2023: BTCC chat & discussion

[AndrewGP]

Just caught up with the races from Sunday. I’ve been a BTCC fan for a very long time but I’ve never seen anything like what happened in race 2, Ash and Tom were absolutely sensational and proved why they are in a class of their own. I was literally speechless and it was a pleasure to witness.

[airbusA346]

Motorbase Performance are changing their name to Alliance Racing.

https://alliance-racing.com/launch-of-alliance-rac...

[Castellet]

Looking forward to final Brands GP round this weekend. Forecast apparently 25C in the October
Should be a big crowd for the close title decider.

Edited by Castellet on Friday 6th October 12:33

[GlobalRacer]

Castellet said:

Should be a big crowd for the closest title decider for a long time.

Eh? Last season there were three fighting for the title going into the last event covered by 7 points.

[Castellet]

You’re right, corrected that. But do love it when championships go down to the wire.

[clubracing]

Sutton's already got one hand on the trophy. He just needs a steady weekend, where as Ingram has to hope Sutton has a DNF to stand any real chance I think.

[SpudLink]

clubracing said:

Sutton's already got one hand on the trophy. He just needs a steady weekend, where as Ingram has to hope Sutton has a DNF to stand any real chance I think.

It can happen. A problem in race 1. A collision making his way through the field in race 2. Ingram wins both. Then it's game on.

[Speed Badger]

On paper it doesn't look too close, but all it takes is a DNF or a late spin in R1, might just squeak into the points in R2, if you don't make P12 you're out of the reverse grid. Plus Ingram has always been quick round Brands. However there surely can be nobody in the universe that could say Sutton doesn't deserve the title this year and it would be a travesty if he didn't win it. I'm not a Sutton fanboy, just appreciate the most deserving winner.

[SpudLink]

Yesterday ITV didn’t just have qualifying live on YouTube, but support races as well. And this morning they will have the support races before the TV broadcast starts.

[hammo19]

Yeah Ash Sutton 4 times BTCC champ. A perfect season. Tom Ingram a worthy and professional championship defence.

[Smollet]

hammo19 said:

Yeah Ash Sutton 4 times BTCC champ. A perfect season. Tom Ingram a worthy and professional championship defence.

Record breakingseason for Sutton but all credit to Ingram for keeping in touch with I think 9 less wins.

[GlobalRacer]

If Ingrams team hadn't messed up the ride height at Knockhill it would have been much closer. So many "fans" on social media calling Alliance cheats etc when really we're seeing two of the best touring car drivers ever fighting all the way.

[AndrewGP]

hammo19 said:

Yeah Ash Sutton 4 times BTCC champ. A perfect season. Tom Ingram a worthy and professional championship defence.

Completely agree, it's been amazing to watch two drivers at the top of their game fight it out.

For me it's been a great season and I've thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Can't wait for next year!

[BadOrangePete]

Some great racing today. Hell of a pass for Hill to take the lead in race 3 but surprised it didn't get flagged for track limits TBH

[GlobalRacer]

Hill's "pass" was diabolical. I'm gobsmacked they let that stand. You can't overtake with the car completely off the circuit like that.

[TO73074E]

It was a great bit of innovative overtaking but yeah, surprised he didn't get a warning at least. I think Tim Harvey mentioned at Silverstone, track limits are only monitored on certain corners and I highly doubt the inside of Sheene Curve is one of those corners!

Again, I'm no massive Sutton fan but I don't get the cheating accusations thrown at Alliance just because Ash has been dominant. He's more than proven his talent over recent years and shown he can get more out of his cars than team mates. In his championship winning years, his closest team mates in the championship standings were Plato - 12th 2017, Moffat - 15th 2020, Moffat - 8th 2021 and Cammish - 6th 2023. Like him or not, he's an amazing driver.

Also, Brands Hatch GP is a great circuit. Why can't they use the full GP layout twice?

[SpudLink]

TO73074E said:

Also, Brands Hatch GP is a great circuit. Why can't they use the full GP layout twice?

I agree, it’s a great track.
I believe there are noise restrictions which limit the number of times the GP layout can be used each year. (People who move next to a race track then complain it’s too loud. )

[CKY]

SpudLink said:

People who move next to a race track then complain it’s too loud.

Yep, these NIMBY c**ts need to get in the sea - bunch of hairbags complaining for the sake of complaining.

[Castellet]

Had an enjoyable day catching up with a few friends and watching the mix of racing and end of season deciders.

Specifically like the ‘amphitheatre’ viewing at Brands, makes all classes of racing more interesting when you can see the bulk of the circuit - Indy especially, although that is probably a bit too short.

Rockingham was always good for extensive live viewing, Silverstone one my least favourite.

[TO73074E]

Agreed. My favourite tracks on the calendar are Oulton Park, Brands GP and Donington Park GP. They aren't just flat like Silverstone and have a lot tricky technical sections along with fast straights. I wasn't a huge fan of Rockingham but at least you could find spots to watch nearly all the race from.