BTCC // AUDI NAME WILL RETURN TO TOURING CAR RACING IN 2011

Rob Austin Racing has announced plans to enter a pair of Audi A4's in next season's Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. The former F3 racer has confirmed that the two cars will be built to NGTC (Next Generation Touring Car) regulations and that a deposit has been lodged for two NGTC kits.

GPR Motorsport the company that has been commissioned by series organisers TOCA to carry out the design, validation, prototype manufacture and testing programme for the new NGTC subframe/suspension will be responsible in conjunction with the team for the build process... [read more]

Austin who for the last 5 years has moved on from a successful racing career to running his own team commented "This is a great step for us and a fantastic challenge. We are convinced that the NGTC concept is going to make the BTCC even more competitive and exciting and that the Audi will be a race winner.”

The last time the Audi name was represented in the BTCC was back in 1998. Two years before, the legendary German manufacturer had captured the title on its series debut with full factory backing running the somewhat controversial at the time four wheel drive A4. Indeed 1996 saw title winner Frank Biela totally dominate the season - which naturally at the time raised questions over permitting a 4WD car to enter the series.

Pictured above is an artists impression that has been released. However it should be noted that this is based on an Audi RS4 which has raced in the Italian run "SuperStars International Series".

The Pershore based team hope to announce their driver line up for the two cars in January.

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: BTCC

NEWS // FORD UNVEILS FOCUS RACE CAR CONCEPT

During last weeks L.A. Auto Show, Ford unveiled a race ready version of their new economy coupe, the Focus Race Car Concept. Powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, the forthcoming Focus Race package will feature AST performance coil-over adjustable dampers, anthracite 18-inch wheels and Hoosier race tires. Additional upgrades will include sway bars from Ford Racing with adjustable end links and front brakes with 320-millimeter two-piece rotors and race pads. Open the doors and you’ll find a full FIA-certified roll cage, along with Recaro seats and six-point racing harnesses.

According to their press release, Ford has teamed up with a number of professional racing teams to develop its Focus Race The car's first appearance in competition will be at the 2011 British Touring Car Championship, but it will also race in the China Touring Car Championship and at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in Germany.

Follow the link for the official press release... [read more]

New Focus Race Car Concept: L.A. Auto Show debut for Ford's next global touring race car

* Focus race car concept by Ford Racing makes its global debut at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show
* Powered by a 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost™ turbo engine, the Focus race car concept is built to compete in global road and touring car racing
* All-new Focus, Ford's latest offering, will be raced by touring car teams globally, building on Ford's history in engineering race-ready platforms. First race appearance for the car is anticipated to be in the 2011 British Touring Car Championship
* Focus race car concept hints at future potential as Ford coordinates with and provides technical support to private race teams around the world to develop one common race car capable of winning major touring car categories

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is putting racing on the map at the
2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show with the debut of the Focus race car concept, demonstrating future potential for the all-new 2012 Ford Focus to compete in road and touring car championships with teams around the world.

The Focus race car concept is a dramatic example of Ford's global approach to product development and builds on the company's comprehensive approach to leveraging its global product platforms.

This race car concept, powered by the sophisticated 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost I-4 engine, is the first to benefit from a collaborative effort between Ford and race teams around the world that have already built and raced successful Focus race cars. The Focus race car concept has been based around rules governing circuit racing in the United States and beyond.

"This teamwork has resulted in a global racing platform using a common Focus body and a safety cage built to FIA regulations – a competitive platform that can be tailored for regional competition, based on different rules," said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. "By leveraging our collective experience and Ford technology worldwide, this approach parallels our global dedication to the Focus production car and specifically its exciting performance derivative, the new Focus ST, to deliver a competitive race car that can be campaigned around the world."

Using the all-new Focus as its base, the Focus race car concept features AST performance coil-over adjustable dampers, Ford Racing upgraded sway bars with adjustable end links and front brakes with 320-millimeter two-piece rotors and race pads. The Anthracite 18-inch wheels and Hoosier race tires put the finishing touches on the exterior.

In addition to the FIA Super 2000 regulations roll cage, interior components include a Recaro® racing seat, AIM MXL Pista data system and AIM SmartyCam. Ford Racing fire suppression system and Ford Racing six-point safety harness round out the modifications that bring the car from street-spec to race-ready.

"There has been tremendous interest from the racing world in the new Focus, and it's the perfect fit for a global touring car," said Capito. "Even more, by working with professional private race teams, we're ensuring Focus has the support it needs to compete and win around the world."

Benefits will stretch beyond the track

Professional private race teams are partnering with Ford to develop common technical specifications for the race car, which will conform to FIA Super 2000 regulations with potential to adopt to other regulations.

The teams are being brought together by Ford to harness their strengths and define roles for the development of the race car. Ford will also support the race teams by providing data, advanced engineering tools, state-of-the-art testing facilities and production parts, resulting in teams racing more competitive cars that are developed with greater efficiency.

"Ford's commitment to using motorsports to influence high-performance vehicles will be highly evident, as the development of the Focus touring car will also provide valuable input as we develop the upcoming Focus ST production car," said Capito. "It's very similar to how the Mustang team was able to apply learnings from the Ford Racing Boss 302R to the 2012 Mustang Boss 302."

The first race appearance for the Focus is targeted for the 2011 British Touring Car Championship. Globally, the race car has the potential to run in many national and regional championships, such as the China Touring Car Championship and 24-hour endurance races like the classic Nürburgring in Germany.

Images and Info: Autoblog
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

BTCC // WRATHALL TO MAKE SERIES DEBUT IN 2011

Current Ginetta G50 champion, Frank Wrathall, has announced that he will move up to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car series in 2011. A New Generation Touring Car spec Toyota Avensis will be the choice of car for Wrathall who will continue his relationship with the Dynojet team which took him to the G50 title in 2010... [read more]

Preston based Wrathall said “It’s a major step up for our family-run team and myself but the BTCC is the big time and we feel, particularly with the benefits of the new NGTC regulations, that the timing is right. I enjoyed a terrific run in 2010 with the Ginetta G50 title but moving to a front-wheel-drive touring car in a championship that has millions of fans worldwide and is famed for its door-to-door action is going to require a different approach on and off the track.”

