Since Fabrizio Giovanardi claimed back-to-back BTCC titles all the way back in September 2008 a lot has changed in the BTCC. The off-season has seen a raft of changes taking place, including some new drivers entering the championship, some old drivers leaving and a number of new teams entering whilst others leave. The global credit crunch (yes, we know you must be sick of reading about it by now!) has not helped in terms of new manufacturer commitments to the series, but the championship remains strong under the helm of Alan Gow and his team and we have much to look forward to in 2009. Here is a summary of what’s what so far, and some of my expected highlights:
VX Racing have committed once again to the BTCC and will continue to run the formidable Vectra in 2009, despite the car being replaced by the Insignia in the showrooms. GM has been hit hard by the recession, so Vauxhall’s continued participation as the only manufacturer in the series following SEAT’s withdrawal now highlights their continued dedication to British motorsport and the VXR brand.
The team is continuing with the proven driver line up of double BTCC champion Fabrizio Giovanardi and Matt Neal who have taken all of the past four championships in the series. The main change for 2009 is the replacement of Tom Onslow-Cole with Andrew Jordan in the third car. The youngster was originally penned to race an independent Team Eurotech-entered Vectra for this year but the plans soon changed to a full works drive in January. Jordan has a lot to learn this season but has proven last year that he can mix it up at the front and will certainly be one to watch out for if things go his way on raceday.
Image: P Thompson
Team RAC have reaffirmed their commitment for another season, continuing with the same driver line up of Colin Turkington and Stephen Jelley. As they enter their third straight year with the BMW 320si and their fourth with RAC title sponsorship, the team will be hoping to make a greater push for the outright championship especially now that SEAT have left.
Motorbase Performance will continue to run a pair of BMW’s in 2009 as well, with Rob Collard resigned to the team. However Steven Kane has lost his seat to double SEAT Cupra Cup Champion Jonathan Adam, who makes his long anticipated debut in a top touring car championship. The young Scot could be one to watch in 2009, especially as Motorbase Performance were the strongest team in the second half of last year and start the season with the same machines they ended the previous one with for the first time.
As yet there is still no word from Team Halfords as to their plans for this year. The team have been seen testing through the winter with David Pinkney at the wheel, but there are still no annoucements as to possible driver line ups or sponsorship arrangements for the forthcoming season. With Halfords having suffered in the financial crisis recently it could be possible that the long-lasting association could come to an end.
Image: Marc Waller
Big news during the winter has been the announcement of several new teams to the grid. In are Tempus Sport, Team Aon and Cartridge World Carbon Zero Racing, whilst out are Robertshaw Racing and BTC Racing. Tempus Sport are hoping to run a two-car team of Chevrolet Lacetti’s for Harry Vaulkhard and another driver, with James Thompson having been seen testing the car in Spain over the winter. Team Aon have a brace of Ford Focus ST’s to be run by Arena International in the Indepdentents championship. Tom Chilton has moved from Team Halfords to be the lead driver for the team as they develop the car. The second driver seat is still available, with an announcement expected in the near future.
Cartridge World Carbon Zero Racing (also known as Clyde Valley Racing) had been threatening to enter the BTCC for a few years now. It seems their plans have finally come to fruition, with a major sponsorship agreement with Cartridge World to run the cars in a distinctive green and yellow livery. Former race winner Dan Eaves returns to the BTCC after a three-year hiatus and is joined by last year’s independents cup third-placed man Adam Jones.
Another new face in the BTCC pitlane this year will be that of Liam McMillan. The 18 year-old is set to race an ex-BTC Racing SEAT Toledo in his debut year in the championship. Family team Maxtreme have taken to the track during the winter to get some testing mileage in and have set themselves a target of a top ten result.
Back in December TechSpeed motorsport announced that it was to run a pair of Honda Integra’s for Team Sunshine.co.uk. The team will consist of Martyn Bell entering his fourth consecutive season in the BTCC, alongside series returnee and fans favourite Paul O’Neill who makes a more than welcome return to the championship. The cars were formerly operated by Team Eurotech.
There will continue to be several Integra’s in the BTCC after John George recently announced his plans to continue for another season, despite his huge shunt at the end of 2008. As that car was a complete write-off he has purchased David Pinkney’s car from the 2006 season that has been out of action in the BTCC since.
One of the longest standing car and driver partnerships in recent BTCC history continues for 2009. Jason Hughes and Team KWR have announced that they plan to run at least one MG ZS in the championship, with a possible showing of the second car if a driver can come up with the necessary funding. The ZS also starts the season with another weight reduction compared to the S2000 cars and could produce some shock results due to the consistency that the team is able to achieve with running the same car for five straight years.
