Street race in BTCC?

[MrTTraces]

Wouldn't it be great if the BTCC had a street race again?

If memory is correct wasn't there a street race in Birmingham at one point?

I would love to see a street race on the calender and I think it would enhance the BTCC brand.

I guess logistics and cost play a major roll in the process but it would be great to see.

What does everyone else think?

[Matt]

I think it would be a very fast way to break A LOT of cars. So naturally, I'm all for it! Lol.

In all seriousness, I think ALL Racing series should include a street race at some point, it is one of the most spectacular settings to race in, not so great to watch in person, but awesome to witness on TV. It also shows you who the best drivers are, as there is NO margin for error, you're either on track, or eating concrete.

[Smokey 6 litre]

i think a street race would seriously help enforce the connections that the manufacturers want to make between their road cars and their racing efforts.

I would be a simple connection to make having a 888 Vectra racing on the roads that people drive their own cars down.

And touring cars surrounded by armco...its got my vote.

[Tim Wilkinson]

Originally Posted by Smokey 6 litre

i think a street race would seriously help enforce the connections that the manufacturers want to make between their road cars and their racing efforts.

But there's not a lot of manufacturer support in todays BTCC, so although the drivers might like the idea I doubt there's the financial clout to stage the event. IIRC the BTCC rounds at Birmingham were support races for Euro F3000, and were accompanied by a lot of other high-profile championships. The TOCA package won't sell out a street race, IMO, and I have reservations about whether a local council would back closing all their roads for a weekend for something so un-green.

If a tight and narrow circuit with near naff-all appropriate facilities is needed, why not take the BTCC to Cadwell? (something I'd be in favour of, as I quite like the place)

[DriversKnow]

Dunlop are one of the major employers in Birmingham, and sponsor the BTCC. It is something that we at Dunlop are often lobbying for with the City Council.

[Jimmy Magnusson]

And here it is:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...TCC+Birmingham

[Rockmunky]

I saw a video of it a while back, i'll try and find it again.

I'd love one too!

EDIT - This is it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcn-IpDWYN0

[Matt]

Just Youtube BTCC 1990, or Birmingham Superprix, or just Superprix.

[ss_collins]

off topic if anyone has any pics that they took at the Super Prix I'd really like to hear from you.

[Craner Curves]

It'd maybe need something like A1GP or Champ Car to have a UK street race and the BTCC to be a support for it to happen. A bigger series with more money in it.

[Rob29]

Would like to see BTCC all on street circuits. One round in each major city would work well. TransAm races have been headline events in the past.I went to one at Reno in 1996.

[kipper]

I can't see the BTCC (or indeed any other series) holding a street race. I think there are just too many problems that would need to be overcome. Firstly, a Parliamentary bill would need to be passed to allow racing on the public highway. Secondly, planning permission would need to be achieved, which would be time consuming and could result in a public inquiry. Also when it is considered the problems that existing circuits have over noise in sparsely populated areas, the chances of major protests would be high. In addition, a suitable track would need to be found that would allow the emergency services to continue to operate, which could prevent racing in some areas (for instance, it isn't feasible to close all the roads around a hospital). In addition, there would be higher security costs from staging a street race, plus the construction and demolition of all the infrastructure before and after the events. Given these factors, I would be very surprised if anyone could be found that would be willing to organise an event.

Originally Posted by Rob29

Would like to see BTCC all on street circuits. One round in each major city would work well.

Its a great idea, but the problems listed above would be multiplied by 10 in order to get the requisite number of races. Also, it would be a bit unfair on the likes of Brands Hatch, for these venues have formed part of Britain's motor sport heritage so it seems appropriate that some of the more prominant series visit these venues.

[Rob29]

Originally Posted by kipper

I can't see the BTCC (or indeed any other series) holding a street race. I think there are just too many problems that would need to be overcome. Firstly, a Parliamentary bill would need to be passed to allow racing on the public highway. Secondly, planning permission would need to be achieved, which would be time consuming and could result in a public inquiry. Also when it is considered the problems that existing circuits have over noise in sparsely populated areas, the chances of major protests would be high. In addition, a suitable track would need to be found that would allow the emergency services to continue to operate, which could prevent racing in some areas (for instance, it isn't feasible to close all the roads around a hospital). In addition, there would be higher security costs from staging a street race, plus the construction and demolition of all the infrastructure before and after the events. Given these factors, I would be very surprised if anyone could be found that would be willing to organise an event.


Its a great idea, but the problems listed above would be multiplied by 10 in order to get the requisite number of races. Also, it would be a bit unfair on the likes of Brands Hatch, for these venues have formed part of Britain's motor sport heritage so it seems appropriate that some of the more prominant series visit these venues.

Sorry but facilities at Brands Hatch,at least for the paying punter ,are now worse than when I first visited the place in 1955 When are they going to replace the covered stand? Access more dificult to the competitors.How about public transport.In the modern 'green' era no major event should be held in a place inaccessable without acar?

[kipper]

Originally Posted by Rob29

Access more dificult to the competitors.How about public transport.In the modern 'green' era no major event should be held in a place inaccessable without acar?

Whilst a lack of public transport is a problem, for all race meetings regardless of level. Staging a street race would be a legal minefield, which could take many years to resolve and I just find it hard to believe that sufficient race organisers could be found to put together an entire season of racing, especially given that each race is likely to face local opposition.

[MrTTraces]

Why are people against change?

I'm not ranting at anyone here, it's more of a general rant.

With Rockingham included this year instead of Silverstone, it's the best thing to happen to the BTCC. (Facilities at 'the rock' are much better than silverstone in my opinion).

There maybe history attached to circuits but is that a good enough reason to keep them on the calendar if the facilites, parking etc... isn't up to scratch?

I'd much rather go to a street race for example with better facilities than to a circuit with poor facilites just because it has 'a history' and is part of motorsport heritage.