The team expects to take delivery of the car in February 2011 with testing scheduled for early March.

Photo/Editorial: Neil Tozer

BTCC // GINETTA JUNIOR CHAMP TESTS VAUXHALL VECTRA

Current Ginetta Junior champion Tom Ingram got to fulfill a dream today (Nov 2nd) as he sampled the performance of a current specification BTCC Vauxhall Vectra at Silverstone. The 17 year old who clinched the UK's Ginetta Junior Championship title back at Brands Hatch in early October sampled the most powerful race car he has yet to drive as an award for his 2010 title success... [read more]

Ingram, who claimed the G40 sportscar title with 5 wins to his name during the season got to experience his first taste of Touring Car machinery aboard the Pirtek Racing Vectra with which Andrew Jordan scored two race victories in this years Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

The former karter commented "It’s just a massive opportunity, absolutely fantastic, and I have to thank both Pirtek and Ginetta for it. I think I am one of the youngest drivers ever to test a touring car at only 17 – and that will be great publicity for me in helping to get my name out there more.

“The fact that Pirtek are prepared to let me out in their car demonstrates a level of trust and confidence in me, which is always nice to see. It really is a dream come true.

Ingram completed around 100 laps of the "National" circuit ending the day with a best lap time in the 61 second bracket, which notably would have placed him 16th on the grid when the series visited the Northamptonshire venue back in August.

After completing his day Ingram enthused to official BTCC website btcc.net "It’s just been a brilliant experience.” Coming out of Juniors into one of these is just a bit different! The size of the car, the slick tyres, front-wheel-drive, the sequential gearbox… and the power – coming out of the corners there’s this whoosh of power and it just keeps pulling and pulling. It’s all a bit of a shock. Everything about it. It’s a touring car. It’s fantastic".

Having battled with the all too frequent budgetary concerns already during his fledgling career Ingram went on to say "“I’d like a shot at touring cars. I’d feel up for it if someone came along with the budget for 2011!

“This has been a fantastic prize that Ginetta has put up, so again a massive thanks to Eurotech and Pirtek for putting so much effort into today and letting me out in their car.”

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: BTCC via Jakob Ebrey

NEWS // PLATO SECURES 2010 BTCC TITLE

Jason Plato secured his second British Touring Car title at the weekend after a totally dominant performance at Brands Hatch. Plato led both the first two races of the day from start to finish to claim the prestigious crown in front of a record crowd of 42,000 at the Kent venue... [read more]

The RML driver, who last took the title back in 2001 enthused “The BTCC is one of the very best championships in the world so to win it is a very magical feeling. Everyone in my team, Chevrolet and RML who prepare the car, are the best in the business and also a great family of people so it’s a very joyous experience winning it for them.”

Plato celebrated as he reached the pitlane by climbing on top of his Chevrolet Cruze to the delight of his watching family and the Silverline Chevrolet squad.

The experienced 42 year old from Oxford, who began his career aided by his father Tim in Junior Karting has now joined the legendary all time Touring Car great Andy Rouse on sixty BTCC race victories.

Plato reflected further on his second title commenting " “When I first started in the BTCC in 1997 with the Renault team I knew we had a fantastic car and it duly won the championship that year. Mid-way through this season when we unlocked all the secrets of the Chevrolet Cruze I got that same feeling again. It has been a phenomenal car to race but, like I say, that’s very much down to the people at Chevrolet and RML. Personally, I am of course delighted. I've been runner-up three times in the last four years so to finally get that second crown probably means I won't be such a pain in the backside to live with now!"

Editorial/Photos: Neil Tozer

BTCC // PLATO CLAIMS POLE @ BRANDS HATCH

In a titanic qualifying battle at Brands Hatch Jason Plato out paced his championship rivals to take pole position for Sundays first race of the 2010 series finale. Despite carrying 45kg of (championship success) ballast, Plato edged out the two Team Honda Civics of Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden with only 0.144 of a second covering all three title aspirants... [read more]

Plato who gains an extra championship point for the pole commented “My first pole of the season – I couldn’t have timed it better! It’s been a fantastic qualifying – not just the session but the way everyone has prepared for it and gone about today. We were fastest in both practice sessions this morning and gain now. To do that with maximum ballast in the car is very pleasing.”

The other driver of the four still in with a chance of claiming the prestigious title Tom Onslow-Cole didn't fair so well and will line up in tenth spot on the grid after a frustrating session which saw the youngster from New Malden fail to replicate his free practice pace after going the wrong way with the Focus's set-up.

Ben Collins (aka "The Stig") had a nightmare day in the third Airwaves BMW with the former sportscar driver failing to set a time in qualifying after a electrical fault with the 320si's ECU caused gearbox cooling pump failure.



Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Brands Hatch Saturday 9th October 2010.

Qualifying Results:

