BTCC 2024 News & Rumours

[DaviePHD]

Originally Posted by BtccLee

Feels a bit odd, the championship pushing the story, BUT I think it may be a reflection of the goodwill Thompson has in the paddock. Would be surprised if at the least a partial deal doesn't come as a result of this.

I expect it is partially for him to show performance, and this coverage is also a stab at a "Look at the engagement, positive commentary the news of a test got. Now imagine you are backing this guy for a whole season."

Good news. Hope it works out.

My fingers and toes are all crossed for him,

[MarcusH26]

I am assuming we're just expecting one Hard Cupra for Daryl DeLeon tomorrow? Seen nothing anywhere to suggest otherwise but didn't know if people on here had heard anything.

[Matt K]

Originally Posted by DaviePHD

Apparently in the V8 Supercar test he did he was well quick. I too reckon he'd be quick in anything and as much as it's a pleasure to watch him in the BTCC I'd love to see him in a V8.

Bathurst wildcard anyone?

Would be awesome!!

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

I am assuming we're just expecting one Hard Cupra for Daryl DeLeon tomorrow? Seen nothing anywhere to suggest otherwise but didn't know if people on here had heard anything.

I've heard that HARD will be there tomorrow, I've also heard that they have use of a second car but it was nowhere near ready and they're already behind with payments for parts. We'll have to wait and see I guess. Front end of the Restart Cupra looks pretty different to the HARD car so will be interesting to see the difference that makes.

[redshoes]

https://www.minichallenge.co.uk/2024...title-defence/
Zelos stays in JCW MINIs, so scratch him from whatever BTCC stories were still around.

[MarcusH26]

Originally Posted by Pickles

I've heard that HARD will be there tomorrow, I've also heard that they have use of a second car but it was nowhere near ready and they're already behind with payments for parts. We'll have to wait and see I guess. Front end of the Restart Cupra looks pretty different to the HARD car so will be interesting to see the difference that makes.

Thanks Pickles , I kind of assumed the second car wasn't ready as they hadn't even announced anything about running someone to just test it. Very concerning to hear it's already behind on payments.

Noticed the heavily different Restart front end on a few Instagram clips, looks like they've put major work into that.

[coffinpilot]

Originally Posted by Matt K

Would be awesome!!

I've noticed Ash post quite a bit about NASCAR, I wonder if he'd fancy a few shots at say ARCA then NASCAR Trucks. I'm sure it'd be a PR plus for NAPA if he did.

[coffinpilot]

So far on the timing I see 17 cars plus a message for car 19 (not on the screens) to fit a transponder.

No DeLeon, Taylor-Smith or Doble setting times. Does anyone know if they are there?

[S griffin]

Not everyone will necessarily be there, although it would be weird if those names weren’t there

[coffinpilot]

Originally Posted by coffinpilot

No DeLeon, Taylor-Smith or Doble setting times. Does anyone know if they are there?

Just spotted the Vauxhall on screen.

[BtccLee]

Taylor-Smith is setting times now.

It really hits home seeing those names on the TSL screen how strong this year's grid is. If we end up with 22 cars, and so many at a really high level, I think we will be in for a fantastic season.

[MarcusH26]

So no DeLeon at all today and Bobby has no transponder apparently

[t4tinks]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

So no DeLeon at all today and Bobby has no transponder apparently

Apparently Ingram's got 2 transponders, so Thompson could 'nick' one of his!

[coffinpilot]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

So no DeLeon at all today and Bobby has no transponder apparently

He could borrow from Ingram, the comments says he has two installed!

[Pit Lane Lurker]

Confirmed that DeLeon isn’t running today.

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by Pit Lane Lurker

Confirmed that DeLeon isn’t running today.

He might need to practice running if his car isn’t ready!

[coffinpilot]

Originally Posted by Evantra

He might need to practice running if his car isn’t ready!

What happens if they're not ready for the season start? What's the penalty for missing a round? Could Alan Gow waive it if it's financial?

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by coffinpilot

What happens if they're not ready for the season start? What's the penalty for missing a round? Could Alan Gow waive it if it's financial?

In reality Alan Gow can do anything he likes if he considers it to be in the best interest of the championship, both short and long term. He is somewhat similar in that respect to how Bernie Ecclestone was with F1.

[Streethawk]

Originally Posted by BtccLee

Feels a bit odd, the championship pushing the story, BUT I think it may be a reflection of the goodwill Thompson has in the paddock. Would be surprised if at the least a partial deal doesn't come as a result of this.

I expect it is partially for him to show performance, and this coverage is also a stab at a "Look at the engagement, positive commentary the news of a test got. Now imagine you are backing this guy for a whole season."

Good news. Hope it works out.

Driving is only a small part of it, media engagement is a big thing for drivers and raising their profiles.

[Streethawk]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

I am assuming we're just expecting one Hard Cupra for Daryl DeLeon tomorrow? Seen nothing anywhere to suggest otherwise but didn't know if people on here had heard anything.

Has the car actually been built yet?
I hear hard are struggling for parts and the staff to work on it.

I can't believe there will be one car, let alone two, on the grid.

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by coffinpilot

What happens if they're not ready for the season start? What's the penalty for missing a round? Could Alan Gow waive it if it's financial?

As mentioned Gow can do what he wants. If he's still happy for them to be on the grid after everything they've been doing in the last few years, I don't think he'll be too worried about them missing the season launch or the first round.

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by Pit Lane Lurker

Confirmed that DeLeon isn’t running today.

Given it's Team HARD, and given it's probably more of a low budget effort than normal, I wasn't expecting anything else.

I wouldn't be surprised if DeLeon's first run in the car is at media day, with the second car not being seen on track before the first race.

[Streethawk]

Originally Posted by MarcusH26

I am assuming we're just expecting one Hard Cupra for Daryl DeLeon tomorrow? Seen nothing anywhere to suggest otherwise but didn't know if people on here had heard anything.

No Hard today. Is the car built?
Have all the staff been paid the thousands of £££ they are all owed?

Struggling to get parts etc. Got to feel for DeLeon, he's such a talented driver who has been sold a dream, but it's good that the DeLeon family own the actual car.

[billy bleach]

Originally Posted by Streethawk

No Hard today. Is the car built?
Have all the staff been paid the thousands of £££ they are all owed?

Struggling to get parts etc. Got to feel for DeLeon, he's such a talented driver who has been sold a dream, but it's good that the DeLeon family own the actual car.

In Football owners have to pass a fit and proper person test - although it would seem the bar is pretty low!

[MarcusH26]

Is the no transponder issue something WSR are likely to be able to fix for Thompson or do you think we just won't get any times for him all day?