Farewell Seat Cupra Championship

[BTCCROCKS]

As well all know, Seat are not competing in the BTCC after this year. It also means no Seat Cupre Championship now. I just like to wish all the drivers that are competeing in the final races at Brands the best of luck. I wouldn't be surprised if most of them enter the Seat Eurocup next year

[hoppers30040]

As well all know, Seat are not competing in the BTCC after this year. It also means no Seat Cupre Championship now. I just like to wish all the drivers that are competeing in the final races at Brands the best of luck. I wouldn't be surprised if most of them enter the Seat Eurocup next year
its a shame its getting pulled as it was my fave support race

[Mad Mat Jackson Fan]

its a shame its getting pulled as it was my fave support race
Mine too Andy. :( Very sad about this aswell.....good luck for Brands everyone. Will miss you loads! Boo hoo hoo.....:( :( :(

[projectzip]

well if they go it leaves only the clio cup for me to watch and the tourers is it gonna be worth me going to the tracks next year!!

[Eunos]

Just a Thought, Whoever wins the Series now is No longer gonna get that One off Drive :eek:

Bet Lawson and Adam's are really cursing and swearing now :p

[topgear1]

but it opens another slot on the day for a new series- would be nice to see gt cars of some sort.

[kezbabybabe]

No more angry wasps roaming around anymore, now this'll be interesting to see what support series joins the BTCC for next year.

[Eunos]

Bring on the VW Cup :D

[alice_powell]

I think that Ginetta G50 will join next year!

[Marc W]

So do I...;)

[alice_powell]

It would be kool if they added a motor bike race.......i mean they have saloons and single seaters....or they need is some bikes!:D

[Marc W]

Trouble is they need a different track set up, hay bales around the corners etc. They tried sidecars at the DTM in 2007 and there was a big delay between the car and bike sessions while they changed the circuit.

[kezbabybabe]

psst...you're both off topic. ;)

[alice_powell]

ooppphhsss;) thanks kerry!

[Eunos]

In all fairness though it is ashame to see the Cupra's go.

If BTCC is Formula 1 than that would have Made The Cupra's the GP2 :p

Rether or not you were a Fan or not, It did bring us the Likes of Rob Huff and Mat Jackson, So it definatly deserves it's Credit..

[kezbabybabe]

Yep, good strong series for new talent.

[Les]

well I have seen series come and go and it's nice to have a change. After 2 or 3 years of the same car it can get a little stale.

So to the Seats I say well done - we have seen some great racing and great drivers coming through - Huffy, Tom Boardman, Rob Lawson, Johnny Adam, Sheds, Martin Byford, Oli Wilkinson, Matt Jackson and a few others.

But here's to the next series - may be Mitsubishis?.

[adzerrancoon]

What about mini's instead?

[teenymac]

What about mini's instead?

I can't believe no Cupras next year, do enjoy watching them.

Have to say though, I do like the mini's racing.

[adzerrancoon]

Have to say though, I do like the mini's racing.

I've not seen them live, but what I've seen on tv looks as though they would be a good addition to the race programme

[Reidy_fan]

Just a Thought, Whoever wins the Series now is No longer gonna get that One off Drive :eek:

Bet Lawson and Adam's are really cursing and swearing now :p

dont know about JA but I know I am xxxxing raging:mad: :mad: , they had better have a good offer on the table as the amount of guys that bought new cars this year, the very least Scott Dennis could do is give the winner his cheque for the car back. Really feel sorry for all the guys as they have put everything into this season for hee haw, no prize, no BTCC test, zilch.

Personally as they say the seats are a procession the lads that do turn up at brands make it a 40mph tour round the track, why bother racing and risking damage to the car. I just hope the boys that bought new cars this year can sell them onto the club racers or euro series as they are good club racing cars

Seat sport you are a joke may all your jobbies be hedgehogs:mad: :mad:

[teenymac]

I've not seen them live, but what I've seen on tv looks as though they would be a good addition to the race programme

Only seen them live once at Knockhill and it was very entertaining. I do like watching them on the tv as well.

