Which Team?

[John]

As the forum is a bit quiet here's a question for you.

You are in one of the following two scenarios:

1) You are in charge of a major manufacturer's motorsport department and are about to enter the BTCC

2) You have just won the lottery and decide to buy a couple of ex-works tourers

You have to make a decision about which team you get to run the cars - for the purpose of this situation ignore the fact that a team may already have a contract with a manufacturer and ignore the fact that the team may not be in a position to run the cars (eg TWR!)

The poll gives a list of the main teams who have run ST and 'new look' touring cars. Which would you pick? (Give reasons if appropriate)

[Carl Breeze fan]

West Surrey Racing

Don't know why, but they have always been my favourite. And of course, they are from Surrey!

[John]

I've gone for RML who always seem to be professional and do a good job with the cars they have.

Also just remembered I meant to put Vic Lee (BMW 1991-92, Peugeot 2001, team Hafords 2002) in the poll but seem to have missed them out so there's another to consider.

[Amanda]

RML get my vote.

I was chatting on the phone to one of my motorsport mad friends the other night and we have already decided that when I win the lottery we are going to enter a couple of RML prepared Focuses in the BTCC!

[Claire]

I've gone with VLR, I'm only a recent convert to the BTCC but from what I have seen last year and the review videos I've watched Vic and his team have done a good job.

[John]

Originally posted by Amanda
RML get my vote.

I was chatting on the phone to one of my motorsport mad friends the other night and we have already decided that when I win the lottery we are going to enter a couple of RML prepared Focuses in the BTCC!

Dont forget your fellow enthusiasts when you're looking for people to work for your team!! :)

[Reynard]

RML get my vote, and here's why:

1) They are an extremely professional outfit who take great care in preparing their cars. They are in it to win and so even the smallest detail is always taken into account, even if on the face of it, it looks inconsequential.

2) Their record speaks for itself in whatever they've competed in, often winning the championship in their first or second year in a category. They have a proven track record not only in BTCC, but also in rallying, sportscars, ASCAR and even clubmans.

3) The environment which they offer a driver to work in is top class as I heard so often last year from their ASCAR drivers - and the mechanics were impressed with the way the drivers worked.

My dream BTCC team scenario would be a pair of Astras run by RML painted up in a similar style livery to last year's ASCARs - but Sparco Blue rather than pink - and having Kelvin Burt and then either Darren Turner or Jason Plato as drivers.

One word of note - I would most definately NOT pick TWR even if they were in the financial situation to do so, because unlike RML, there were issues about non-equal equipment, team politics and distinct driver favouritism during their association with Volvo.

[Amanda]

Originally posted by John
Dont forget your fellow enthusiasts when you're looking for people to work for your team!! :)

John ~ don't worry, I won't forget anyone when I am looking for team personnel!

Now, where did I put that winning lottery ticket.....................

[Mocko]

Williams are an absolute success story in touring cars. They got second in their first race in hardly no testing time.

I wouldn't let MSD within ten pit garages of my cars. Nothing personal, just Peugeot.

[The Stig]

Great question. WSR would edge it for me, haven't they been around for ages in various disciplines. Reynard offered a tantalising thought, Kelvin Burt, Plato or Darren Manning in an Astra. The best scenario would be one where no one team dominates, but instead we all enjoyed a series where four of five first class teams kept each other honest and the outcome in drivers and manufacturers went down to the wire.

[lauz]

arena basically because i love the look of the civic type R and it seems to be a good car.

[Graz]

It would have to be RML. Their results speak for themselves. I cannot understand why no manufacturer has gone to them and got them to biuld a touring car. If they did they are almost garanteed a title in a maximum of three years.

[Goober007]

I picked Arena. Why? They are a vey good team, with very good resources. They brought up the Honda Civic to a winning car in its first year. Plus Will Hoy use to be on their team I believe, before he passed away. Will Hoy was my all time favorite touring car driver.