1. Jason Plato Silverline Chevrolet Cruze 48.647secs

2. Matt Neal Team Honda Honda Civic 48.780secs

3. Gordon Shedden Team Honda Honda Civic 48.791secs

4. Alex MacDowall Silverline Chevrolet Cruze 48.830secs

5. Tom Chilton Team Aon Ford Focus ST 48.871secs

6. Mat Jackson Airwaves BMW 320si 48.885secs

7. James Nash Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra 48.902secs

8. Sam Tordoff Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra 48.947secs

9. Paul O'Neill sunshine.co.uk Honda Integra 49.100secs

10. Tom Onslow-Cole Team Aon Ford Focus ST 49.110secs

11. Andrew Jordan Pirtek Racing Vauxhall Vectra 49.171secs

12. Tom Boardman Special Tuning (UK) SEAT Leon 49.173secs

13. Robert Collard West Surrey Racing BMW 320si 49.190secs

14. Steven Kane Airwaves BMW BMW 320si 49.249secs

15. Andy Neate West Surrey Racing BMW 320si 49.540secs

16. Arthur Forster Forster Motorsport BMW 320si 49.788secs

17. Lea Wood Central Group Racing Honda Integra 49.841secs

18. Martin Depper Forster Motorsport BMW 320si 49.960secs

19. Martin Johnson Boulevard Team Racing Vauxhall Astra 50.010secs

20. John George sunshine.co.uk Honda Integra 50.116secs

21. Shaun Hollamby AmDMilltekRacing.com Volkswagen Golf 50.129secs

22. Ben Collins Airwaves BMW BMW 320si No time

23. James Kaye WRC Developments with Barwell Honda Integra No time

24. Dave Pinkney Pinkney Motorsport Vauxhall Vectra Withdrawn


Editorial/Photo: Neil Tozer

BTCC // BATTLE OF BRITAIN @ BRANDS HATCH

This weekend (9th/10th October) sees Britain's most popular race car series come to the boil with the final rounds of the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

The short Brands Hatch Indy circuit plays host to the last chapter of yet another extremely competitive season with four drivers still in the hunt for the 2010 title... [read more]

After thrilling the crowds around the UK since round one at Thruxton back in April the BTCC has yet again consistently provided arguably the closest racing in the country and with four drivers and 3 very different types of racecar set to do battle in 3 races around the natural amphitheatre of the Kent circuit the 52nd season of the BTCC looks set to end in fine style.

Current championship leader Jason Plato (RML Chevrolet Cruze) leads the standings but just 24 points separate all four title contenders. With 52 points in total up for grabs at Brands all four drivers will still be in contention starting race two whatever the race one result.


BTCC Drivers’ Points (After 9 of 10 Rounds):

1. Jason Plato, 224
2. Matt Neal, 207
3. Gordon Shedden, 203
4. Tom Onslow-Cole, 200
5. Tom Chilton, 171
6. Steven Kane, 152
7. Mat Jackson, 143
8. Robert Collard, 122
9. Paul O’Neill, 117
10. Andrew Jordan, 79

"The Title Favourite"
Jason Plato
RML Silverline Chevrolet Cruze.

Lives: Oxford, UK.
Date Of Birth: 14/10/67
BTCC Starts: 333
Previous Best BTCC Championship Position: CHAMPION (2001)
2010 Results: 5 Wins

Plato started the year as "Title Favourite" although the season began with rather modest results. Along with the ultra experienced RML team gradually developed the Cruze (New this year to the BTCC) to suit the all new Dunlop tyres coming on strong in the second half of the season despite ballast. Showed true champions form at last round (Donington Park) with fighting drives in races two and three after race one shunt. Love him or hate him he is one of the BTCC's biggest crowd pullers. Often criticised for forceful driving style which seems to have been tempered down somewhat this season. Famously collected all three race wins at Brands Hatch series finale 2009.

He Says:

"I’m happy with a 17-point lead because I’d rather have a handy cushion than be going to Brands Hatch playing catch-up. We just need to make sure we have done our homework leaveing no stone unturned and make absolutely sure we take nothing for granted.”


"Mr Experience"
Matt Neal,
Honda Racing Team Dynamics Honda Civic

Lives: Shenstone, UK
Date Of Birth: 20/12/66
BTCC Starts: 432
Previous Best BTCC Championship Position CHAMPION (2005/2006)
2010 Results: 5 Wins
Neal is the most experienced man in this years field having started over 400 BTCC races. Champion with Team Dynamics back in 2005 and 2006 the 43yr old will be out to make it a hatrick of titles. The Honda Civic has suffered aerodynamically this season on the faster tracks with it being a hatchback but it is renowned for its handling around the tighter circuits. Always outspoken with an aggressive style the double champion has been matched for pace this season by team mate Gordon Shedden. With both Neal and Shedden in title contention this arguably could well hinder either of them catching Plato.


He Says:

“Jason holds all the aces but he’ll have two Hondas to worry about – there are no team orders between Gordon and I and we’ll be coming at Jason from all directions. But he’s been there before and so have I so we both know the score. The Honda’s big strength is its handling and Brands Indy is a twisty circuit so it’s game on.”

"The Scott"
Gordon Shedden
Honda Racing Team Dynamics Honda Civic

Lives: Fife,UK
Date Of Birth: 15/02/79
BTCC Starts: 132
Previous Best BTCC Championship Position: 3rd (2006)
2010 Results: 5 Wins

Scotsman Gordon Shedden has matched the pace of more experienced team-mate Matt Neal this year and goes into the title finale just 4 points behind his team-mate. Questions will be asked over how the amiable 31yr old will handle the intense pressure should he still be in contention come the final race of the day. Showed signs of feeling the heat at Silverstone with a forceful post race discussion with Rob Collard after an on track incident in race three.


He Says:

“It’s all to play for and Jason will have two Hondas to worry about. Then again, I think all three cars, the Chevrolet, the Honda and the Ford will be very evenly-matched at Brands. I’m relaxed about it, I’ve nothing to lose so it’ll be maximum attack. My mindset is that I have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"Saturday’s qualifying session could really have an affect on what happens in the three races on Sunday – Brands Indy is a short lap and it’ll only take a tenth of a second to make the difference between starting on the front row and row five. Bear in mind Jason in particular will have a lot of success ballast in that Chevrolet. That could be those vital fractions of a second…”


"The Underdog"
Tom Onslow-Cole
Team Aon Ford Focus ST

Lives: New Malden,UK
Date Of Birth: 16/05/87
BTCC Starts: 99
Previous Best BTCC Championship Position: 6th (2008)
2010 Results: 4 Wins

After having spent the winter working with Mountune on the all new LPG powered Ford Duratec engine Team Aon's decision to run the unit triggered controversy during the early races of the season as rival teams raised questions over the top speed of the turbo powerplant. Restrictions were imposed by series organisers TOCA curbing the Ford's advantage but the car remains a force to be reckoned with due to its extra torque. Onslow-Cole, who is by far the youngest of the title contenders has shown awesome pace this season in seeing off more experienced team-mate Tom-Chilton. Questionable and bizarre in-house team tactics cost Tom two victories at Silverstone which may well make the title realistically just too far out of reach.

