Still hoping to see Proctor and Gamble (well, that sounds unintentionally funny) on the grid but slowly losing hopes particularly for the latter...

[S griffin]

I wouldn’t be too sure, both could be offered seats anywhere in any series. Can’t see Proctor back. Gamble would have been more likely back if Cicely made a return

[Craner Curves]

I wouldn't be surprised if none of that happened.

[antnee]

Originally Posted by Pickles

Excelr8 livery reveal, looks smart:

https://www.btcc.net/2023/03/01/exce...tors-machines/

The video had a big old build up for a livery which is a tweak on last seasons. With all that effort, I was expecting a big new title sponsor or something

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by antnee

The video had a big old build up for a livery which is a tweak on last seasons. With all that effort, I was expecting a big new title sponsor or something

Why would you expect a big new title sponsor when they already have a big one from last year...?

[antnee]

Originally Posted by Pickles

Why would you expect a big new title sponsor when they already have a big one from last year...?

Because of the big video build up.....

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by antnee

I was expecting a big new title sponsor or something

When Ronan Pearson was announced (15 Feb) the releases included the line 'backed by Macklin Motors, a motor retail brand part of the group that operates EXCELR8 Motorsport title partner, Bristol Street Motors'

When Nick Halstead was announced (4 Nov) the releases included the line 'Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 TradePriceCars.com has announced that...'

The livery reveal does say that 'The official team name for the 2023 BTCC programme will be revealed in due course' - but I don't think there has ever been any doubt of the title sponsor being Bristol Street.

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by antnee

Because of the big video build up.....

Yes I much prefer the MB “here’s a photo” approach! But the effort is nice at least!

[antnee]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

When Ronan Pearson was announced (15 Feb) the releases included the line 'backed by Macklin Motors, a motor retail brand part of the group that operates EXCELR8 Motorsport title partner, Bristol Street Motors'

When Nick Halstead was announced (4 Nov) the releases included the line 'Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 TradePriceCars.com has announced that...'

The livery reveal does say that 'The official team name for the 2023 BTCC programme will be revealed in due course' - but I don't think there has ever been any doubt of the title sponsor being Bristol Street.

If you didn't just cherry pick part of my post....