BTCC BTCC 2020 season discussion, News and Rumours! - Page 268

VXDave · 7 Jul 2020, 07:12 (Ref:3986397)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racing Harz

No PMR!
https://powermaxedracing.com/blogs/n...-btcc-campaign

Easy to say in hindsight, but there was a distinct lack of sponsorship on the cars at Media Day. Sad to see a 'works' team withdraw for sure, but looks like they aim to retain Plato and the Astras for 2021.

thetool · 7 Jul 2020, 07:14 (Ref:3986398)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racing Harz

No PMR!
https://powermaxedracing.com/blogs/n...-btcc-campaign

One of the entries people have been alluding to for a while as being in trouble. Among the strongest driver line-ups on the grid, a big loss.

**touringlegend** · 7 Jul 2020, 07:15 (Ref:3986399)

Plato did state on Mike Brewers Facebook live he thought it’d have been better rolling everything over to 2021, guess he’s got his wish.

I wonder who the guest drivers may be. The ones with deepest pockets ?

redshoes · 7 Jul 2020, 07:17 (Ref:3986400)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racing Harz

No PMR!
https://powermaxedracing.com/blogs/n...-btcc-campaign

Still possibly running one car at selected rounds for guest drivers.

If anyone was in any doubt about relaxing the TBL rules this year, I think that answers that question.

VIVA GT · 7 Jul 2020, 07:19 (Ref:3986401)

I think that PMR rely on having a lot of hospitality guests in return for some of their sponsorship income. With the 'racing behind closed doors' and 'limited numbers in the paddock' this year they're obviously not going to be able to provide that. (I am sure that all of the other teams will also be affected by this, but maybe no to such a great degree?)

RS67 · 7 Jul 2020, 07:22 (Ref:3986403)

Quote:

Originally Posted by redshoes

Still possibly running one car at selected rounds for guest drivers.

If anyone was in any doubt about relaxing the TBL rules this year, I think that answers that question.

Alan Gow has already said he would allow 2 driver changes per car. With 2 cars that is effectively 4 drivers that can have a go at PMR.

thetool · 7 Jul 2020, 07:25 (Ref:3986406)

Quote:

Originally Posted by redshoes

Still possibly running one car at selected rounds for guest drivers.

If anyone was in any doubt about relaxing the TBL rules this year, I think that answers that question.

Existing sponsors not interested in what can be offered under the current BTCC weekend format. Cars available if someone comes along with a sufficiently large cheque. Probably unlikely as there's better options available.

BobJones · 7 Jul 2020, 07:25 (Ref:3986407)

The Mat Jackson return is off

**touringlegend** · 7 Jul 2020, 07:27 (Ref:3986408)

https://www.autosport.com/btcc/news/...-with-vauxhall

Is it the way I’m reading this article or does it suggest Plato May still be on the grid. Using phrases such as ‘for now’

thetool · 7 Jul 2020, 07:28 (Ref:3986409)

Quote:

Originally Posted by touringlegend

Is it the way I’m reading this article or does it suggest Plato May still be on the grid. Using phrases such as ‘for now’

"But for now" as opposed to 2021 which the article discusses in the previous paragraph.

redshoes · 7 Jul 2020, 07:34 (Ref:3986413)

Quote:

Originally Posted by RS67

Alan Gow has already said he would allow 2 driver changes per car. With 2 cars that is effectively 4 drivers that can have a go at PMR.

They aren't running 2 cars, so the '4 drivers' doesn't apply. It's one car at selected races, not even at every race, which is what TBL rules would normally required. Not withstanding that normal rules don't allow you to skip a year and retain the TBLs anyhow.

Just to be clear, I'm not saying that strict TBL rules should apply, I'm just point out for those that didn't believe it that TOCA have sensibly taken a very relaxed approach this year.

Mike Harte · 7 Jul 2020, 07:48 (Ref:3986419)

Quote:

Originally Posted by touringlegend

https://www.autosport.com/btcc/news/...-with-vauxhall

Is it the way I’m reading this article or does it suggest Plato May still be on the grid. Using phrases such as ‘for now’

I read it that Plato has been released from his obligations to PMR and it's backers/sponsors for the 2020 season, and as such he is free to seek an alternative seat elsewhere if he so chooses.

I could be wrong in my interpretation, though.

porsche962fan · 7 Jul 2020, 08:00 (Ref:3986424)

a Plato free season , wonderful

Matt K · 7 Jul 2020, 08:25 (Ref:3986428)

Shame for PMR, sad to see them go, however, I believe they will indeed be back in 2021 stronger than ever. Reading the story on BTCC website I got the impression Plato is almost certain to return with them in 21 but this is less certain for Jackson.

Quote:

With Jason Plato already confirmed to be in next season’s line up, and with Mat Jackson having first option to continue, the team is in a great place moving forward.

He'll have 'first option' but will he be willing to? Will he have sponsorship in place? That's another question.

Nevertheless, I'm quite interested in who these 'guest drivers' will be.
And will it be the first BTCC season without Plato since 2003?

Steel Wheels · 7 Jul 2020, 08:36 (Ref:3986430)

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

a Plato free season , wonderful

Nah he’ll be on the phone to Dick Bennett’s.

