Racing Rivals On TV

[Amanda]

The TV coverage of the SEAT Cupra Championship is on ITV and ITV2 this Saturday and Sunday.

It should be interesting, we haven't been able to get to a race yet because of clashes with the BTCC. We will be at Rockingham next weekend though!

[Les]

same here but the Seats will be second on my list ;)

[Jamie P-E]

I'll be there as well and I'll be cheering on the VW Golf for you Les:D

Jamie

[John]

Well........... not quite sure what to say!

Saw that there was SEAT cupra cup racing on tv today so set the video and when I got in I put it on expecting to see some close door to door racing...... but no, it was like a cross between big brother and fame academy (neither of which I have any interest in watching!).

The most exciting bit was at the end with the qualifying (note it wasnt called qualifying - because obviously that term is too technical for the target audience!!) when Rob Huff went straight into the back of someone doing a very weird braking on the start finish line (maybe he thought the chequered flag meant do an emergency stop?!!).

Hopefully next week (or whenever its on again) will be better, but I can see them spending half the programme on non-racing gubbins!

I was half expecting them to give out phone numbers to let us vote off one of the drivers! :rolleyes:

I admit that its slightly different to the average support race championship because theres a works ETCC drive available - but wasnt there a prize with the Vectra challenge of a BTCC Vectra to run in the independents championship? Cant they just show the races in a normal way - ie like the BTCC, Clios, FFord et al are shown, without trying to create some reality TV thing?

ok rant over! ;)

[Claw]

Well I loved it! ;)

[cos]

The point is that there is a lot of 'gubbins' - it's designed as an insight to the drivers both on and off the track. Makes a change from the usual motorsport on TV though.

[Les]

I quite liked it - a lot on the drivers and not too much on the presenters and a load of background. Mind you it is like watching a soap - ended with a cliffhanger!
Second episode is on tomorrow I believe.
Tried to watch the extra bit on ITV2 but no reception. :(

[Cleland Fan]

Originally posted by John
Well........... not quite sure what to say!

Saw that there was SEAT cupra cup racing on tv today so set the video and when I got in I put it on expecting to see some close door to door racing...... but no, it was like a cross between big brother and fame academy (neither of which I have any interest in watching!).

The most exciting bit was at the end with the qualifying (note it wasnt called qualifying - because obviously that term is too technical for the target audience!!) when Rob Huff went straight into the back of someone doing a very weird braking on the start finish line (maybe he thought the chequered flag meant do an emergency stop?!!).

Hopefully next week (or whenever its on again) will be better, but I can see them spending half the programme on non-racing gubbins!

I was half expecting them to give out phone numbers to let us vote off one of the drivers! :rolleyes:

I admit that its slightly different to the average support race championship because theres a works ETCC drive available - but wasnt there a prize with the Vectra challenge of a BTCC Vectra to run in the independents championship? Cant they just show the races in a normal way - ie like the BTCC, Clios, FFord et al are shown, without trying to create some reality TV thing?

ok rant over! ;)

That was the whole point of the show. To show us what goes on behind the scenes and give us an insight into the life of a driver trying to make it big. Ok, it may not suit everyone, but it's a new and interesting approach to the sport on TV.

I really enjoyed the 2 shows so far. The RR Xtra show was especially good with the drivers doing their bonding sessions and finding out who were the team players and who weren't.

About the phone vote thing. For the non championship Seat Super Prix at Brands in September, they might be deciding the grids by phone vote. Still to be decided that one apparantly.

[Les]

Originally posted by Cleland Fan
About the phone vote thing. For the non championship Seat Super Prix at Brands in September, they might be deciding the grids by phone vote. Still to be decided that one apparantly.

I've heard about the vote - or rather I should say I have been told by three of the drivers who I am voting for... ;)

[Claw]

I don't like Rob Huff. He got annoyed when he hit that person up the back on the finish line, but then it's ok for him to hit people off. See him trying to spin Colbert at the fastest part of the track! He's a very dirty driver and i'm not impressed! :mad:

[Les]

umm very forceful was Huffy - mind you it showed all the front runners as being bullies and the ones at the back as spending half their time off track.
Well done to the mechanics for getting all the cars repaired in time for the races.