[hoppers30040]

Only seen them live once at Knockhill and it was very entertaining. I do like watching them on the tv as well.
cat i seen them since 2004 me and my mate dan love them what am i going to tell him as seats anit on btcc package next year

[simon1220]

They must have been told in the past that this was going to happen, they cant just pull out and walk away.

[Reidy_fan]

they can walk away and just have

might see JA on sunday and will hear if he knows anything

[Beemer Fan]

Although not always the best support race in terms of action, it will be a shame to see it die. I hope the drivers in it find careers elsewhere!

[mikeymike]

The thing that makes this so sour is that it not long since the new cars were brought in and the olds ones scrapped so it looks like seat have **** on the teams/drivers that stuck with the series and bought the new car.

[daveylad1978]

dont know about JA but I know I am xxxxing raging:mad: :mad: , they had better have a good offer on the table as the amount of guys that bought new cars this year, the very least Scott Dennis could do is give the winner his cheque for the car back. Really feel sorry for all the guys as they have put everything into this season for hee haw, no prize, no BTCC test, zilch.

Personally as they say the seats are a procession the lads that do turn up at brands make it a 40mph tour round the track, why bother racing and risking damage to the car. I just hope the boys that bought new cars this year can sell them onto the club racers or euro series as they are good club racing cars

Seat sport you are a joke may all your jobbies be hedgehogs:mad: :mad:

Calm down! Wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alleyway mate......:eek:

They'll still get their prize. As stated on their website:
"Fully SEAT Sport UK supported entry in a touring car event
and a new road going Leon FR"

Doesn't mention anything at all about BTCC does it? ;) Remember the 2003 Cupra champ was rumoured to be in the 2004 WTCC with Plato, but that got changed to the BTCC and the wording was exactly the same - a touring car event.

[hoppers30040]

In all fairness though it is ashame to see the Cupra's go.

If BTCC is Formula 1 than that would have Made The Cupra's the GP2 :p

Rether or not you were a Fan or not, It did bring us the Likes of Rob Huff and Mat Jackson, So it definatly deserves it's Credit..
and james pickford and of couse robertshaw chevy driver harry vaulkhard

[DickW]

Little point in replacing Cupras with Minis when you already have the Clios.

In any event only the S is worth racing.. As has been shown at Knockhill the standard Cooper is hardly quicker than the old Fiesta XR2 but it's a lot more expensive.

[Les]

found out last night I had mates who were going to race them next year which would have been brilliant. Now what are they going to do?

[VR6Steve]

Its a real shame that we won't have these next year, the noise is awesome.

You do really have to feel for the teams. I bet quite a few would have thought twice about buying a car for this year had they known. :(

Lets hope they can either afford to join the Euro series or can sell them on.

[hoppers30040]

Its a real shame that we won't have these next year, the noise is awesome.

You do really have to feel for the teams. I bet quite a few would have thought twice about buying a car for this year had they known. :(

Lets hope they can either afford to join the Euro series or can sell them on.
your right steve i loved them and 2.0 was realy awesome

[simon1220]

Its a real shame that we won't have these next year, the noise is awesome.

You do really have to feel for the teams. I bet quite a few would have thought twice about buying a car for this year had they known. :(

Lets hope they can either afford to join the Euro series or can sell them on.

Well thats probably why they didnt tell them, so that they would have the cars to ensure good pack numbers this year.

[VR6Steve]

I actually think this pull out is quite a sudden decision on SEAT's part.

I also think there is more to it than just a change of marketing stratergy. I otherwise think they would have said something at the end of last season.

[simon1220]

found out last night I had mates who were going to race them next year which would have been brilliant. Now what are they going to do?

Definetly Clios :) Surely the clios would be cheaper to enter (minus the cost of new bodywork ;) )

[Reidy_fan]

found out last night I had mates who were going to race them next year which would have been brilliant. Now what are they going to do?

you meaning paul Rivett as he was talking about SCC as was a few of the clio boys. thing is as well with the SCC it has been on a yellow card for 2 years and if there hadnt been a grid of 18-20 cars in 2009 the MSA would have taken away its championship status. think it was a case of jump before you get pushed

question is how many cars are out there as there is a few in the lma series, some in sport maxx and at least 6 or 7 in club series. for clubbies I cant see the cars going for any more than 17k. bargains could be had

[Les]

no not Paul but Paul and JHR are another problem - 4 cars in their awning at the moment and a lot of expertise.

