BTCC 2019 season discussion, News and Rumours!

[kipper]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

back in 2005-2006 British GT had races in France, how the heck was this possible and not BTCC

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

BGT still races at Spa.

Whilst British GT (and F3, for that matter) did have a number of foreign rounds in the mid part of the last decade, this was - in part - due to a falling out with MSV and, as such, access to their circuits wasn't possible. Secondly, British GT/F3 primarily exists for funded drivers to race either for fun or as a stepping stone. As such, they are better placed to race abroad as the main determining factor is competitor demand (and whether they want to pay for it). BTCC is in a different place, as although the bulk of drivers are paying to be part of it, the commercial factors are different - also, is it a simple/cost effective process for live TV from a foreign circuit to be arranged?

Given the size of the BTCC entourage, there aren't many options for a replacent of Rockingham: Silverstone International, Cadwell, Pembrey, Castle Combe, Lydden have inappropriate paddocks (plus accesss for the last three, is an issue); access is probably an issue for Anglesey; Goodwood can only run historics; Knockhill is a long way north; Oulton can only run on four Sundays a year (so a British Superbike or the popular Gold Cup would need to be jetisoned); Silverstone GP is too long; Lake Torrent isn't complete; Kirkistown is too small, has poor access and can't be used on Sundays; and Bishopscourt again has iffy access and noise issues. As such, the alternatives to Thruxton are probably a third Brands meeting, another Silverstone National, Donington, Snetterton or Croft.