Wasn't that impressed with the race action - it was a collection of incidents but you weren't ever going to get more than that as both races were covered in about 15 minutes.

What made me laugh though was Stefan Hodgetts - that's the most I have ever heard him speak. He is not the most forthcoming of boys and usual questions are answered with a yes/not/maybe or huh?

And what about the others?? So far it has focused on Stefan, Huffy, Barrett,Karl Goshawk - a few bits on Spencer, Paula, Julian and Melany but there must be some missing???

[Claw]

..and Hamish Gordon.

There are drivers we haven't seen yet.


Where did Stefan Hodgetts used to race?

[cos]

Stefan Hodgetts did some British F3 last year, I think it was in the Scolarship class, with the Menu team.

[Les]

He was in Formula Renault and maybe Formula Ford before that.

[touringlegend]

Quite like Hamish Gordon - seems a nice chap and is an entertaining character.

Didn't like the move Huff made on Paula Cook, he went for the corner when it wasn't his..

[Alan]

Les - if there is some sort of vote and you can only vote for one driver, what are you going to do???:D

[Claire]

If anyone wants to see the action live this Sunday I have two free tickets going spare, compliments of SEAT, send me a PM if you would like them.

As for the voting at Brands I won't know who to go for either, I'm going to wait until I've seen them in the flesh before I make my decsion!! ;)

[Claire]

I'm pleased to say that my tickets have found a good home for Sunday, see you there ceejay.

[Amanda]

Well done Claire!

I am really looking forward to seeing the action at Rockingham this weekend.

See you all there!:D

[Jamie P-E]

Amanda~ I am looking forward to this weekend and from what people have said the racing should be fantastic, and with the Mini Miglia's and Se7en's on the same bill it should be one top weekend.

See you there


Jamie :D

[Les]

Originally posted by Alan
Les - if there is some sort of vote and you can only vote for one driver, what are you going to do???:D

well there's me, Kev, 2 cats, 10 odd fish - heh that's most of the grid sorted....

Jamie - you'll have to pop round the garage and see the glorious Golf. It has new super dooper gear box (very techy term that) and rear spoiler. It really looks the business now. What makes me laugh is all the GT bods cheer it on when it overtakes the Ferrari and Porsches in the cup class :)

[Claw]

Another great show. Emmet O'Briens fault the first corner.

And Gavin Smith talking out of his butt. He blatantly shoved Shedden out the way. And he's going all dramatic saying he's gonna quit!

Did he quit the series?

[John]

Originally posted by Claw
He blatantly shoved Shedden out the way. And he's going all dramatic saying he's gonna quit!

Did he quit the series?

Yeah what was that about - having a strop because his appeal wasnt upheld - even though he blatently shoved Shedden out of the way! If thats the sort of attitude he brings to the series it doesn't really bother me if he stays or not.

Cant wait til next programme - did you see the crash?! That would have hurt!!

[John]

PS the Cook 'lunge' going down the straight gave the perfect opportunity for Jason to mention him and James Thompson at Oulton in 99!!

Remember that!! ;)

[Racefan_uk]

I can't believe I was at Silverstone and never managed to see such dismal driving standards!

It was the first time I've watched the SEAT's and I have to admit, the driving is absolutely terrible! I mean, Emmet spun at the first corner, okay, all by himself and managed to clip Paula Cook by accident, sending her off onto the non-existent gravel and onto the new high grip tarmac, at lease she continued and it wasn't deliberate. But when the pair went side by side up the start finish straight she blatantly moved him towards the wall, that was just downright dangerous! What was she thinking?

And Smith just turned into the biggest drama queen of all time, didn't he? "I'm going to have to think about quitting the series and racing." Oh come on, please..!

And O'Brien telling the TV crew that he told Cook to "pick a corner", Duh! Does he not think the stewards will watch the footage? Hmmmm, classic case of disengaging brain before getting into the car.

At least the driving at the front was clean and those two kept themselves out of trouble. They obviouly know what a flat in Monaco and a works drive is worth!:)

[Claw]

Originally posted by Racefan_uk
But when the pair went side by side up the start finish straight she blatantly moved him towards the wall, that was just downright dangerous! What was she thinking?


