2008 BTCC - Entry List

[ZBOYD]

Have you not been following the WTCC then?? They might sound odd, but they bloody shift. Far from gutless.

 

[ZBOYD]

fingers crossed, BTCC Spotters Guide will be available mid-late next week

Nice one Andy, we'll do an SCN plug as usual.

 

[nibbles]

The Tdi Was Outpulling The Bmws On The Straight And Losing On The Corners Due To Having To Break Earlier Because Of Weight

 

[ZBOYD]

If you look at Curitiba (the Brazillian WTCC track) it is a track very much suited for high speed. SEAT were compromised on tyre wear so may of had the car setup to deal with the increased temperatures and increased wear associated with higher speeds and higher braking speeds too. This had the effect of giving them better speed on the straight bits, but harmed the cornering speeds as they were trying to conserve the tyres.

It was historically a BMW track, so the fact the SEAT's bucked the anticipated trend at Curitiba winning both races was very good. It may well be seen that they suffer at other circuits, we shall have to see.

For example at Thruxton the BTCC run all the cars with a special compound of Dunlops to cope with the high speed wear rates associated with a track like that. I'm not sure if WTCC do the same.

Many of the UK circuits are less of a drag strip and much more twisty where slower speeds are maintained.

 

[Timmbo71]

Well, to me the introduction of diesels to a main manufactor is a backward step.. I guess due to the fact i have to work on them all day dont help the issue. Im just not a diesel fan am afraid..

But it will be good to see what they can do..

 

[ZBOYD]

Gareth Howell is stepping into the BTC Racing Lexus at selected rounds, and will assist the team as a test and reserve driver throughout the season.

More info at Autosport - http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66100

 

[tris]

Any news on the team that bought the Toledos ?

 

[ZBOYD]

Didn't realise anyone had, Motorbase still had them up for sale in Autosport last week.

http://www.motorbaseperformance.co.uk/motorbase-carsales.html

£100k for the pair and all spares and engines included. Full rebuilds after last season.

They are very quick cars, good for an independent team. But the draw of cheap BMW's and Honda's seems to be more attractive.

 

[tris]

Motorsport news said last week that a team had them cant remember the team name but they said they would not enter unless they got good drivers to race them

 

[ZBOYD]

Seems a bit pointless really, buy cars with the hope you'll get good drivers wanting to bring moeny to the team. Not sure that's an entirely great plan to be honest.

Considering Motorbase are still pimping them for sale, makes me wonder if that deal didn't fall through. We'll see anyway.

I can't see them getting top class drivers, as they all want to be paid for their services rather than bringing money to the table.

 

[tris]

Yeah sounds strange I will try and find out as the guy who looks after my paint work is looking after the Motorbase cars and is also driving there truck this season

 

[ZBOYD]

Seems Adam Jones Leon was a touch and go affair.

http://www.btcc.net/html/generalnews_detail.php?id=884

Hopefully everything goes to plan for the weekend.

 

[IainW]

It was CMS Motorsport from the SCC who were linked with the cars. I think it was along the lines of "if someone brings us money, we'll buy the cars and run them".

Surprised nobody has bought them actually, much cheaper for a pair of cars than a single 320Si with all the whistles and bells.