[codename_47]

Definetly Clios :) Surely the clios would be cheaper to enter (minus the cost of new bodywork ;) )

Or they could take the cars they have and enter the WTCC supporting SEAT eurocup?:confused:

[daveylad1978]

question is how many cars are out there as there is a few in the lma series, some in sport maxx and at least 6 or 7 in club series. for clubbies I cant see the cars going for any more than 17k. bargains could be had

Sport Maxx cars are just modified roadcars. :)

[simon1220]

Or they could take the cars they have and enter the WTCC supporting SEAT eurocup?:confused:

Bet that costs a lot though, with all the travel and stuff.

[BTCCROCKS]

When most of the drivers decided to enter The Seat Euro Cup, this might have been the end, even if Seat decided to stay on. But i'd like to say that this Championship has produced some great drivers. Thank you Seat :)

[redshoes]

They'll still get their prize. As stated on their website:
"Fully SEAT Sport UK supported entry in a touring car event
and a new road going Leon FR"

Doesn't mention anything at all about BTCC does it? ;)
The original announcement in the press referred to the prize being a BTCC drive but the full regs actually say "The Champion will be invited to race a VW Group Touring car in an Internationally recognised Meeting e.g. British Touring Car Championship, World Touring Car Championship, FiA European Touring Car Cup or similar."

[CVRFan09]

A question. Of all the teams and drivers who do you think has possibly come out with the least harm? I am sure they will all find competition surely somewhere. But I have one who does well from this.

I would be prepared to say my team, the one I follow, Total Control Racing. Becase even with Jonathan (Adam) and Jamie (Ackers) gone, and who is to say they won't do this in 2009, they still run quite competitively in the Clios with Jonathan Ridley Holloway, Nick Adcock, Alex McDowall and Mike Robinson. Though only Robinson was the winner it seems being as he is 5th - three places above the next best TCR driver so far (McDowall).

In fact I wouldn't be surprised if Jonathan does do the Clios. He did Silverstone. And not to bad if I recall. A first and a second respectively and in the first set the fastest lap of the day as far as I can see from the points table on the championships website. He is a proven race winner in both having won 9 times (with 3 more chances to win on Sunday) in the SCC and now it appears one of his two races in the Clios.

[Reidy_fan]

I said this at the start of the year for Jonathan Adam to go back to clios it would be a step backwards, he has already proved it with the title in 05 that he can do it there plus jumping into Nick's clio at sillystone and winning with no testing shows he has the measure of it. BTCC is the only place for JA to conquer now and if he had the budget he would have been there a couple of years ago

[CVRFan09]

I said this at the start of the year for Jonathan Adam to go back to clios it would be a step backwards, he has already proved it with the title in 05 that he can do it there plus jumping into Nick's clio at sillystone and winning with no testing shows he has the measure of it. BTCC is the only place for JA to conquer now and if he had the budget he would have been there a couple of years ago

Totally agree. I have been a massive fan of him for ages and I feel whatever he does it must be a step up. But I think his time has come anyway to progress and do the BTCC.

I think the point I was trying to drive home is that because TCR also do the Clios they are surely able to resume back next year to do the Clios. I think I can say with reasonable confidence that come the first Saturrday of the new season in April for the first two free practice sessions and the qualification session if and when Ray Brooks and his team look up at the sky it will be the sky above Brands Hatch.
But what about Daniels Motorsport, Welch Motorsport or JHR Developments? Where will they and their drivers be? Would they be able to just go and do something else easily? And if they are doing something, which I hope, how comcrete is the guarantee that it will be something on the TOCA Support programme?

[b2uk]

JHR SHould still be in Clios next year.

It's a shame the SCC is leaving us, its was "that" final stepping stone before the BTCC

[CVRFan09]

It's a shame the SCC is leaving us, its was "that" final stepping stone before the BTCC

I agree. But what I don't understand is unless it is because the drivers had to buy their Leons over the last year or two and therefore the factory won't, of course, be around anymore to supply the cars that the drivers buy, why is the SCC affected by the withdrawl of SEAT from the BTCC on marketing grounds to the extent the SCC itself has to go?