It wasn't all Paula in there little war. First corner accident was O'Briens fault. 50/50 atm.

I'm not too surprised about the driving standards after whats at steak.

[touringlegend]

I suppose I can see why Gavin Smith was so p-d off although I will say his move was a little harsh there's been a lot of contact in this series.

We're not always getting the full picture. The TV highlights made it out as if Gavin was a maniac, but we'd have needed to see all of the battle between him and Gordon to pass a correct judgement on it.


BTW Anyone else entered the competition on the ITV2 show...1/3 for me correct! :p

[Les]

just how much is play acting for the cameras????

I know I have been around parc ferme enough to see adrenaline disengage the brain but that is just too silly.

There we have Spencer Marsh saying Huff needs to go off - just pick a corner.... Paula Cook and Emmett the same - just what are they thinking.

[touring fan]

Originally posted by Les
just what are they thinking. nothing as far as I can tell;).

[Alan]

More good stuff in this weekends programmes.

Stafan Hodgetts big off was caused by brake failure from what I could make out, but it was one heck of an impact and testament to the strength of the SEAT.

All the usual silly comments from the drivers, but it all might just get a few more people interested in motor racing.

[touringlegend]

Stefan Hodgetts accident looked far worse from the head on camera at Lodge than it did from the camera at Druids anyway - but glad he never went straight over the barriers was very close!

[Les]

the worst/most impressive shot was the side on one where you see the speed at which he hit. Must be really strong cars to have just walked away.

[Claw]

Todays show tops the lot! :D

Yet more dirty driving from Huff. He was the one to blame in that first race crash. Had Pickford and Colbert off.

And still Gavin Smith is talking out of his rear end. He constantly think's he should have special treatment. He hits Shedden, Shedden gets him back and Smith thinks that Shedden should be disqualifyed. And what the hell was Emmett O'Brien doing!? Straight into Hodgetts at about 70 mph!

IMO Pickford is one of the best out there and deserves a win. He's clean and quick with it.

BTW, how can they fit a live show in a 30 minute time slot!? :confused:

[touring fan]

That lot are a right bunch of kids. I'm really struggling to think of one of them which either deserves or is ready for the prize. They all seem to think they're superstars already but they just look stupid.

[Claw]

Well it's entertaining! I enjoy watching it more than the BTCC. Of coarce they are going to be mental, as there is a very, very big prize at steak and it's no surprise there is alot of accidents.

Pickford, Marsh and Hodgetts seem to be the only clean drivers out there.

[Kelvin]

An appalling display of driving, most of them need their licences endorsed IMHO

[touringlegend]

The ITV1 show that lasts 30 mins today will show highlights of the first race that takes place today. It is not live, but the second race is live in ITV2.

This is very misleading as throughout the series they've made it out to be as if the series will conclude live in ITV1 - but apparently not.

So if you haven't got ITV2, I'm afraid "Racing Rivals Live" will be far from it!!!

The only reason I can think of is that they are perhaps thinking the champion (Ie HUFF!) will win the title in the first race so will be able to show that on ITV1 to all..

[kestrel]

Rob Huff wins Seat Cupra Championship.:D

[Claw]

That arrogant **** won! :(

[John]

so when do us non-ITV2 people get to see the second race?? :confused:

Thought the format with Ben commentating was far better than the usual 'narrative style' reporting.

PS - whats going on with Smith's hair?! :rolleyes: :confused:

[tvgod]

Originally posted by John
so when do us non-ITV2 people get to see the second race?? :confused:



If you don't have ITV2, you probably won't have any of the other channels which are going to be showing all the races later in they year...so the short answer is: You won't.

[kestrel]

Totally agree John - Plato and Edwards make a great combination.

[John]

They should have let Jason have a go in the last round - that would have been good!! Or did the other Ben (the 18yr old) trash all the spare cars?! ;)

[V6.]

