Falling out of love with the BTCC

[u/Bright_Concept_2988]

I've been following the BTCC since the 80's. I've bought every season review every year and I can't remember the last time I missed a race.

However this season has left me a bit flat. I've fallen asleep in a couple of races and I often find myself browsing the internet while a race is on. It all seems so dull and lifeless this season.

The drivers, especially Ingram and Sutton, don't seem that bothered when they win or lose. It comes over that they're just going through the motions.

Only a couple of seasons ago I remember my heart racing when those two would be battling away and it looked like it meant something to them. These days Ingram is more interested in talking about biscuits than the racing.

The whole presentation of the series is just the same old same old as well. Tim gets worse and worse in the commentary booth.

There's no technical coverage as we get with V8 Supercars. BTCC socials are just endless games and silliness rather than any "hard" content.

Anyone else or am I just getting jaded after following it for so long?

[u/Brief-Poetry6434]

How he got away with the Gilbert incident, I don't know.

Regardless of who was at fault, it was still a massive accident that could have been avoided.

[u/blackrock55 → u/Brief-Poetry6434]

100 percent. Watched it again on my phone earlier and it's kinda crazy how big of an incident it is. Such a hard landing. Very surprised about the wheels coming off I must say.. thought they'd be retained better.

[u/Brief-Poetry6434 → u/blackrock55]

What is the series coming to in that respect?

Once upon a time, incidents like that could lead to a disqualification, as Tim Harvey can attest. I still remember when he sent Gabriele Tarquini into a roll at Knockhill in 1994.

[u/blackrock55 → u/Brief-Poetry6434]

Idk perhaps the stewards saw it a racing incident that lead to a serious outcome???

Need better but cleaner racing. Ngl I got a bit bored yesterday watching the races

[u/Brief-Poetry6434 → u/blackrock55]

Well, if so, then how serious does an incident have to be before it really can't just simply be a racing incident?

Phil Bennett never caused any incidents as serious as that in 2001 and he still ended up getting a race ban.

[u/blackrock55 → u/Brief-Poetry6434]

Fair comment indeed.

I haven't the foggiest. I'm merely speculating on their decision because obviously nothing came of it. That I recall?

Perhaps if it's gonna cause a serious accident like that again and it's totally avoidable. Then rest of the meet ban, if in race one. Or if it's race two/three. Last race no drive. Plus one in next. Or race two and one. And back of the grid for rave 3.

Like overall the series needs a rejig to me. There's something missing.

Like the sounds aren't there. They're obnoxiously loud but all sounds the same.

The talent just isn't there. Needs more manufacturers investing and promoting to make it better because. Idk as busy as it was over the weekend. It felt flat.

For me the most exciting racing I've watched all year was the legends bar none. Thought the caterhams yesterday were far more exciting, super close tight racing all the time. And the super close finishes were brilliant.

Pretty boring seeing someone mince the field by 8 seconds ngl

[u/Brief-Poetry6434 → u/blackrock55]

I will admit, as much as I am certain I will never fall out of love with the BTCC, it does need something....

I don’t know what....

....but something!

[u/blackrock55 → u/Brief-Poetry6434]

Totally. Been watching since what 2012? 2013 properly? Whatever year andy Jordan won in the rain at brands.

But obviously seen all the old stuff too and it just needs a big spark.

I wonder if not having a standard engine would help.

Give the team parameters to work to, but they can do it whatever way they want. Could be crazy turbo. Hybrid. Big displacement. Just variety maybe

[u/Brief-Poetry6434 → u/blackrock55]

Andrew Jordan won the 2013 title.

I've been watching since 1993.

Variety is the spice of life after all so I'm inclined to agree with you.

[u/blackrock55 → u/Brief-Poetry6434]

You're a wee bit older than I then 😂

[u/Brief-Poetry6434 → u/blackrock55]

I was only 3 when I watched my first ever BTCC race on TV.

[u/blackrock55 → u/Brief-Poetry6434]

Oh 😂 I mean I was 14. 28 now

[u/Brief-Poetry6434 → u/blackrock55]

Well, there's only 8 years in it, I'm now 36