S griffin · 7 Jul 2020, 08:36 (Ref:3986431)

Massive shame to lose a works team like that. Would be good to see them running at a few rounds, but understandably their focus will now be on for getting back in 2021

Shame for Plato, but I'm more gutted for MJ, I had been really looking forward to his return and he only has an option with the team for 2021. If only he takes AJ's empty seat...

crmalcolm · 7 Jul 2020, 09:24 (Ref:3986438)

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

a Plato free season , wonderful

I know BTCC fans can be in the 'boo, hiss' pantomime crowd more than many other series, but I'm still amazed when we get such negative comments regarding one of the drivers.

Having drivers who you are not supporters of is part and parcel of Motorsport, but are you really happy that he (potentially) won't be competing this season in the circumstances outlined?

What about the rest of the team, and everyone associated with PMR who also will not be a full part of the season? All of the fans of the team, brand, and team mate who will not get to see their favourites on track?

Surely, a fan of Motorsport would rather seen on track rivalry and competition than have gaps on the grid, regardless of their support to a particular entrant? As someone who dislikes Plato, would you not prefer to see him getting beaten on the track, than to not be taking part at all?

From a personal perspective, the three drivers who we have already heard about regarding their withdrawal are probably my three least favoured drivers currently involved with BTCC. But I will still feel that I am missing out by not seeing them take part. I'll cheer any driver who overtakes JP, AJ or MJ on the track - but I take no pleasure in seeing them not take part.

S griffin · 7 Jul 2020, 09:38 (Ref:3986439)

We have seen from the past few seasons that Plato is not bigger than the series. The series has got enough top quality drivers to keep it going. But it is a massive shame we’ve lost two competitive seats for this season, that’s more the problem. Had someone just simply replaced Plato, that would have been easier to take.

porsche962fan · 7 Jul 2020, 09:58 (Ref:3986443)

Quote:

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

I know BTCC fans can be in the 'boo, hiss' pantomime crowd more than many other series, but I'm still amazed when we get such negative comments regarding one of the drivers.

you sure spend a lot of time defending drivers , is it some habbit of yours ?

you also regret Simpson too ? a driver very prone to cause safety cars and very likely a lot of the other drivers are glad he is gone

Steel Wheels · 7 Jul 2020, 09:59 (Ref:3986444)

Quote:

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

I know BTCC fans can be in the 'boo, hiss' pantomime crowd more than many other series, but I'm still amazed when we get such negative comments regarding one of the drivers.

Having drivers who you are not supporters of is part and parcel of Motorsport, but are you really happy that he (potentially) won't be competing this season in the circumstances outlined?

What about the rest of the team, and everyone associated with PMR who also will not be a full part of the season? All of the fans of the team, brand, and team mate who will not get to see their favourites on track?

Surely, a fan of Motorsport would rather seen on track rivalry and competition than have gaps on the grid, regardless of their support to a particular entrant? As someone who dislikes Plato, would you not prefer to see him getting beaten on the track, than to not be taking part at all?

From a personal perspective, the three drivers who we have already heard about regarding their withdrawal are probably my three least favoured drivers currently involved with BTCC. But I will still feel that I am missing out by not seeing them take part. I'll cheer any driver who overtakes JP, AJ or MJ on the track - but I take no pleasure in seeing them not take part.

Well said that man.

crmalcolm · 7 Jul 2020, 10:06 (Ref:3986445)

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

you sure spend a lot of time defending drivers ,

If you read what I wrote - I'm not defending any driver, I'm defending the spirit of sporting competition.

RS67 · 7 Jul 2020, 10:33 (Ref:3986448)

Quote:

Originally Posted by redshoes

They aren't running 2 cars, so the '4 drivers' doesn't apply. It's one car at selected races, not even at every race, which is what TBL rules would normally required. Not withstanding that normal rules don't allow you to skip a year and retain the TBLs anyhow.

Just to be clear, I'm not saying that strict TBL rules should apply, I'm just point out for those that didn't believe it that TOCA have sensibly taken a very relaxed approach this year.

My point is they have the option to use both cars. If they were to exhaust their two driver changes on one car and another 2 drivers come along also wanting to race at some meetings, they have the opportunity of using the second car instead as the first car will have used up it's quota of driver changes.

crmalcolm · 7 Jul 2020, 10:39 (Ref:3986450)

Quote:

Originally Posted by RS67

My point is they have the option to use both cars. If they were to exhaust their two driver changes on one car and another 2 drivers come along also wanting to race at some meetings, they have the opportunity of using the second car instead as the first car will have used up it's quota of driver changes.

That's assuming the limit on driver changes is being enforced this season.
We've already had confirmation that other TBL requirements are not being enforced, so why would that element?

Alfisti · 7 Jul 2020, 10:42 (Ref:3986452)

Wow.

I don't believe this is the last big name either.

Genuinely don't believe Jason will be in another ride but fingers crossed he is. Love him or not, he adds massively to the sport.

S griffin · 7 Jul 2020, 10:44 (Ref:3986453)

I just think it’s not going to be worth it if he has another season like 2018. That really doesn’t add to the series

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