He Says:

“I’m the absolute outsider so have no other option but to go for it. We had some strong results with the Focus on the Brands GP circuit earlier this year but the Indy circuit is a very different animal. I’m in a situation where I need to take the risks and stick my nose in a bit. I’ve not knocked people about this year whereas maybe the others have got involved in a few tangles, so hopefully I’ve got a few more friends out there on the track.

“I think I can play with these guys and take it to them. But above all, it’s just fantastic to be coming into the final round in with a shout of what is one of motor sport’s most coveted titles.”

For Tickets and Timetable click here

Photos: BTCC and Neil Tozer
Editorial: Neil Tozer

BTCC // BEN COLLINS TO RACE IN SERIES FINALE

Former F3 and GT racer Ben Collins is set to make his BTCC debut at Brands Hatch in 10 days time lining up on the grid in a third Team Airwaves BMW 320si. Collins, who has had a motorsport career spanning 15 years, is better known recently for his TV exploits, having been last month officially exposed as "The Stig" from the BBC's hugely popular "Top Gear" motoring show... [read more]

The 36 year old will join Dave Bartrum's squad aiming to assist the Wrotham based team in its bid to secure the "Independents" drivers title. Both regular drivers Stephen Kane and Mat Jackson are still in the running with just the final three races of 2010 at Brands to run.

"It's fantastic news to be confirmed in the Airwaves BMW line-up and I'm looking forward to my first outing in the BTCC which should be an action-packed finale for Britain’s premier racing series," said Collins. " I had a test with Motorbase Performance last year in the BMW and they are clearly a highly professional and highly motivated team which I'm really keen to work with.”

The final round of the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship takes place at Brands Hatch (Indy Circuit) on 9th/10th October.

Photo/Editorial: Neil Tozer

BTCC // SHEDDEN, ONSLOW-COLE & NEAL WIN @ DONINGTON

Yet again the fight for the British Touring Car title will go right down to the last meeting of the year after a day of drama at Donnington Park. Race wins for Gordon Shedden, Tom Onslow-Cole and Matt Neal mean all three along with championship leader Jason Plato can still take the title at the season Finale in 3 weeks time around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit... [read more]

Taking a 20 point lead into the 3 races at Donnington Chevrolet's Jason Plato recovered from a race ending shunt in the first encounter of day to maintain his advantage at the top of the standings with two third place finishes in races two and three. Indeed the 2001 champion was in masterful form as he produced a stunning drive through the field in race two from the back of the grid.

For Team Honda driver Matt Neal Donnington could have seen him reduce his points deficit to Plato more substantially after the Chevrolet driver's race one retirement, but the former double champion was penalised for a jump start in race two dropping him down the order. Despite the penalty the hugely experienced Neal made amends in the final race of the day with a win and now goes to Brands some 17 points behind his old adversary.

Scotsman Gordon Shedden who took victory in the first race of the day is now also in with a chance of taking what would be his maiden touring car title and now lies just 4 points behind his team mate Neal. Sheddon won a chaotic opening race of the day after a hugely entertaining battle with the LPG Ford's of Tom Chilton and Tom Onslow-Cole before recordinga second place finish in race two.

The other driver still in the championship hunt and by far the youngest is 23yr old Tom Onslow-Cole who won race two in fine style after sustaining damage in race one when he was caught up in the incident at the newly reprofiled Goddard’s chicane that ended Plato's race.

RML Chevrolet driver Jason Plato (above) gave great credit to his Silverline team after the drama of race one and remains quietly confident for the title decider "“After race one it wasn’t looking too rosy but my team worked miracles to repair the car in such a short timeframe and third place in race two was all down to them. I knew this would be a great circuit for the Cruze and while I’m happy with a 17-point lead it should have been 25 or so. But I’d rather have a handy cushion than be going to Brands Hatch playing catch-up. We just need to do our homework between now and then, leave no stone unturned and take nothing for granted.”

The four way battle for the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car title will be decided around the natural amphitheatre of the Brands Hatch Indy circuit over the weekend of 9th/10th October.

BTCC Drivers’ Points after Donington Park (round 9 of 10):

1. Jason Plato, 224
2. Matt Neal, 207
3. Gordon Shedden, 203
4. Tom Onslow-Cole, 200
5. Tom Chilton, 171
6. Steven Kane, 152
7. Mat Jackson, 143
8. Robert Collard, 122
9. Paul O’Neill, 117
10. Andrew Jordan, 79

Manufacturers’ Points:

1. Honda, 500
2. Chevrolet, 410

HiQ Teams’ Points:

1. Honda Racing Team, 387
2. Team Aon, 346
3. Airwaves BMW, 293
4. Silverline Chevrolet, 282
5. WSR, 124
5. Sunshine.co.uk, 116

Independent Drivers’ Points:

1. Tom Onslow-Cole, 241
2. Steven Kane, 223
3. Tom Chilton, 219
4. Mat Jackson, 206
5. Paul O’Neill, 178
6. Robert Collard, 166

Independent Teams’ Points:

1. Team Aon, 312
2. Airwaves BMW, 287
3. Sunshine.co.uk, 217
4. WSR, 214
5. Uniq Racing with 888, 171
6. Pirtek Racing, 154

*All points remain provisional

Editorial/Photos: Neil Tozer

BTCC // FORD TAKES FRONT ROW @ DONINGTON

Team Aon produced a dominant qualifying performance at Donington Park to lock out the front row of the grid for Sundays 1st race of the penultimate round of the 2010 season. Tom Chilton recorded a best lap of 1min 11.328 seconds to end the session just ahead of Ford team-mate Tom Onslow-Cole as the series makes a welcome return to the Leicestershire circuit following the historic venue's near demise... [read more]

Behind the two Arena motorsport LPG Fords on the second row will be Team Honda's Gordon Shedden and the Chevrolet Cruze of championship leader Jason Plato. Plato who had been quickest in the first free practice session completed qualifying with the maximum 45kg of championship ballast which makes his second row start even more impressive.

