[Rob_82]

I am myself and was wondering if anyone else is?

I've just read that Ford will be back in the BTCC next year, 2 independant entries by the team Arena Motorsport, they will be using 2 Focus ST hatchbacks.
Will be great to see Ford back in the BTCC.

 

[MetalMicky08]

I used to work on the Sierra BTCC cars & on the Mondeos,many moons ago.Wish I was well enough to still do it.I much prefer the old days as the racing was `none` contact(ha),took us ages to patch em up again.Best of times though.

 

[Rob_82]

When did you finish working in the BTCC, I first started watching it in 1994 when it was the best touring car championship in the world. All the best drivers were here and the cars were spectacular to watch, always on the edge.
Totally agree that the super touring days were better but the raacing in the new era BTCC is still very good, it just doesn't have the same depth of quality of teams or drivers anymore.

Do you go to any races?

 

[mjshort79]

If the focus st is at all like my c max it wont get past qualifying

 

[Rob_82]

I reckon it will be a bit quicker than a C-max

 

[mjshort79]

NO I did not mean the speed rob I had an old man in a fiesta blow me away the other day. I am on about reliability.

 

[tonic-cm]

BTCCprovides agood day at the races, but have to agree that the days when RS500's and M3's screamed about where better than today. Who would have though they would contemplate racing that huge T5 850!!



Great to hear that there will be some ST's in the field, but will that not be a name only ST, as they can't use the 2.5, only a 2.0 4 cylinder.

Wonder if the rumours of Volvo returning are true, me thinks that the C30 would use that same engine.

 

[Rob_82]

No doubt there will be some reliability issues to begin with as there usually are with new cars, but hopefully Arena which are a very good team can sort them quickly.

Your right about themnot being able to use the 2.5 5 cylinder engine, but if they can reduce the capcity to 2 litres then i think they can use the 5 cylinder engine still. this is what Vlovo do with the C30 in the STCC, which irrc is run to the same regulations as the BTCC.
Hopefully they can use the 5 cylinder as it would sound great

 

[MetalMicky08]

I stopped working on them in 98.Also worked on Volvo 850 estates & saloons (great fun to drive).Worked in Auson Ford Falcons for a couple of years at the great race (Bathurst) & on Le Mans Bentley team for two years inc winning then on to the Audi winning teams.The BTCC drivers of my time were always up for a laugh and many pranks have been played on eveyone (Cleland )especially.These days they take it far too seriously.I really miss it.I`ve not been to any race for a couple of years (I`d be too tempted to get stuck in).Still watch on telly though.

 

[Rob_82]

I stopped working on them in 98.Also worked on Volvo 850 estates & saloons (great fun to drive).Worked in Auson Ford Falcons for a couple of years at the great race (Bathurst) & on Le Mans Bentley team for two years inc winning then on to the Audi winning teams.The BTCC drivers of my time were always up for a laugh and many pranks have been played on eveyone (Cleland )especially.These days they take it far too seriously.I really miss it.I`ve not been to any race for a couple of years (I`d be too tempted to get stuck in).Still watch on telly though.

How jealous am i of you

especially as you have worked in v8 supercars as well, i love watching them on the tv.
Which did you prefer working on, super touring, v8's or le mans?

 

[MetalMicky08]

V8`s cos I`d got a comp licence,I was able to test em as well

.I only got that after my time on the BTCC`s.Yes,I did get to drive one around Mt Panorama,that was the best,especially going over the top of the mountain & down conrod straight,shame there`s a chicane in there now

.

 

[Rob_82]

I did get to drive one around Mt Panorama,that was the best,especially going over the top of the mountain & down conrod straight,shame there`s a chicane in there now

.

I have just turned a colour called green envy

 

[MetalMicky08]

Ok then,I won`t tell you how fantastic a sensation it was or theroar of the V8 at max revs down conrod at 180mph

.

 

[MetalMicky08]

If you want a V8 fix,go to

www.v8supercar.com.au

 

[Rob_82]

Do you still watch the v8's on TV?

On TV they look brutal to drive, are they?

Was it Prodrive that you worked for in Aus?

 

[Rob_82]

If you want a V8 fix,go to

www.v8supercar.com.au

I do regularly, also watch them on TV.

 

[MetalMicky08]

Yep watch & record every time.I can only get them on C5 so the coverage is hit & miss.I worked for an independant team with help from TWR.I hope to get there for bathurst in 2010,if I do I`ll get loads (& I mean loads) of pics & send you some,maybe some goodies as well.Can`t promise though,it all depends on my health.

 

[Rob_82]

I hope to get over there myself in a few years for a holiday and time itso i can go to one of the races, if i can convince my other half

 

[MetalMicky08]

If you get over there & get to a race,get to the circuit on Thursday & stay till Monday.There`s so much going on and the V8`s race over 2 days.Plus there are support races which are just as good.The vibration & the noise of the V8`s will live with you forever.You might even get lucky & get a run around the track as a passenger.You have GOT to do that.
I have loved all V8 motors for many years & I love the V8 in my RangeRover.It`s getting on a bit now & I need to rebuild the engine some time next year.
Cheers
MM

 

[Rob_82]

The v8's sound amazing on tv so god knows what they must sound like when you are there at the circuit.

Its a dream of mine to own a car with a V8 engine, i'd love a vauxhall vxr8 which are on autotrader for under £20k at the moment, but i'll have to wait a few years til i'm in my 30's when the insurance should be a bit more affordable.