I am really thinking at admin level here. It is/was run by Nortern South and I am sure if you take SEATSport UK out of the equasion that doesn't mean necessarily Northern South have to stop running the SCC also. To my knowledge not running SEATSport UK doesn't surely simoultaneously absolve Northern South of their ressponsibility of running the SCC. I think NorthernSouth could go on to continue running the SCC despite not running SEATSport UK.

So I don't think it was down to something at admin level. It has to be down to the fact SEAT cannot make Leons for the teams and drivers available to buy.

But what about the possibility of VW taking over the Championship? SEAT is owned by VW. Can't VW help? Can't VW make racing Golf GTi's for drivers and teams to buy? Or again does it come down to the size of the market

[redshoes]

Northern South didn't run the series, they supplied cars and parts for teams. Without commercial backing from SEAT that wouldn't be financially viable any more.

In theory at least the series could continue at club level, just as the old shape Clios and Fiestas did when they were replaced. The difference is that in those cases there were enough cars available to make those club series viable. At times the current series struggled to get a decent sized entry and without manufacturer backing the chances of getting an MSA championship permit are just about nil. Even if a club series was started (which it won't be) it wouldn't find a place on the BTCC support bill without the substantial marketing budget from SEAT, which obviously won't happen.

What will happen is that you will see some of the cars filter down to other series, in fact that's already started to happen. There's already bean Leon Cupra cars racing in the Northern Saloon and LMA Euro Saloon championships this year for example.

As for VW, they already support the VW Cup series that runs on the F3/GT support package. That's a somewhat different situation as teams can run any model VW rather than VW building/supplying a specific model. There have been vague rumours they would bring the Polo Cup over from Germany or start a series for the new Scirocco but I wouldn't hold your breath.

[mbailey06]

Well at least with the title fight going down to the wire the series will leave us with a bang.

[CVRFan09]

Northern South didn't run the series, they supplied cars and parts for teams.

I was wrong. I am sorry.

[VR6Steve]

Two fantastic results for Martin Byford today. I hope he is still somewhere on the BTCC package next year.

[simon1220]

Made me chuckle with some of the cars having a sticker on the front showing a sad face then saying 'for sale'. The teams involved were making a point to seat about how they were treated and it was the right way to go about it, with a bt of cheek and having a laugh.

[VR6Steve]

Yeah saw those too. Really can't blame them can you. Had the proverbial rug pulled from under them. :( :mad:

[redshoes]

Made me chuckle with some of the cars having a sticker on the front showing a sad face then saying 'for sale'. The teams involved were making a point to seat about how they were treated and it was the right way to go about it, with a bt of cheek and having a laugh.
Unfortunately the teams aren't laughing. Some of them have a lot of money invested in the series, some have even bought new cars in preparation for next year. All are now left with equipment worth a fraction of what they paid for it.

[BTCCROCKS]

What a way to end the series. Well the 1st race any way, for producing lots of drama. Haven't seen the 2nd race yet. Just like to wish all the drivers, good luck for the future

[CVRFan09]

Sad that the final decision on whether Jonny Adam will be confirmed as SCC Champion will be probably down to a panel during the week and not as planned at the end of the race.

[BTCCROCKS]

Sad that the final decision on whether Jonny Adam will be confirmed as SCC Champion will be probably down to a panel during the week and not as planned at the end of the race.
I'm surprised that they didn't do the panel a week after Silverstone

[Beemer Fan]

I'm surprised that they didn't do the panel a week after Silverstone

Well it's Motorsport isn't it? An appeal is always long after the race.

[Reidy_fan]

Lawson should quit moaning and move on, he hit the kerb and knocked his camber out, the kerb didnt jump out and hit him. Lets be honest if JA had the new car at the start Rob wouldnt have got a sniff at the title. Can see why Rob is throwing everything at the appeal as he spent the most on testing before the ban, 2 days at each track, entering the clio in local series for more tracktime, 2 new cars during the season.

not that I am bitter or anything, we all know who the best driver was in 08:cool:

[The_Marshal]

Even tho they won`t be on the BTCC package,they are looking at trying to keep the championship alive and yet race another day.
I hope they manage it.