The slowest of the runners who can still take this years crown was Matt Neal in the second Honda Civic with the former double BTCC champion setting a time good enough for the inside of row three just under three tenths away from Chilton's pole lap.

Quickest rear wheel drive car was the WSR BMW of Rob Collard who will line up in eighth place of the grid. Collard's team-mate at WSR Andy Neate caused the half hour session to be briefly halted after he lost control of his BMW and became beached in the gravel at Redgate.

Team Airwaves BMW driver Stephen Kane was forced to sit out the session completely after mechanical problems with his BMW 320si.

Unfortunately taking no further part in the weekend was Martin Depper after his Forster Motorsport BMW suffered engine problems during the 1st free practice session.



Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship 2010

Qualifying Results Donington Park Saturday 18th September:

1. Tom Chilton Team Aon Ford Focus ST 1min 11.328secs
2. Tom Onslow-Cole Team Aon Ford Focus ST 1min 11.409secs
3. Gordon Shedden Team Honda Honda Civic 1min 11.448secs
4. Jason Plato Silverline Chevrolet Chevrolet Cruze 1min 11.542secs
5. Matt Neal Team Honda Honda Civic 1min 11.604secs
6. Andrew Jordan Pirtek Racing Vauxhall Vectra 1min 11.717secs
7. Paul O'Neill sunshine.co.uk Honda Integra 1min 11.822secs
8. Robert Collard West Surrey Racing BMW 320si 1min 11.834secs
9. Tom Boardman Special Tuning (UK) SEAT Leon 1min 11.916secs
10. Alex MacDowall Silverline Chevrolet Chevrolet Cruze 1min 11.919secs
11. Mat Jackson Airwaves BMW BMW 320si 1min 12.010secs
12. James Nash Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra 1min 12.298secs
13. James Kaye WRC Developments with Barwell Honda Integra 1min 13.100secs
14. Andy Neate West Surrey Racing BMW 320si 1min 13.221secs
15. Lea Wood Central Group Racing Honda Integra 1min 13.287secs
16. John George sunshine.co.uk Honda Integra 1min 13.456secs
17. Martin Johnson Boulevard Team Racing Vauxhall Astra 1min 13.900secs
18. Dave Pinkney Pinkney Motorsport Vauxhall Vectra 1min 13.927secs
19. Shaun Hollamby AmdMilltekRacing.com Volkswagen Golf 1min 14.208secs
20. Arthur Forster Forster Motorsport BMW 320si 1min 15.140secs
21. Steven Kane Airwaves BMW BMW 320si No time
22. Martin Depper Forster Motorsport BMW 320si Withdrawn

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photos: BTCC

BTCC // NGTC THE SHAPE OF THE FUTURE

Advanced artist’s impressions of the British Touring Car Championship’s new ‘Next Generation Touring Car’ prototype have been released. The development car, being built by GPR Motorsport in Buckingham and based on the Toyota Avensis, will soon be testing ahead of its public track debut at the Dunlop-backed series’ Finals Day fixture at Brands Hatch (9-10 October). Former double BTCC Champion James Thompson has been designated as championship organiser TOCA’s official test and development driver... [read more]

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow commented: “These artist’s impressions, rendered from the actual vehicle currently being built, show what a great looking car the new regulations will produce. I’ve no doubt that a lot of people will be very impressed when they see the actual car at Brands Hatch.”

‘NGTC’ is the BTCC’s new formula of touring car that will be eligible to run in the series from next year. Although the Avensis – for which the base vehicle (pictured) was generously donated by Toyota UK – is TOCA’s own NGTC demonstration model, teams of course are free to choose the car/engine they wish to build and develop to the new regulations from 2011.

Images and Info: BTCC
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

BTCC // SERIES HEADS TO SCOTLAND

This weekend will see Britain’s most popular motor racing series head north of the English border into Scotland. The short but extremely challenging Knockhill circuit plays host once more to the touring car series as the title fight for the 2010 crown is set to become ever more intense. With the top 4 drivers separated at the top of the championship standings by just 33 points the 3 races around the tricky Scottish circuit are likely to be pivotal in the chase for tin top glory... [read more]

Current series leader Jason Plato who lost ground to the chasing pack last time out at Silverstone looks upon the Scottish circuit as one of the best places anywhere to get up close and personal with the current BTCC stars and machinery commenting, “Knockhill is probably the ultimate BTCC circuit. Consider what the BTCC is all about – close, competitive, bumper-to-bumper, rubbing panels, going for the big moves and putting on a show for the public. If you were to sit down and dream up a circuit for the BTCC then Knockhill is probably it."

“It’s a fantastic challenge for the drivers and a fantastic arena for people who love any sport to come and watch. The public can literally smell the action. A few other circuits around the UK allow the crowds to get as close in some areas but not all the way round like Knockhill. It retains a real ‘old school’ feel to it and unlike other circuits hasn’t been toned down.

“The atmosphere is also something else – the Knockhill crowd have a great sense of humour and plenty of opinions! But the BTCC at Knockhill is also one of those events that motor sport fans, wherever they’re from in the UK, need to tick off. It’s just a great excuse to jump in the car with three mates, drive up and make a big weekend of it.”

After their stunning performance at Silverstone where the Team Aon Ford's took all three race wins both Tom Onslow-Cole and Tom Chilton will be hoping for more of the same but may well find that the tighter nature of the Knockhill circuit could well negate the extra torque advantage of their LPG Turbo engines.

Chilton however points to other factors that he believes have given the Arena Motorsport prepared cars their recent pace, “I’m going to change the press after Silverstone", said Chilton, "I’m now praying for circuits with short straights. Our cars don’t have mega ‘top end’ performance anymore." The double race winner last time out went on to add "I don’t think Knockhill will be so bad. It’s a tight, twisty circuit and although the LPG technology means we’ve had extra weight to carry the progress we made with the chassis at Silverstone makes me feel quite confident. On top of that, giving us a smaller restrictor on the engine has actually improved the car’s engine braking.

