Btcc brands hatch

[MG CHRIS]

Well after a long winter the btcc gets going again at brands hatch. With the new regs implimented 3 new teams will run to the new regs speedworks(avensis), dynojet(avenis), RAR(audi a4). So who is going down to brands for the weekend or watching it at home on itv4. I will be watching it at home but will be gooing to thruxton, oulton park, rockingham and silverstone. What are your preditions on what will happen and who will be champion and the end.

[stabbed rat]

I shall be watching on itv. Hoping to make it to a few meetings this year, only made donnington last year

[PetrolHeadSeb]

I will be there

Really looking forward to the new season, looks like it's going to be good.

[minisloth]

I haven't really watched the BTCC for a few years, but I think I'll give it another go. I'll be watching on ITV4.

[DanB7290]

Very interested to see how the RAR Audi fares. Autosport reckon it'll be RWD, just a typo or are they actually doing it? If so, I'd guess they'd start with a 2.0 quattro, is it as straightforward as simply removing the front driveshafts?

[PetrolHeadSeb]

Pretty sure it's not a mistake, I've read the same;

http://www.touringcartimes.com/article.php?id=5731

I'm not very mechanically minded so no idea how its being done, but should be interesting!

[courageous]

Not sure if it's been mentioned elsewhere, but the weekend will also see Nicolas Hamilton (Lewis's brother who has crebal palsy) make his debut in the clio cup.

[Sea Demon]

Lewis is going to be at Brands too so I've heard (to watch his brother)

[woof]

Sea Demon said:

Lewis is going to be at Brands too so I've heard (to watch his brother)

Yes - def will be there.

[Munter]

PetrolHeadSeb said:

Pretty sure it's not a mistake, I've read the same;

http://www.touringcartimes.com/article.php?id=5731

I'm not very mechanically minded so no idea how its being done, but should be interesting!

I understood from another thread it was to do with the engine layout. AUDI being an inline engine it was going to be too much work to fit it transverse and FWD drivetrain/gearbox, when they could go for a RWD setup/gearbox and keep the engine orientation.

Something like that was suggested anyway.

[Marc W]

DanB7290 said:

Very interested to see how the RAR Audi fares. Autosport reckon it'll be RWD, just a typo or are they actually doing it? If so, I'd guess they'd start with a 2.0 quattro, is it as straightforward as simply removing the front driveshafts?

It's built up from a bare shell as a racing car, they don't convert a road car. The NGTC regulations have lots of standardised components and so you can't just convert a road car. Although you could strip one down to get the sheel as a starting point. I know the Avensis were produced from brand new shells from the factory but I'm not cerain on the Audi's. I will try to find out though.

[slipstream 1985]

come on frank!!

[MG CHRIS]

Munter said:

PetrolHeadSeb said:

Pretty sure it's not a mistake, I've read the same;

http://www.touringcartimes.com/article.php?id=5731

I'm not very mechanically minded so no idea how its being done, but should be interesting!

I understood from another thread it was to do with the engine layout. AUDI being an inline engine it was going to be too much work to fit it transverse and FWD drivetrain/gearbox, when they could go for a RWD setup/gearbox and keep the engine orientation.

Something like that was suggested anyway.

Yep thats correct. I believe they will use the TFSI engine devoloped by ric wood who is a major engine builder in this country apprantly.

Also nigel mansel is the 2nd RAR driver will be out at the next round but will be at brands for the fans to meet him.

[PetrolHeadSeb]

MG CHRIS said:

... Also nigel mansel is the 2nd RAR driver will be out at the next round but will be at brands for the fans to meet him.

More info please!

Would be great to get his autograph if possible

[fatboy69]

Is that correct that Mansell is racing from round 2? Anyone got anymore details about that?

If so that can only be good for the series (cue much slagging off of Mansell as usually happens whenever his name gets mentioned).

Cant make Brands this weekend so looking forward to the coverage on ITV4 & also looking forward to some proper racing & overtaking - F1 take note please!!!

[MG CHRIS]

Nor its not, it a bit late but what day is it.

[freddytin]

slipstream 1985 said:

come on frank!!

Looking forward to Frank upsetting some of the regulars, though probably not this weekend as the car was only completed on Thursday I believe.

[Munter]

fatboy69 said:

Is that correct that Mansell is racing from round 2? Anyone got anymore details about that?

If so that can only be good for the series (cue much slagging off of Mansell as usually happens whenever his name gets mentioned).

Cant make Brands this weekend so looking forward to the coverage on ITV4 & also looking forward to some proper racing & overtaking - F1 take note please!!!

Our Nige was always exciting...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-206939846...

...mind you he's got a bit of an attraction to hard things.

[fatboy69]

Ha. You can only April Fool up to midday.

[Allyc85]

Jordan was fastest in FP1, a fraction ahead of Jason Plato.