BTCC 2024 News & Rumours

[Evantra]

Kwik Fit’s Instagram has a photo of DeLeon doing media interviews, so looks like Hard have made it (well, their driver at the least!)

[antnee]

Originally Posted by coffinpilot

Is going to be interesting if we're going into the season without any real comparative testing. I asked one of Ash Suttons engineers at Croft about pace, and he said with the weather at Croft and Brands, and not knowing who was on which tyre during dry periods (along with fuel levels) that they hoped Donington would give a solid answer to their beliefs - which was mainly to do with an up in pace from WSR.)

Is that any different from other seasons though? I think this is the first time of having multiple 'official' test days.

[S griffin]

They have tended to use these sessions to “launch” the season. I expect it will be no different this year

[BobJones]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Kwik Fit’s Instagram has a photo of DeLeon doing media interviews, so looks like Hard have made it (well, their driver at the least!)

Podcast interview up on the BTCC feed already, talks about being on track tomorrow - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YF...441bc05c5a4f1a

[redshoes]

This might seem tenuous but could be BTCC relevant.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjr79pppgn7o
M25 will be closed between J9-10 over the weekend 10th-13th May. If it's anything like last time then expect the roads to be chaos over a much wider area.

The BTCC related bit that's Brands Hatch weekend, and I expect a good number of people will be expecting to get to BH via the M25.

[thetool]

I'd say that's significant enough to question whether the round may be reschuled entirely.

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by redshoes

This might seem tenuous but could be BTCC relevant.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjr79pppgn7o
M25 will be closed between J9-10 over the weekend 10th-13th May. If it's anything like last time then expect the roads to be chaos over a much wider area.

The BTCC related bit that's Brands Hatch weekend, and I expect a good number of people will be expecting to get to BH via the M25.

As far as I can remember, the BBC reported after the last closure that delays were nowhere as bad as had been predicted as people had taken on board the request to minimise travel over that stretch. And this report states that there will be extra diversion routes available this time.

People intent on going to Brands that weekend will just have to allow extra travelling time so as to arrive in time.

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

As far as I can remember, the BBC reported after the last closure that delays were nowhere as bad as had been predicted as people had taken on board the request to minimise travel over that stretch. And this report states that there will be extra diversion routes available this time.

People intent on going to Brands that weekend will just have to allow extra travelling time so as to arrive in time.

or just go the other direction around the m25

[coffinpilot]

Originally Posted by antnee

Is that any different from other seasons though? I think this is the first time of having multiple 'official' test days.

2022. Croft, Thruxton (media day) and another track (for Hybrid testing.)

[Greem]

Originally Posted by ChrisA

Thinking of going to Donington tomorrow. Let's hope it doesn't rain and wind drops. Could be an interesting day if it continues like today. High wind and heavy rain here, Derbyshire.

Tomorrow *might* be a little warmer and less blowy, but it's still forecast to rain on and off all day. Very definitely "April showers"!

[coffinpilot]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Kwik Fit’s Instagram has a photo of DeLeon doing media interviews, so looks like Hard have made it (well, their driver at the least!)

I saw him at Brands yesterday - I didn't have the gumption to ask "are you racing or not" but a I could hear someone, ask and he was saying he was testing tomorrow and ready to go.

To be honest, he looked uncomfortable, but, considering he's just a kid of what, 17/18, I think I'd be a bit shy in that situation considering the way people have been looking at HARD.

Much as many people don't want Mr T Gillham in the paddock, it's not the kids fault he's become the only public voice in the situation, not that fair on him is it to face all those people? And to be fair, it was quite some crowd for a TCR round.

[MarcusH26]

Is there any paddock gossip about if we will have the 4th WSR car out tomorrow or not? Or is this going to be one they run right to the race weekend - I know that's not ideal of course.

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

Is there any paddock gossip about if we will have the 4th WSR car out tomorrow or not? Or is this going to be one they run right to the race weekend - I know that's not ideal of course.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they loaned or sold it to someone else

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

People intent on going to Brands that weekend will just have to allow extra travelling time so as to arrive in time.

Last closure was in March. I suspect there would be generally less traffic on the road that time of year. People will be more likely to be out for the day/weekend in May when it's a bit warmer.

To be clear, I wasn't suggesting the round should be cancelled/rescheduled, just making sure people are aware of the situation and to plan accordingly.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by Greem

Tomorrow *might* be a little warmer and less blowy, but it's still forecast to rain on and off all day. Very definitely "April showers"!

Yes, looks like it, having checked the forecast. Will be taking my wet weather gear just in case. Maybe a while in the grandstand by pits might be a better option.

[Craner Curves]

Josh Cook has won the best crash helmet award again.

[redshoes]

https://www.restartracing.co.uk/news...-breaks-cover/
Restart Racing livery, one car mostly black the other mostly white

hmm.. not awful but not the best I've seen

[MarcusH26]

I like the Sumpton livery, the Smiley one being black and red just reminds me of Hard.

[Craner Curves]

I don't mind either of them. Particularly like the red rear on the Smiley car.

[ScottS]

A nice video here from the Croft test. It even captures Hill's incident.

https://youtu.be/pt7bFr8MqgM

[Evantra]

No Hard Cupra out on the tracking shots, apparently it’s in the garage still needing work.

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by Evantra

No Hard Cupra out on the tracking shots, apparently it’s in the garage still needing work.

It was pushed out onto the grid and then pushed back into the garage, looks like it needs a lot of parts. I doubt they'll get it running today. No sponsors on it except Bartercard, Autobrite are on Daryl's suit but they've pulled out.

[BtccLee]

Do we have an official entry list as of yet? From what I can see, no Bobby T along with no HARD on track.

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by BtccLee

Do we have an official entry list as of yet? From what I can see, no Bobby T along with no HARD on track.

All looks to be as expected, no 4th BMW and only 1 HARD car which isn't running.

[MarcusH26]

https://btcc.net/2024/04/16/top-quality-line-up-confirmed-for-2024-btcc/

Season preview has " A Third WSR entry could still be confirmed"