“There are also several uphill sections out of corners at Knockhill and the torque we have in the engine should be good for us. But we might be at a disadvantage when we start using the kerbs which you have to at Knockhill. That gives you wheelspin and with our engine that starts sprawling the turbo up a bit for us so it might require a slightly different application on the throttle.

“I actually think out of the three circuits left that Donington will be the hardest circuit for us because it has got long straights.”

Team Honda driver and race instructor at the Scottish circuit Gordon Shedden believes this weekend's 3 races could go a long way in shaping the title fight for the last two meetings of 2010, "We’re at the stage where the championship fight starts to get a bit more dramatic, said Shedden, " After Knockhill we’ve only Donington Park and Brands Hatch to sort it all out, so this weekend is going to be very important to those still in the hunt. We’ve just got what are possibly our worst two circuits out of the way but are still in touch with the leaders and now comes Knockhill, which is a circuit that we believe will be much better for the Honda. It’s twisty and up and down – a bit like a rollercoaster ride but you don’t know if you’re ever going to reach the end. The Honda is fantastic on the brakes and cornering so hopefully it’s our kind of territory.”

Adult raceday tickets cost £27 whilst admission for children aged eight and under is free.

Tickets can be pre-ordered right up to Friday 3rd September at www.knockhill.com or by phone on 01383 723337

Editorial/Photo: Neil Tozer

BTCC // CLEAN SWEEP FOR TEAM AON @ SILVERSTONE

British Touring Car squad Team Aon completed a memorable day at Silverstone by taking all three race wins at the Northamptonshire circuit. Tom Chilton was victorious in the first two races of the day while team-mate Tom Onslow-Cole rounded the weekend off in fine style with victory in race three.

The LPG powered Focus's were somewhat dominant around Silverstone’s "National Circuit" all weekend, and even after having the size of their Turbo air restrictor and max boost further reduced by series organisers TOCA following qualifying no-one was able to match their pace around the short 1.64 mile circuit... [read more]

The double race victory for Tom Chilton was however somewhat controversial as twice the Littlehampton based team appeared to bizarrely order Onslow-Cole to move aside for Chilton even though the man from Poole trailed his team -mate in the championship standings.

However with his three podiums Onslow-Cole has now moved into second place in the standings behind Jason Plato, as the series heads on to Knockhill in Scotland in two weeks time. With only 14 points between them 23yr old Onslow-Cole is now in with a genuine title shout and commented "“To make so much ground in one day on Jason is amazing and to be up to second and to be not so far off the lead feels fantastic.Snetterton two weeks ago seemed to suit the Chevrolet, here it was the turn of our car so it could be Matt’s turn at Knockhill where everybody thinks the Civic will be strong. With just three rounds to go things are bound to start getting tense so it will be really important to take as many points as possible."

Championship leader Jason Plato started the day with a podium in race one before a fourth place finish in race two, however the Chevrolet Cruze driver tangled with his old adversary Matt Neal at the first corner in race three dropping him to the back of the field before the 2001 champion recovered to ninth place at the flag.

Stay tuned for a deeper look into precedings at Silverstone from CTD correspondent Calvin Chu.

Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Standings After Silverstone (Round 7 of 10)

Drivers' Points:
1. Jason Plato, 171
2. Tom Onslow-Cole, 157
3. Matt Neal, 148
4. Gordon Shedden, 138
5. Tom Chilton, 127
6. Steven Kane, 118
7. Mat Jackson, 112
8. Paul O’Neill, 104
9. Robert Collard, 101
10. Andrew Jordan, 64

Manufacturer/Constructor Points:
1. Arena/Ford, 390
2. Honda/Dynamics, 368
3. Chevrolet/RML, 317

HiQ Teams’ Points:
1. Honda Racing Team, 269
2. Team Aon, 265
3. Airwaves BMW, 228
4. Silverline Chevrolet, 206
5. Sunshine.co.uk, 104
6. WSR, 103

Independent Drivers’ Points:
1. Tom Onslow-Cole, 182
2. Steven Kane, 166
3. Mat Jackson, 153
4. Tom Chilton, 150
4. Paul O’Neill, 150
6. Robert Collard, 137

Independent Teams’ Points:
1. Team Aon, 230
2. Airwaves BMW, 214
3. Sunshine.co.uk, 174
4. WSR, 170
5. Uniq Racing with 888, 145
6. Pirtek Racing, 114

Photo/Editorial: Neil Tozer

BTCC // TEAM AON FORD DOMINATES SILVERSTONE QUALIFYING

The Team Aon Ford Focus's of Tom Onslow-Cole and Tom Chilton set a stunning pace in qualifying at Silverstone and will line up on the front row of the grid for the first race of tomorrow’s 7th round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Onslow-Cole edged out his team-mate to take his fourth career pole with a best of 59.659 recorded after just 7 minutes of the half hour session. The sister LPG powered car of Tom Chilton was the only other runner to break the minute barrier around Silverstone's short "National Circuit", finishing the session just over two tenths of a second behind Onslow-Cole. Both Focus's were inside the previous Silverstone BTCC qualifying record of Matt Jackson (1m 00.259), set last season... [read more]

The RML Chevrolet's of championship leader Jason Plato and Cumbrian youngster Alex MacDowall will occupy the second row of the grid with 19yr old MacDowall in third and the heavily laden (with 45kg success ballast) Cruze of Plato in fourth. Ominously for the normally aspirated Chevrolet's however was the fact that the AON Turbo Ford's had earlier shown consistently quicker race pace around the 1.64mile circuit which is believed to suit the extra torque generated by the LPG Cars.

Team Honda driver Matt Neal finished the session 5th, keeping the two time former champion in contention for another title with the Civic starting race one right behind the Chevrolet of Plato. The session wasn't so kind however for Neal's Honda team-mate Gordon Shedden with the Scotsman only just making it into the top ten.

