BTCC 2019 silly season

[nate-dogg]

308mate said:

Would we not count procuring the funding to go racing as part of "how good you are"? Its the same sponsorship market for everyone, some people are just better at extracting it.

That's an interesting point. I think you're right, in that selling yourself and procuring sponsorship is an important 'soft skill' a racing driver needs, similar to communicating with engineers and getting on well with the team in order to extract the maximum from the people who support you. But I think the problem is that some people start with a massive advantage in this area, while others start from zero. If your parents are millionaires and mates with lots of wealthy, influential people who run/own businesses, then obviously it's going to be much easier to procure sponsorship compared to a kid from a poor background.

But it's the way it is, the way it always has been, and the way it always will be unless there is concerted effort from charities, governments and racing team junior programmes to find and fund talent that would otherwise not make it to the top levels of the sport due to lack of money/connections. IMO, sim racing will help with this, as it's a way for people to get behind the wheel without needing $$$$$$, and gets them spotted (as it's becoming increasingly clear as the sims get more realistic that the skills transfer across into real life).

[Kraken]

I watched an interesting documentary last night on gentleman drivers in the WEC. Those guys are paying between $1m and $5m a year for their drives. The part that struck me was that three out of the four featured drivers had all been drivers at a young age and had to stop because they couldn't afford to carry on. Then they made their fortunes and got back into it much later in life. They earned it in more than one way.

Sim racing just moves the goalposts from large amounts of money to large amounts of time though. There is always going to be someone on the outside looking in for whatever reason. That's life.

[DanielSan]

The Norlin FK8 looks pretty cool.

[MondeoMan1981]

Speedworks with an announcement tomorrow which Rob Austin's just shared. Related to his Close Brothers sponsorship going on Tingram's car this year or more to it...?

[Robmarriott]

Nothing to do with Rob Austin, it was a livery reveal...

https://www.touringcartimes.com/2019/03/25/speedwo...

Great sponsor to have I think, it's a name everyone knows, the livery might not be to everyone's taste but if it pays the bills, that's all that matters.

Presumably means free pasties in the paddock too!

[Kraken]

Was a bit to do with Rob Austin. There's Close Brothers stickers on it and he put that deal together.

[DanielSan]

Robmarriott said:

Nothing to do with Rob Austin, it was a livery reveal...

https://www.touringcartimes.com/2019/03/25/speedwo...

Great sponsor to have I think, it's a name everyone knows, the livery might not be to everyone's taste but if it pays the bills, that's all that matters.

Presumably means free pasties in the paddock too!

That's one of the best looking cars on the grid this year imo.

[Robmarriott]

Kraken said:

Was a bit to do with Rob Austin. There's Close Brothers stickers on it and he put that deal together.

That was announced yesterday though and wasn't part of their 'big announcement' from today.

[Kraken]

Robmarriott said:

That was announced yesterday though and wasn't part of their 'big announcement' from today.

Depends if the big announcement was Ginsters or the livery itself. Doesn't really matter though.

[DanielSan]

Announced this afternoon Mike Bushell isn't driving one of the Team HARD Passat's now, he's going back to the Clio Cup. There's still a chance for Paul O'Neil or Rob Gravett to make a comeback

Edit

http://www.btcc.net/2019/03/25/goff-seals-last-min...

Edited by DanielSan on Monday 25th March 17:28

[Speed Badger]

Jack Goff! In the Passat for Bushell.

[Robmarriott]

Well that was an unexpected turn, glad to see Goff back but it's a shame that Bushell had funding issues again, he never seems to get the backing he deserves (or the car).

In any other car, I'd expect Goff to be near the top end in several races but I can't see it with the CC

[The Wookie]

Poor Mike, the guy just seems to have no luck whatsoever. Genuinely wish him the best with getting things sorted, I’m sure he’ll be back.

[DanielSan]

http://www.btcc.net/2019/03/26/wraps-come-off-bmws...

The 3 series looks seriously cool.

[DanielSan]

And the Pirtek one

[Sammo123]

I haven’t been keen on the Pirtek car since it went to matte colours.

[Allyc85]

The works BMW colours look great, not sure about the Pirtek colours.

I’ll have a proper look myself as I won tickets for Brands through Kwik Fit!

[LDM]

Not sure if this will be of interest to anyone but I have access to a suite within the Brabham-Stewart building, which overlooks the start / finish straight at Brands Hatch. It is a full hospitality package (entry/food/drink) drop me a message if you are interested or want more info.

[DanielSan]

A few pics of from the WSR Facebook page, they look even better on track.

[rallycross]

These news cars are starting to look like proper racing cars ( as they should! )

Touring cars used to look like this