Whats Happened to the BTCC ???
Discussion
I've been fortunate to have attended BTCC during its Group A, Super Touring, S2000 and now NGTC days. I must say that I actually rather like the current breed of car. They sound better and more around more than the ST cars. Whether the racing is as good is moot, and of course there are fewer pro drivers as a result of the reduced budget, but it's still a thoroughly enjoyable day at the races.
Fair enough if you dont like the BTCC, but the increase in claimed TV and race attendances indicate that there isn't a huge amount wrong with it. And on top of that there is the full grid...
but come on if you are going to moan about it get your facts even remotely correct! Diesel Seats? LPG Focai?
but come on if you are going to moan about it get your facts even remotely correct! Diesel Seats? LPG Focai? Edited by Allyc85 on Tuesday 26th March 17:23
IainW said:
It's still a niche market for spectators, but the crowds are getting larger all the time. I definitely noticed the difference in 2009 when I stopped being a regular at all the rounds, from when I started in 2001. At Knockhill last year, the crowds were on a par with the Super Touring days, I've honestly never seen it that busy. I missed the first BTCC race because I was in a massive queue. Plus with every TV owner in the UK now needing to have a digital TV, the coverage should be accessible for all, rather than stuck away on a channel that not everyone has.
The driving standards do wind me up a bit, particularly as I'm a supporter of somebody in a RWD car that just doesn't recover well from a tap to the rear quarter, but hopefully they'll find a balance this year between rubbing and blatant punting off.
I think the increase in popularity recently is in part to do with the bump and bash nature of the racing - if driving standards were raised, would it make the TV spectacle is currently does? And without having seen it on the TV, would many people go to their local meeting?The driving standards do wind me up a bit, particularly as I'm a supporter of somebody in a RWD car that just doesn't recover well from a tap to the rear quarter, but hopefully they'll find a balance this year between rubbing and blatant punting off.
It amazes me how few people go to circuits outside of televised series, yet claim to be fans of motorsport - if it weren't for the free tickets your average clubbie event would have a 'crowd' of about 3. Some of it's down to the way the circuits operate (look at Combe's success when they brought their club racing in-house) but TV is a huge draw, and TV only goes where there's drama and suspense (real and manufactured) to show.
I have a hunch that without the 'drama' on and off the circuit, the TV coverage may not be so forthcoming (indeed, ITV might even be a reason why the issue of driving standards hasn't been raised in any meaningful way).
As someone that's been to Knockhill (and Assen for the MotoGP) when you're used to following a whole race on TV being stuck out at one end of the circuit, possibly not even in sight of a big screen you realise how much you see on TV compared to how much you might miss being there. I suspect that some have been to circuits and decided following the whole race on TV, being warm and dry and being able to see the whole race rather than cars whizzing past 20 times while being freezing cold and suffering overpriced, poor quality food and often poor facilities often staying at home wins.
Mark Benson said:
I have a hunch that without the 'drama' on and off the circuit, the TV coverage may not be so forthcoming (indeed, ITV might even be a reason why the issue of driving standards hasn't been raised in any meaningful way).
The 'drama' is nothing new though. There have been drivers having scuffles in the paddock and dubious moves on the track for years. Reid v Rydell, Dave Brodie ranting about the ability of the rest of the pack, Mike Smith and Frank Sytner, Cleland and Soper. Need I go on?rscott said:
Not sure what you've been watching, but the current BTCC cars are all petrol engined, run 18" wheels and generate 300+ BHP .
That's probably why they've got a capacity grid this year.
Indeed.That's probably why they've got a capacity grid this year.
Out come the rose tinted spectacles. Why is the OP talking about diesel Leons that have not been raced since 2008? The current spec wheels are 18 inches and ex F1 drivers were VERY rare and many of the famous drivers we talk of actually cut their teeth and made a name for themselves in BTCC.
I also went to a few races in the supertouring area and yes it was massive then, but come on, you can do better than mentioning cars that haven't been on the grid for 5 years and making up childish exaggerations.
Janesy B said:
ex F1 drivers were VERY rare
Gianfranco BrancatelliGuy Edwards
Johnny Dumfries
Slim Borgudd
Roland Ratzenberger
Damon Hill
Tiff Needell
David Coulthard
Jonathan Palmer
Christian Danner
Julian Bailey
Thorkild Thyrring
Jo Winkelhock
Ian Ashley
Eric van de Peole
Gabriele Tarquini
Jan Lammers
Johnny Cecotto
David Brabham
Derek Warwick
Gianni Morbidelli
Nigel Mansell
Jean-Christophe Boullion
Kelvin Burt
All have been F1 race/test drivers and competed in at least 1 BTCC race
Janesy B said:
rscott said:
Not sure what you've been watching, but the current BTCC cars are all petrol engined, run 18" wheels and generate 300+ BHP .
That's probably why they've got a capacity grid this year.
Indeed.That's probably why they've got a capacity grid this year.