Team Airwaves BMW driver Matt Jackson fell foul of the pit lane ride height check thus losing his times up to that point, dropping the 2008 BTCC runner-up down the field from 9th to 13th position.

Series returnee Phil Glew in the "Your Racing Car" Turbo Seat was forced to miss the half hour session after his Leon developed a driveshaft problem.

Also taking no part in afternoon qualifying was the Forster Motorsport BMW 320si of Martin Depper following an off at "Copse" during the second free practice session.

Raceday action at Silverstone gets underway at 9.30am on Sunday (22nd) with the three BTCC races taking place at 11.45,14.35 and 17.20.

Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Round 7

Silverstone, Qualifying Results:

1. Tom Onslow-Cole Team Aon Ford Focus ST 59.659secs
2. Tom Chilton Team Aon Ford Focus ST 59.881secs
3. Alex MacDowall Silverline Chevrolet Chevrolet Cruze 1min 00.354secs
4. Jason Plato Silverline Chevrolet Chevrolet Cruze 1min 00.491secs
5. Matt Neal Team Honda Honda Civic 1min 00.528secs
6. Andrew Jordan Pirtek Racing Vauxhall Vectra 1min 00.636secs
7. Paul O'Neill sunshine.co.uk Honda Integra 1min 00.661secs
8. Robert Collard West Surrey Racing BMW 320si 1min 00.662secs
9. James Nash Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra 1min 00.863secs
10. Gordon Shedden Team Honda Honda Civic 1min 00.922secs
11. Steven Kane Airwaves BMW BMW 320si 1min 01.010secs
12. Tom Boardman Special Tuning (UK) SEAT Leon 1min 01.038secs
13. Mat Jackson Airwaves BMW BMW 320si 1min 01.191secs
14. Dave Pinkney Pinkney Motorsport Vauxhall Vectra 1min 01.221secs
15. John George sunshine.co.uk Honda Integra 1min 01.352secs
16. Andy Neate West Surrey Racing BMW 320si 1min 01.590secs
17. Lea Wood Central Group Racing Honda Integra 1min 02.056secs
18. Arthur Forster Forster Motorsport BMW 320si 1min 02.220secs
19. Shaun Hollamby AmD Milltek Racing Volkswagen Golf 1min 02.369secs
20. Phil Glew Special Tuning (UK)/YourRacingCar SEAT Leon No time
21. Martin Depper Forster Motorsport BMW 320si No time
22. Martin Johnson Boulevard Team Racing Vauxhall Astra No time

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: BTCC

BTCC // NGTC DEVELOPMENT CAR WILL BE TOYOTA AVENSIS

British Touring Car Championship organisers TOCA have announced that the Toyota Avensis will be the car used for development and testing of the new series regulations that shape the future of the hugely popular British series. With the new cost cutting regulations being phased in over the next two years the Avensis has currently being designed at GPR Motorsport’s workshops in Buckingham UK. Touring Car driver, James Thompson, has already been appointed as the official test driver for the project which will begin with evaluative circuit testing ahead of the car's debut at the final round of this season... [read more]

Scott Brownlee from Toyota UK told official series website btcc.net "To be able to support the premier British motor sport series with the Avensis was a great opportunity for Toyota to help an ‘old friend’. The BTCC is a series we greatly respect and have enjoyed a long and successful involvement with in the past. Whilst we’ve made no commitment to re-enter the championship with a works team at this time, we will be following the prototype build with great interest and look forward to seeing the car perform on its debut at Brands Hatch in October.”

Following a six week summer break the Dunlop MSA series returns to action at Snetterton in Norfolk this coming weekend (August 6-7) for the 6th meeting of 2010.

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: Toyota

BTCC // CHILTON & MACDOWALL FASTEST @ SNETTERTON TEST

Today saw the majority of Dunlop MSA British Touring Car teams take to the Snetterton race circuit for a whole day of testing ahead of the next round of the championship. With the Norfolk circuit playing host to the series on August 7th/8th teams were faced with tricky conditions throughout the day as rain hit the area.

Fastest in the morning session and beginning to show his true potential was RML Chevrolet Cruze driver Alex MacDowall with a time that would leave him second quickest when both sessions times were combined. Fans favourite Paul O'Neill and Jason Plato in the other Cruze followed MacDowall on the timesheets just hundredths’ shy of the former Clio Cup racer's best... [read more]

16 cars took part in the morning session but with rain hitting the circuit for the afternoon some teams didn’t venture out gauging the conditions as just too bad. It was left to Tom Chilton in the Team AON LPG powered Ford to set the afternoon pace as the circuit began to dry. Chilton wound up over second quicker than his nearest rival as the Focus continued its fine 2010 form.

Notable by their absence were Team Honda who elected to miss the test.

Snetterton BTCC Testing July 22nd 2010:

Morning Session:

01 Alex MacDowell Chevrolet Cruze 1:11.958
02 Paul O Neill Honda Integra +0.013
03 Jason Plato Chevrolet Cruze +0.016
04 James Nash Vauxhall Vectra +0.162
05 Tom Chilton Ford Focus +0.260
06 Andrew Jordan Vauxhall Vectra +0.448
07 Tom Onslow-Cole Ford Focus +0.600
08 Mat Jackson BMW +0.711
09 Rob Collard BMW +0.879
10 Steven Kane BMW +1.164

Afternoon Session:

01 Tom Chilton Ford Focus 1:11.408
02 James Nash Vauxhall Vectra +1.025
03 Jason Plato Chevrolet Cruze +1.254
04 Robert Collard BMW +1.307
05 Tom Onslow-Cole Ford Focus +1.435
06 Steven Kane BMW +1.666
07 Mat Jackson BMW +1.782
08 Shaun Hollamby VW Golf +3.072
09 Arthur Forster BMW +3.725
10 Martin Depper BMW +4.286

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: Danny Dzenis

NEWS // BRANDS HATCH WTCC OUTING FOR BOARDMAN

Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship driver Tom Boardman is set to return to the WTCC in a one off drive at the British round of the series. Brands Hatch will see the 26 year old contest the 7th round of the FIA championship around the Kent venue's full GP circuit where Boardman took an emotional Independents victory in race two 12 months ago. Having switched to the BTCC at the beginning of this year the Seat driver will take part at Brands with a petrol powered Seat Leon run by Sunred Engineering // [comment]

BTCC // TEAM HONDA TO APPEAR @ GOODWOOD F.O.S.

