Any one else enjoyed the BTC Championships.

Any one else enjoyed the BTC Championships.

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ZR1cliff

Original Poster:

17,999 posts

250 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
quotequote all
Compared to the The British Touring car Championships F1 seriously lacks and some of the battles out on the track are thoroughly entertaining especially the one today between 3rd 4th and 5th where Matt Neil and Gavin smith were two of the drivers involved.
Ive never really paid much attention before but BTCC have now got a new fan,how long does the BTCC season last and where other than Brands Hatch do these races take place.

Eric Mc

122,058 posts

266 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
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With respect, you can't really call yourself a true PHer if you're asking such basic BTCC questions

ZR1cliff

Original Poster:

17,999 posts

250 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
quotequote all
Eric Mc said:
With respect, you can't really call yourself a true PHer if you're asking such basic BTCC questions


Not really Eric ive been into other auto stuff and ive never really noticed this sport being covered as much as it has recently and to be honest ive really enjoyed it ,so much so i would like to know more and see more.
Whos the blonde bit that commentates

MarkK

667 posts

280 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
quotequote all
ZR1cliff said:
Compared to the The British Touring car Championships F1 seriously lacks and some of the battles out on the track are thoroughly entertaining especially the one today between 3rd 4th and 5th where Matt Neil and Gavin smith were two of the drivers involved.
Ive never really paid much attention before but BTCC have now got a new fan,how long does the BTCC season last and where other than Brands Hatch do these races take place.


I'm a big fan of BTCC - usually watch them at Oulton Park although I missed them this season.

Proper racing at its best, F1 could learn so much. Glad Matt Neal got the championship, great racer and seems a top bloke.

Eric Mc

122,058 posts

266 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
quotequote all
The BTCC has waxed and waned in pupularity over the past 12 or 13 years. It's peak was probably 1994/95 although for sheer drama and action the 1992 season was probably the best. Try and get hold of the video of that season if you can.

In those days, the races were covered (in highlight form only) with Murray Walker commentating. Due to its success - much of it due to Walker and the BBC - , lots of big manufacturesr jumped in but by the late 1990s, costs were beginning to spiral with races becoming rather processional due to undue reliance on aerodynamics (now where have we heard that befoe). As a result, speactator levels dropped, TV audiences fell and manufacturers pulled out.

The current more simplistic formula has brought some of the action back although I don't think that the calibre of driving is as high as it could be. All the same, this year the racing has certainly been dramatic and knocks F1 into a cocked hat.

ZR1cliff

Original Poster:

17,999 posts

250 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
quotequote all
MarkK said:
I'm a big fan of BTCC - usually watch them at Oulton Park although I missed them this season.

Proper racing at its best, F1 could learn so much. Glad Matt Neal got the championship, great racer and seems a top bloke.


I found myself being totally captivated by it and it seemed like there were tussles going on all over the track specifically between 3rd to 5th places which involved Matt Neal,the driver that stood out for me.

I was surprised but pleased that the MG figured so high and its good to see a sport that hasnt been blunted by too many rules and regulations.

ZR1cliff

Original Poster:

17,999 posts

250 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
quotequote all
Eric Mc said:
The BTCC has waxed and waned in pupularity over the past 12 or 13 years. It's peak was probably 1994/95 although for sheer drama and action the 1992 season was probably the best. Try and get hold of the video of that season if you can.


Cheers ile try to get hold of that.

D_Mike

5,301 posts

241 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
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I think the drivers in the BTCC coukd learn a lot from F1. If they drove like that in F1 none of the cars would have any wheels left after about the 5th lap.

D_Mike

5,301 posts

241 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
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ZR1cliff said:

MarkK said:
I'm a big fan of BTCC - usually watch them at Oulton Park although I missed them this season.

Proper racing at its best, F1 could learn so much. Glad Matt Neal got the championship, great racer and seems a top bloke.



I found myself being totally captivated by it and it seemed like there were tussles going on all over the track specifically between 3rd to 5th places which involved Matt Neal,the driver that stood out for me.

I was surprised but pleased that the MG figured so high and its good to see a sport that hasnt been blunted by too many rules and regulations.


the racing is very good but the the rules and regulations are much tighter in the BTTC than in F1. They have several standard parts on the cars (brakes and gearboxes i think?) and rules about the engine etc.

ZR1cliff

Original Poster:

17,999 posts

250 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
quotequote all
D_Mike said:
the racing is very good but the the rules and regulations are much tighter in the BTTC than in F1. They have several standard parts on the cars (brakes and gearboxes i think?) and rules about the engine etc.