Out come the rose tinted spectacles. Why is the OP talking about diesel Leons that have not been raced since 2008? The current spec wheels are 18 inches and ex F1 drivers were VERY rare and many of the famous drivers we talk of actually cut their teeth and made a name for themselves in BTCC.
I also went to a few races in the supertouring area and yes it was massive then, but come on, you can do better than mentioning cars that haven't been on the grid for 5 years and making up childish exaggerations.
I suppose the lack of manufacturer funding means that not many teams will pay for the Monaco lifestyle.
em177 said:
Janesy B said:
ex F1 drivers were VERY rare
Gianfranco BrancatelliGuy Edwards
Johnny Dumfries
Slim Borgudd
Roland Ratzenberger
Damon Hill
Tiff Needell
David Coulthard
Jonathan Palmer
Christian Danner
Julian Bailey
Thorkild Thyrring
Jo Winkelhock
Ian Ashley
Eric van de Peole
Gabriele Tarquini
Jan Lammers
Johnny Cecotto
David Brabham
Derek Warwick
Gianni Morbidelli
Nigel Mansell
Jean-Christophe Boullion
Kelvin Burt
All have been F1 race/test drivers and competed in at least 1 BTCC race
simonigrale said:
I suppose the lack of manufacturer funding means that not many teams will pay for the Monaco lifestyle.
Plato, Shedden and Neal are probably the only drivers getting paid, but it's definitely not enough to fund a Monaco lifestyle. Other drivers may get a nominal fee from their sponsors, in addition to what they pay for putting the car on the grid. It's just the way motorsport is in general right now. I think one of the biggest factors is car design.
The rep cars back in the day somehow leant themselves very well to the Supertouring spoilers, wheels, body addons and so on.
A current Focus/Civic and so on just looks a bit frumpy and the racing effort is pretty rubbish too.
The A4/Avensis/3er are okay though the regs means they'll never be as extreme as the later Supertouring cars either.
The rep cars back in the day somehow leant themselves very well to the Supertouring spoilers, wheels, body addons and so on.
A current Focus/Civic and so on just looks a bit frumpy and the racing effort is pretty rubbish too.
The A4/Avensis/3er are okay though the regs means they'll never be as extreme as the later Supertouring cars either.
It’s doing something right – still seems popular, and ITV have extended their deal. However, it’s Motorsport entertainment – not a serious series. In fact it’s whole selling point is crashes, bashes and spectacle – I doubt any of the drivers would make a Top20 of World tin top drivers.
I dip in and out of it nowadays – but prefer GT racing, and wish British GT had the BTCC TV deal.
I dip in and out of it nowadays – but prefer GT racing, and wish British GT had the BTCC TV deal.
IainW said:
Plato, Shedden and Neal are probably the only drivers getting paid, but it's definitely not enough to fund a Monaco lifestyle. Other drivers may get a nominal fee from their sponsors, in addition to what they pay for putting the car on the grid. It's just the way motorsport is in general right now.
Well on the basis that all three have 'real' jobs - it isn't enough to fun a Droitwich lifestyle! (If you can call broadcasting a real job - and on the assumption Neal is still involved in the business side of Team Dynamics with his old man)
IainW said:
Plato, Shedden and Neal are probably the only drivers getting paid, but it's definitely not enough to fund a Monaco lifestyle. Other drivers may get a nominal fee from their sponsors, in addition to what they pay for putting the car on the grid. It's just the way motorsport is in general right now.
Well on the basis that all three have 'real' jobs - it isn't enough to fun a Droitwich lifestyle! (If you can call broadcasting a real job - and on the assumption Neal is still involved in the business side of Team Dynamics with his old man)
IainW said:
Mark Benson said:
I have a hunch that without the 'drama' on and off the circuit, the TV coverage may not be so forthcoming (indeed, ITV might even be a reason why the issue of driving standards hasn't been raised in any meaningful way).
The 'drama' is nothing new though. There have been drivers having scuffles in the paddock and dubious moves on the track for years. Reid v Rydell, Dave Brodie ranting about the ability of the rest of the pack, Mike Smith and Frank Sytner, Cleland and Soper. Need I go on?The crowds starting to attend BTCC nowadays is there for the same reason, they've seen the drama that ITV have helped to foster and want to see it for real as a family day out. The poor driving standards are, to me part of that drama (and always were to a degree) rightly or wrongly.
Vocal Minority said:
In all seriousness watch a season review from the mid 90s and tell me, honestly if you think there has been a big change
There has been a big change late 80's and early 90's the driving on the whole was pretty clean. Then along came Tim Sugden drove dirty, hitting people all over the show and everyone else seemed to follow his bad example. The crashes etc have been silly for years now but hey some fans go to watch that side of things.
emicen said:
pjfunny said:
Btcc is awesome what I miss is volvo estates bring them back
Good one. You miss a car that did a single season, 19 years ago.Weekend before last he was out for his first go at Lydden and it looked like he’d only got as far as bonding a panel over the old sunroof, very limited stripping out and throwing in a roll cage.
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