BTCC 2024 News & Rumours

[Sodemo]

For a while now the message has been that EVs are the future, but recently there has been disruption to that sentiment. I do think EVs have a place in society, but I think perhaps hydrogen power is the way to go.

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

For a while now the message has been that EVs are the future, but recently there has been disruption to that sentiment. I do think EVs have a place in society, but I think perhaps hydrogen power is the way to go.

I agree. Too much reliance on EV, without thinking of alternatives. Thankfully people are starting to come to this thinking. EV will still have a place, but it won't be the be all and end all

[cameronpoe]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Does that mean to say that the BTCC could move back towards NA 4-bangers? I'd love that personally.

I have no knowledge of the future direction of BTCC , personally having seen it close up with Dynamics and Alliance , I am amazed at the effort required to run the NGTC cars at the Circuit and at the Workshop. I would think making them simpler to work on is a big thing for the new regulations. Personally I would go for a larger engined formula on a synthetic fuel .. currently engine development is expensive to gain a few HP here and there and the motors are really quite edgy and need a lot of cooling which again adds costs .. I think Silhouette, spec parts and a big lower maintenance engine ( think a 4 litre Porsche is a good template ) would be way to go .. one thing I do know is there a lot of thought and effort going in .. I think the series will thrive as it’s still the place to be in UK motorsport

[antnee]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

For a while now the message has been that EVs are the future, but recently there has been disruption to that sentiment. I do think EVs have a place in society, but I think perhaps hydrogen power is the way to go.

Do you know how much energy is required to get hydrogen into the correct state for usage in a vehicle? Hydrogen is suited to big stuff (some HGVs, ships, planes) but it will be niche option for cars. EV's of today are suitable for 95% of drivers with only a small adjustment needed to their approach to motoring.


Anywayyyyyyyyyyyyy, there doesn't seem to be any demand for EV racing outside of manufacturer backed formats, therefore I can see synthetic fuels being used for national motorsports including BTCC. What the BTCC needs is a long term strategy detailing when major rule set changes will occur (ideally at set intervals) which then allows teams to build their business cases to get more investments and sponsorships in place - which in turn could reduce the budget that a driver needs to bring along.

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by antnee

What the BTCC needs is a long term strategy detailing when major rule set changes will occur (ideally at set intervals) which then allows teams to build their business cases to get more investments and sponsorships in place - which in turn could reduce the budget that a driver needs to bring along.

they already do that
they have 5 year periods for any major rule changes or updates and the teams are heavily involved in the decisions
next one is due 2027

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by cameronpoe

I think Silhouette, spec parts and a big lower maintenance engine ( think a 4 litre Porsche is a good template ) would be way to go

Sounds like the old STCC "solution F" cars to me. If you go for a common spaceframe/engine then you're basically accepting that you won't have any manufacturer involvement (not saying that's necessarily a bad thing).

[coffinpilot]

As a follow on to what BertMk2 posted above, what advantages are there to manufacturer involvement right now?
I don't know enough beyond WSR getting some chassis back in 2019 and data before their build, and I assume some teams get a bit of a small cash thing and a few bits and bobs - but if the teams are essentially raising their own funding, and the current manufacturers aren't using the BTCC as a marketing platform, then is there a point in worrying about that?

I'm sure some of you will know the answer and put me in a box ;-) !!

[billy bleach]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

Sounds like the old STCC "solution F" cars to me. If you go for a common spaceframe/engine then you're basically accepting that you won't have any manufacturer involvement (not saying that's necessarily a bad thing).

The Australia MARC Cars model worth a look