In the shows i have seen from silverstone, oulton and rockingham the standard of driving has been auful. There was some good racing and it made for good veiwing but on the most part it seemed like chaos. At points in the rockingham race it seemed no better than a banger race. The basics of clean racing seem to be substituted for the good ol playstation whack your way through. BTCC bumping and banging is all good but what some of these guys were doing was just plain (but very entertaining) stupid. And the girl who didnt know what the flags where, not wanting to go out without power steering, yes it may be heavy but give the same opertunity to any one of us and we would jump at it, she didnt even want to try.
I will be going to brands to watch.

[Cleland Fan]

Originally posted by V6.
And the girl who didnt know what the flags where, not wanting to go out without power steering, yes it may be heavy but give the same opertunity to any one of us and we would jump at it, she didnt even want to try.
I will be going to brands to watch.

You have to remember that she is primarily a rally driver and has only done a handful of circuit races which were years ago. Also driving a racing car without power steering requires a lot of strength and effort and i think Natalie has trouble with an injury to her shoulder which means it would not be the best idea to try and race with unaided steering.

[Jamie P-E]

Originally posted by V6.
In the shows i have seen from silverstone, oulton and rockingham the standard of driving has been auful. There was some good racing and it made for good veiwing but on the most part it seemed like chaos. At points in the rockingham race it seemed no better than a banger race. The basics of clean racing seem to be substituted for the good ol playstation whack your way through. BTCC bumping and banging is all good but what some of these guys were doing was just plain (but very entertaining) stupid. And the girl who didnt know what the flags where, not wanting to go out without power steering, yes it may be heavy but give the same opertunity to any one of us and we would jump at it, she didnt even want to try.
I will be going to brands to watch.



I agree with what you are syaing to a certain extent but with reference to Natalie Barratt who you think is stupid by not knowing what the flags, I f you thought about it she would not be allowed to race as the flags are a big safety feature inany Motorsport so I think she was Joking, She may not wanted to have gone out with no power steering and quite frankly who'd blame her. She did go out to take part in the start and she completed several laps but it got too much so she came into the pits rather than plant it in to the wall.

Huff didn't deserve to win and Gavin Smith needs to go back to Driving and Manners School


:mad: :mad: :mad:




On a happy Note: Nice to see Top Bloke Hamish Gordon getting 2 good top 10 finishes, Don't for get to vote for him in the Cupra SuperPrix at Brand on Sept 28th

[Les]

well I am chuffed to bits that Huffy won.

Nice one mate - you deserved that (and if you are reading this Huffy I am still smiling at my present :D)

:)


p.s. was gutted for Stefan - not the way you want to lose it
And Smithy and Sheddon excluded from the first race so they weren't in contention.

[Kelvin]

Standard of driving much better today, pat on the back for the local boy Huffy.

Kelvin

[Claw]

I'll give him a kick up the **** not a pat. He needs to clean up his act if he's gonna get anywhere in the ETCC.

[Sim_Da_BTCC_Man]

Originally posted by Claw
I'll give him a kick up the **** not a pat. He needs to clean up his act if he's gonna get anywhere in the ETCC.

Do stop being so sour Nick. when something happens you cant hold it against them for the rest of thier lives. let it go!

[Claw]

I think the award goes to Jamie P-E for the biggest Huff hater on here. :D

[Jamie P-E]

Originally posted by Claw
I think the award goes to Jamie P-E for the biggest Huff hater on here. :D


I have to disagree with that comment, I just don't approve of his antics on the track. In my opinion I think he's a dirty driver, I'm sure Claire and Amanda will agree with me.

Who else agrees.


Jamie

[Amanda]

Good point Jamie! I have to agree with you that some of Robert Huff's driving tactics are questionable to say the least.

It will be interesting to see how he gets on in the ETCC.

[Jamie P-E]

Originally posted by Amanda
Good point Jamie! I have to agree with you that some of Robert Huff's driving tactics are questionable to say the least.

It will be interesting to see how he gets on in the ETCC.

Thanks Amanda

and we'll see if the FiA will put up with his driving!!!!

see you at the weekend.

Jamie;) ;) ;)

[Nikki P]

I agree with you about Huff's driving standards. I think that most of the time his ability is overshadowed by his tactics and approach. Personally I think that Stefan Hodgetts was the star of the championship, he's a very talented guy. I hope we see him have a great year next year, he really deserves it.