Current British Touring Car squad, Team Honda, will be heavily represented at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 2nd-4th) with both Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden set to take to the famous hillclimb in this years BTCC Civic.

Honda will also be staging the next round of their "Question Of Motorsport" quiz at the show on Friday July 2nd starting at 3:15pm. The popular quiz which has travelled the country with events preceding BTCC race weekends, will once more be hosted by former champion Tim Harvey... [read more]

The "Festival Of Speed", considered to be the "Royal Ascot" of the motorsport world, this year has "Viva Veloce" (The Passion For Speed) as its theme and will be celebrating the famous Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo as its chosen marque. Highlights of the weekend include six of today's F1 teams featuring drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Mark Webber, Nico Rosberg, Jarno Trulli and reigning F1 Champion Jenson Button.

Legendary F1 drivers such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi and Damon Hill will also tackle the 1.16-mile hillclimb. The festival also includes a short rally stage which will see drivers such as Ken Block and Kris Meeke in action.

James Toseland, Max Biaggi, Leon Camier and Giacomo Agostini are amongst the famous names from the world of two wheels set to take centre stage. Organisers have indicated that just a few tickets remain for the 2010 event (which is strictly by advance ticket only).

To purchase tickets click here

Photo/Editorial: Neil Tozer

BTCC // LLOYD TO MAKE RACE DEBUT

Daniel Lloyd is set to make his competitive debut in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at the Croft circuit for the next round of the series. Lloyd, who tested the Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra last month at Rockingham, will join Ian Harrison's ultra experienced squad as teammate to James Nash for at present just a one race deal... [read more]

“It’s absolutely amazing to be making my BTCC debut, a real dream come true”, said Lloyd, “At the start of the year I never thought I’d have the opportunity to test a touring car, let alone to make my race debut in one – and especially with Triple Eight, as far as I’m concerned it’s the best team on the grid. This has all come together so quickly, I’m over the moon and I intend to make the most of it.

“It’s going to be very tough, we’re under no illusions as to how competitive the BTCC is, but I’m confident we can give a good account of ourselves at Croft. I like the track and it’s worked out really well that we have this opportunity at one of my local circuits, hopefully we’ll have plenty of support.”

Further backing is being sought to enable Lloyd to retain the drive for the rest of the season.

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: BTCC

BTCC // ANDREW JORDAN FASTEST @ ROCKINGHAM TESTING

Pirtek Racing's Andrew Jordan topped the timesheets at Rockingham today (May 25th) during the second official BTCC TOCA test of the 2010 season. The youngster from Lichfield who celebrated his 21st Birthday earlier this week set the fastest time of the day in the cooler morning session with a lap of the 1.94 mile circuit in 1 min 23.886 seconds.

Quickest in the afternoon session was the RML Chevrolet Cruze of joint championship leader Jason Plato who finished the day just 0.001 shy of the NGTC Turbo Vectra. Third fastest and once again showing that he is certainly quick over a single lap was James Nash for Uniq racing with Triple Eight who wound up in third spot with his Vauxhall Vectra... [read more]

Having recently had the size of their Turbo Inlet restrictor reduced by Series organisers TOCA, the Fords of Tom Chilton and Tom Onslow-Cole finished the two sessions in 6th and 10th respectively. Interestingly the speed trap figures show that they were approximately 4mph down on the figures recorded back in April during qualifying for round two of the series.

The Rockingham test also saw a very creditable performance by Daniel Lloyd who had been invited to test the second Triple Eight Vectra. The 18yr old from Huddersfield has been competing in America as part of the BF Goodrich/Skip Barber National Championship presented by Mazda but has always dreamt of getting the chance to prove himself in a front running touring car.

Team Honda had both cars at Rockingham along with ex Team Dynamics driver James Thompson who was helping out with set-up and evaluative work on the Civic. Thompson who recently parted company with ETCC and DTCC squad Hartman Racing won 3 races for Steve Neal's team during the course of the 2009 season.

2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship - Official TOCA Test Rockingham 25-05-10

COMBINED CLASSIFICATION:

1st Andrew JORDAN Vauxhall Vectra 1:23.886 1:24.718 Pirtek Racing
2nd Jason PLATO Chevrolet Cruze 1:23.951 1:23.887 Silverline Chevrolet
3rd James NASH Vauxhall Vectra 1:23.957 1:24.245 Uniq Racing with Triple Eight
4th Matt NEAL Honda Civic 1:24.050 1:24.572 Honda Racing Team
5th Alex MacDOWALL Chevrolet Cruze 1:24.169 1:24.641 Silverline Chevrolet
6th Tom CHILTON Ford Focus 1:24.693 1:24.187 Team Aon
7th Daniel LLOYD Vauxhall Vectra 1:26.014 1:24.261 Uniq Racing with Triple Eight
8th Gordon SHEDDEN Honda Civic 1:24.363 1:24.363 Honda Racing Team
9th James THOMPSON Honda Civic 1:24.456 1:24.456 Honda Racing Team
10th Tom ONSLOW-COLE Ford Focus 1:24.828 1:24.532 Team Aon
11th Paul O'NEILL Honda Integra 1:25.033 1:24.894 Sunshine.co.uk with Tech-Speed Msport
12th David PINKNEY Vauxhall Vectra 1:25.275 1:25.037 Pinkney Motorsport
13th Arthur FORSTER BMW 320si 1:26.588 1:25.779 Forster Motorsport(GBR)
14th Martin DEPPER BMW 320si 1:27.278 1:26.464 Forster Motorsport(GBR)

Round 4 of the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship takes place at Oulton Park, Cheshire,UK on June 5th/6th.

Photo/Editorial: Neil Tozer