The Black Cloud Over The BTCC

Money is the root of all evil, and unfortunately it is also the route to racing. The British Touring Car Championship is just as susceptible as any other form of racing, and we’ve been hit hard this year. 

2009 Champion Colin Turkington would have been many fans favourite to retain his crown in 2010, but the RAC sponsored West Surry Racing BMW never even made it to the 2010 season opener at Thruxton. It seemed almost impossible to think that the reigning champion wouldn’t get sponsorship once RAC pulled out, but sadly this is exactly what happened. 

Two drivers that did make it to the grid were Fabrizio Giovanardi and Phil Glew. The recognisable Vauxhall Vectras tried to hide themselves under the sinister black livery of Triple Eight Racing, but we knew they were there. Sadly not for these two drivers. 

Giovanardi would have been top of many peoples list of contenders, especially with Turkington out of contention, but he too failed to gain the required funds to compete any further. 2009 Clio Cup winner Phil Glew was definitely on the ‘one to watch’ list, but again we didn’t get much chance to see the hot prospect in action. 

With two of the biggest names in the BTCC disappearing from the drivers list, young hopeful Matt Hamilton and TH Motorsport took the Honda Civic Type R on the road making superb progress culminating in a points scoring weekend at Brands Hatch. 

The journey lasted until early July, when a lack of funds and failure to find another sponsor saw the car (affectionately named Lily) sold to a new life in South East Asia. 

As recently as the Snetterton test day, we saw the current championship leader Matt Neal and third placed man Gordon Sheddon missing out on the chance to test their upgrades due to the restrictions on the Honda teams budget. The fabled 3^rd Team Aon Ford Focus was also a noticeable exception, reportedly built and ready to go but as yet un-funded. 

So as we struggle through the rest of 2010, is there light at the end of the tunnel? 

We hope the answer is yes, as the new NGTC (New Generation Touring Car) program has been designed to reduce the costs of entering and running a car in the BTCC. As the new regulations come in to force for 2011, many of the older S2000 cars will be allowed to continue until 2013 to avoid costly purchases in the short term, although we expect to lose the older BTC spec cars this year. 

The real hope is that more sponsors come forward to support the series. Live TV exposure and visitor numbers in there thousands at race events provide significant exposure for sponsors, not to mention the corporate hospitality! 

With Turkington entering the WTCC, Giovanardi reportedly testing a Porsche Carrera and the arrival of drivers like Lea Wood and Daniel Lloyd into the BTCC there is a silver lining. Lets hope 2011 gives us a full and fruitful grid!

Photo Credit : Pete Mainey