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TouringCarTimes preview of BTCC 2010

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TouringCarTimes looks ahead of the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship by looking at the expected entries in the 52nd running of this series. All though not a record entry, it could just turn out to be another year to rival last seasons dramatic championships.

With what was thought to be the demise of the manufacturer entry last season as Vauxhall left the championship after a run of 20 years.

There is now a possibility of a manufacturer entering to keep the status quo and giving credit to the championship during the proposed change of this phenomenon called the BTCC.

Even at this stage, this list is purely based on information obtained by TouringCarTimes and is in no way a definitive list of entries. That is due to be published on March 23rd.

After lasts years surprise last minute entry, the worst kept secret of 2010 is expected to be the ‘works entry’ of two Chevrolet Cruze’s run by RML for drivers Jason Plato and his expected team mate, Alex McDowell.

Also with ‘works assistance’ will be the Honda Civic’s at team Dynamics. Although reports suggest that two cars will take part in the championship, but as Matt Neal is doing all the testing an anticipated team mate seems a long way away at the moment.

Tom Chilton and Tom Onslow-Cole have been testing the AON Ford Focus and it seems that they will run the recently tested LPG powered car as the season starts at Thruxton.

After losing their RAC sponsorship and another team looking for works assistance. WSR will appear at Thruxton with two new drivers to their line-up with the surprise defection of Rob Collard and new boy Andy Neate in two of the BMW 320Si’s.

Confusion and speculation over the inclusion of the 2009 BTCC champion Colin Turkington continues, but seems less likely the nearer we get to the start of the season.

Last years Airwaves BMW team are expecting to kick-up a gear in 2010 even after the last minute loss of driver Rob Collard to WSR. Speculation continues but the short list seems to suggest a two-car line up to include either of Mat Jackson, Steven Kane or James Nash. Phil Glew has an outside chance here after impressing Motorbase by taking a class win in a one-off drive in a GT race a few years back.

Ironically, now Collard has moved on, Motorbase could end up with one of the best driver line-ups of 2010.

All eyes will be on the Vauxhall Vectra’s of David Pinkney and Andrew Jordan as they will showcase the new proposed NGTC 2 litre turbo engine that is expected to replace most power plants from 2013.

Whilst other Teams and drivers have committed to run in the 2010 Championship, listed below is what we expect to be seen during the coming season.

RML, Chevrolet Cruze:
Jason Plato and Alex McDowell.

Dynamics, Honda:
Matt Neal.

AON, Ford Focus LPG:
Tom Chilton and Tom Onslow-Cole.

WSR, BMW 320Si:
Rob Collard and Andy Neate
Possible Colin Turkington 3rd car.

Motorbase, BMW 320Si:
Mat Jackson, Steven Kane, James Nash.
Only two cars expected.

Pirtek Racing, Vauxhall Vectra Turbo:
Andrew Jordan.

Pinkney Motorsport, Vauxhall Vectra Turbo:
David Pinkney.

Techspeed, Honda Integra:
Paul O’Neill and John George.
Hoping to run a third car.

Special Tuning UK, SEAT Leon:
Tom Boardman.

TH Motorsport, Honda Civic R:
Matt Hamilton.

AMD, Volkswagen Golf:
Shaun Hollamby

Forster Motorsport, BMW 320Si:
Martin Depper and Arthur Forster.

Woods Motorsport, Honda Integra:
Lea Wood.

Boulevard Racing, Vauxhall Astra Coupe:
Martin Johnson.

888, Vauxhall Vectra:
Phil Glew and Dean Smith.
Hoping to run at least one car.

Intune Racing, Honda Civic R:
Micky Doyle.
Hoping to join during the season.

There are a few other rumours of teams and drivers joining, but at the moment nothing definite.