BTCC at the Autosport show

The Autosport Show at the NEC was expected to be the platform for driver confirmations for the 2009 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship.
It was hoped that as many as five BTCC teams could release details of their Driver and Sponsorship details to the waiting public and International Media.

Instead only one announcement was made; Vauxhall confirming their continued participation in the championship,(the 20th year in a row) plus their driver line-up of Fabrizio Giovanardi, Matt Neal and the ‘surprise announcement’ of Andrew Jordan in the third works car.

Arena International were due to confirm a team mate for their #1 driver Tom Chilton, but admitted they have not fully decided. It is understood that due to contractual issues he could not be named yet. Team Boss Mike Earle even saying that they are in a position to run three Ford Focus in the championship.

It was hoped that Team Dynamics would announce their driver line-up to the waiting fans, but again no news. Gordon Shedden was on hand on the Thursday giving people the impression he is not far for sealing his third year at the team.
Again, rumours are that the drivers have been decided but no contracts have been signed.

Some visitors noticed that the Honda Civic was devoid of any Halfords graphics at the show, this highlighted the earlier speculation that the car accessory giant may not be back for 2009. Some people also saying that due to the problems at the Swindon factory, Honda has dropped their assistance to the team. But again only Team Dynamics can confirm this.

Another team that people were hoping to hear from were Carbon Zero Racing, (formally Clyde Valley Racing) they have for a while been insisting that their first car would be on track before Christmas 2008 and that a press announcement is imminent, did not show. Could it really be; No News is Good News?

Eagle-eyed visitors may have spotted a Motorbase Performance BMW tucked away on the Corbeau Seat stand carrying the #12.
Rob Collard finished 12th last season as his team-mate Steven Kane one place ahead in 11th! Perhaps Motorbase will have #11 and 12 for 2009? Another team we are waiting to hear from.

What about this for a thought? An unemployed SEAT driver ran #11 last year!!

Mat Jackson and Adam Jones were there today (Saturday)saying that they are both intent of competing this season. Matt with a major new sponsor and Adam finalising a deal. Official announcements are imminent.

Finally, my heart goes out to Darelle Wilson, Darelle got caught-up in the Team48 fiasco last season. This year he is trying to raise funds to get into the BTCC. But Darelle, why did you leave the Alfa in that green paint job?
People were heard to say; “Did you see the Team48 Alfa was on show?”

Darelle if you want people to take you seriously, get rid of the green Alfa. Paint it RED!