[Beemer Fan]

I wonder how longer we have to wait to hear the announcement on this then? :confused:

[603270466]

The drivers badgered Alan Gow for a while about a non-works backed championship.

Because the slot has been filled, Alan said no, but I think if the Cupra guys get their heads together, I can't see why they can't have some kind of series still going on as a support package for the BRSCC races

[VR6Steve]

Good luck to them, I hope they can pull it off. :D

[Shortride]

well the other day 4 of the Cupra drivers tested the btcc Seat TDI and all were recommended that they wiould fit in easily into the BTCC.

[Marc W]

I can't see them getting the numbers to make a championship on their own. There weren't huge numbers this year and I can't see them increasing running with very few spectators and no tv as it won't be so easy to seel to sponsors. It would be brilliant if it did work out, but I think we'll see the cars either joining other series or maybe in the Euro version that supports the WTCC.

[603270466]

The chances are the majority of them will go to the Spanish championship or European championship.

Do they have the Cupra's at the WTCC as a support round?

I'v never been to the WTCC meet at Brands, so that's why i'm asking a dumb question

[simon1220]

The chances are the majority of them will go to the Spanish championship or European championship.

Do they have the Cupra's at the WTCC as a support round?

I'v never been to the WTCC meet at Brands, so that's why i'm asking a dumb question

Yeah the Eurocup support the WTCC. They have Tom Boardman and Eoin Murray running in it soo far.

[Marc W]

The chances are the majority of them will go to the Spanish championship or European championship.

Do they have the Cupra's at the WTCC as a support round?

I'v never been to the WTCC meet at Brands, so that's why i'm asking a dumb question

Yep the European series is doing pretty well as they have a WTCC drive in the next race meeting for the highest scoring driver during that meeting. Eoin Murray is doing well this year and is second in the table as he has been trying to win it overall rather than going for the WTCC prize drives.

[simon1220]

Yep the European series is doing pretty well as they have a WTCC drive in the next race meeting for the highest scoring driver during that meeting. Eoin Murray is doing well this year and is second in the table as he has been trying to win it overall rather than going for the WTCC prize drives.

Hes been turning down the WTCC drives when hes won them hasnt he?

[603270466]

Yep the European series is doing pretty well as they have a WTCC drive in the next race meeting for the highest scoring driver during that meeting. Eoin Murray is doing well this year and is second in the table as he has been trying to win it overall rather than going for the WTCC prize drives.

Is that with Exagon Engineering? the team Corthals drives for?

If it is, then I've always wondered why his team mate changes all the time

[mattlovestbs]

Is that with Exagon Engineering? the team Corthals drives for?

If it is, then I've always wondered why his team mate changes all the time

no - its Team Sunred, the team who run Tom Coronel

[Mad Professor]

The Seat Cupra challenge wasn't exactly the most exciting racing. I for one won't miss it. It would be good to have th eGInette G50s but the danger is that the support package for British GTs/F3 loses out too much.

[harry1]

To convert the british cars to the Spanish or European spec will cost £10k plus per car!!

Incidently been told to run in the Eurocup with a team costs around £20k a round!

[simon1220]

To convert the british cars to the Spanish or European spec will cost £10k plus per car!!

Incidently been told to run in the Eurocup with a team costs around £20k a round!

It costs to compete in a big series like that but with the TV exposure and worldwide rounds they would easily recoup that money through sponsorship.

[Marc W]

It costs to compete in a big series like that but with the TV exposure and worldwide rounds they would easily recoup that money through sponsorship.

Ideally they would, but I wouldn't say it was easy!

[b2uk]

To convert the british cars to the Spanish or European spec will cost £10k plus per car!!
I'm guessing there's some de-restricting of the engine to be done, as the UK SEAT Cupra's ran restrictors on the power etc

[603270466]

I'm guessing there's some de-restricting of the engine to be done, as the UK SEAT Cupra's ran restrictors on the power etc

I thought they complied to the same regs as they have the Cup at the end of the year, when Cupra drivers from all over the world join to race together