I liked what seems a lack of 'No touching' rule although it was minimal the drivers were not afraid to get right in there amongst it and even after coming off the circuit Jason Platto was still up in the commentary box enjoying himself and taking part,a clear sign of an enjoyable sport

Eric Mc

122,058 posts

266 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
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Drivers do tend to be a tad more aggressive in "closed wheel" classes of racing, for obvious reasons.

2 Smokin Barrels

30,261 posts

236 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
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Was it in 94 when Volvo entered the estate car?

(pram was rolling back & forth in the back going through Craner Curves )

>> Edited by 2 Smokin Barrels on Sunday 2nd October 18:23

_Dave_

9,104 posts

251 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
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Was about '94, it was great to see the big old barges on track.

I used to go to at least 3 or 4 btcc meetings a year, went to oulton and croft this year, good racing but not enough cars in my opinion.

Been following the WTCC this year, just got back from Valencia watching the race today, much better than the BTCC, loads of cars and some unbelievable racing.

:thumbs:

Pot Bellied Fool

2,131 posts

238 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
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Yeah, it's good stuff although not taken as much interest this year since I've not had a free pass!

Worked on one of the stands for the last few years & got to interview most of the top drivers. Neal, Reid & Muller - top guys. Plato never turned up for any of his (Really enjoyed interviewing Reid after his win at Knockhill last year. the guy was buzzing! And after a win on home territory you can't blame him!)

...and can't remember his name just now (been sat in pub reading Sunday papers ) but interviewed a guy who'd come up from Clio Cup (?) and was running a LPG touring car.

Top Fella - very wealthy but was doing it coz he loved motorsport and was grinning like a Cheshire cat for the whole interview - well you would wouldn't you?? He never did very well but was gaining experience and it was clearly a labour of love for him - every credit, he had my support after that.

I liked BTCC because it was real racing, neck & neck all the way with lots of contact. It seemed to attract a lot of Chav supporters but hey, if they're going to racing events then they deserve our support for they are future PHers...

rubystone

11,254 posts

260 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
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I*'m just so pleased for Matt Neal. Think about it - privateer team builds new, unproven car from scratch - limited (any?) technical input from Honda direct and up against the might of Vauxhall with their tried and tested running gear, top notch driver and unlimited cash. Now that is what I call a result.

Oh and he beat the Frog - shame Eaves couldn't knock him down to third.

D_Mike

5,301 posts

241 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
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I don't understand all this anti-muller sentiment... I really respect the guy and think he as an amazing driver. One of the best tourng car drivers in the world (I wouldn't put matt neal in that class).

rubystone

11,254 posts

260 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
quotequote all
I respect Michael Schumacher - doesn't mean I have to like him does it?

What do Muller and Schu have in common? They're both extremely talented racing drivers with no sartorial elegance and the biggest egos in motor racing

BTW I have to ask D Mike, have you ever seen these guys in action for real? The top ones really are classy peddlers and that includes Matt Neal for certain.

panclan

880 posts

239 months

Sunday 2nd October 2005
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[quote=Pot Bellied Fool]

...and can't remember his name just now (been sat in pub reading Sunday papers ) but interviewed a guy who'd come up from Clio Cup (?) and was running a LPG touring car.

Top Fella - very wealthy but was doing it coz he loved motorsport and was grinning like a Cheshire cat for the whole interview - well you would wouldn't you?? He never did very well but was gaining experience and it was clearly a labour of love for him - every credit, he had my support after that.

quote]

Are you thinking about John George, he runs a chain of mobile phone stores in Cornwall?

Pot Bellied Fool

2,131 posts

238 months

Saturday 8th October 2005
quotequote all
panclan said:
[quote=Pot Bellied Fool]

...and can't remember his name just now (been sat in pub reading Sunday papers ) but interviewed a guy who'd come up from Clio Cup (?) and was running a LPG touring car.

Top Fella - very wealthy but was doing it coz he loved motorsport and was grinning like a Cheshire cat for the whole interview - well you would wouldn't you?? He never did very well but was gaining experience and it was clearly a labour of love for him - every credit, he had my support after that.

quote]

Are you thinking about John George, he runs a chain of mobile phone stores in Cornwall?


Cheers - Yes, that was the guy.

Usually seen trailing well to the rear of the field but they were doing a lot of playing with the LPG & weight setups.

Seemed a nice guy & definately passionate about his motorsport. Far less 'up himself' than some of the top guys & was there for all the right reasons.

andy mac

73,668 posts

256 months

Saturday 8th October 2005
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I think Seat have got a great thing going with the winner of the cupra championship getting a seat. Only a year to prove themselves, and as Huff showed last year, they look like they will have some exciting drivers. Pickford not as good as Huff, but great to see new faces...