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MOTORSPORT NEWS - May 21 1999

TOCA announce new BTCC rules for the future

One may argue that the British Touring Car Championship, this year sponsored by Auto Trader, does not need any changes. The racing is exciting - arguably more so than any other track racing, and there are currently six major manufacturers seriously involved. Popularity is growing, both on tv and at the circuits themselves. TOCA chief executive, Alan Gow is looking to the future though. He wants BTCC to improve all the time, not to stagnate when things are going well. Hats off to him.

TOCA's key objectives are as follows:

Reduce costs by introducing common components
Encourage even more manufacturers to join
As in F1, reduce overall grip to increase racing excitement
Encourage independent teams to participate

These ideals have been rejigged to form a revamp of the current rules, taking effect in 2001 - applying to works teams only. The basic race car will be similar to current models - based on 4 door production saloons with 4.2 metre minimum overall length. The car must be either current FIA Super Touring homologated, or will be registered in the BTCC with National Approval. The model must come from a family of at least 25,000 units.

Bodywork: The standard bodyshell will be inspected and then sealed before any work can be done to it. It then can not be dismantled, other than to accommodate the rollcage.
- Overall width may then be increased to 1.775m
- This width reduction allows front and rear bumper modification
- Internal modifications are allowed only to accommodate wheel and suspension changes
- Minimum weight of 975kg
- Roll cage tubing to be specified and number of mounting points restricted

Aerodynamics:
- Front and rear spoilers will look the same as the current items but will provide about 50% less downforce
- The front spoiler can not incorporate radiators or air exit ducts
- The spoilers are to be adjustable within strict tolerances
- The front spoiler can not be completely flat underneath - 200mm flat underbody is all that is allowed
- There can not be any changes to the aerodynamic package during the season
- Absolutely no carbon fibre or Kevlar composites allowed
- No flat underbody surfaces or ducting, other than a sump shield
Engine: 2.0-litre, 16 valve units, with two options available.
1. Current FIA Super Touring homologated (as at 1st April 1999) with some alterations, available for use for 3 years and then subject to review. An engine is automatically considered illegal 10 years after series production has stopped.
- Major components subject to minimum weight rules
- 4 fuel injectors only
- Coil valve springs only
2. Purpose-built aluminium engine block and cylinder head can be designed and produced for use - within certain restrictions. Only one block/head per manufacturer can be registered every 2 years. Registration is valid for 10 years.
- 8500rpm limit
- 86mm bore
- Compression ratio is free
- 4 spark plugs only
- 4 fuel injectors only
- Coil valve springs only
- Block and head dimensions and weight specified
- Weight restrictions on all major components
Transmission:
- Front wheel drive only unless manufacturer can convince management otherwise!
- Specified 6 speed sequential gearbox must be used, with a non-adjustable viscous differential
- Gear ratio chosen from specified list
- Specified clutch and drive shafts must be used
Suspension:
- Double wishbone suspension, front and rear, must be used
- Front suspension and engine must be on quickly removable sub-frame to assist repair
- Rear suspension also must be on a sub-frame
- Type of damper and spring is free
- Specified wheel hub assemblies must be used
- Ride height of 55mm
Wheels & Tyres:
- Wheel size: 9 x 18 inches
- Wheel and tyre diameter not to exceed 0.65m
- 2 designs of wheel allowed

Phew, what a list! That is only the beginning. There is also a list as long again of all the components that must be specified at the beginning of each season. However, these new rules, if successful, will only enhance the excitement of the racing. Alan Gow does know what he is doing - he has the co-operation of all of the current manufacturers and drivers. We'll keep you updated when the rules are enforced. Meanwhile, if you have not already done so, check out our review from Brands Hatch last weekend.

NASCAR round 12 preview - "The Winston" Lowe's International Speedway May 22nd 1999
Lowe's International Speedway is host to three Winston Cup races each season. The first of these races takes place around the 1.5 mile oval on Saturday night. This is a non point scoring event however, the winner of the race receives $200,000 for the night's work. As the following weeks race is also run at the same track many see it not only as a chance to take a slice of the valuable prize fund, but an opportunity to gain valuable miles for the point scoring race. The grid is made up of 21 cars - qualification is secured by drivers who have won races during the 1998 season. Top runners from this season such as Dale Jarrett and Jeff Burton will be racing. Action starts on the 24 degree banked oval at 2100hrs local time. Reviewed here on May 28.
Murph

Jordan Mugen-Honda to continue for at least 2 more seasons
Today (May 21 1999), Jordan Grand Prix announced that it has extended its engine supply with Mugen-Honda for a further two years. This is excellent news for Jordan fans everywhere. Here's what Eddie Jordan himself had to say:
"This is great news for Jordan Grand Prix. The combined support of Honda and Mugen with an equal status engine supply until the end of 2001 gives the team the stability it requires to mount an even stronger World Championship challenge."
S.O'

1999 Rally of Argentina May 22nd/May 25th: Preview
WRC Teams are in Argentina this weekend for the seventh round of the World Rally Championship. Many teams will be relieved that they will not be competing against the highly successful Citroen F2 Kit Cars on this event. Tommi Makinen has floundered over the past few events only taking nine points from his last four events. Having won in Argentina on each of his three visits, Makinen cannot afford to drop his guard this time out, as his lead over Auriol in the championship is just one point.

The real challenge should come from Colin McRae in the Ford Focus WRC. The stages in Argentina are not unlike those in Portugal where McRae won in March. Considering the performance of the Focus on gravel he will be a major contender for outright victory. He trails Makinen by only six points on the championship leaderboard.

The Toyota Corolla WRCs of Auriol and Sainz will be attempting to stretch their lead in the manufacturers title, but with Auriol only one point behind Makinen, they will also be looking for a podium finish. Subaru and Richard Burns are overdue a lucky break and will be pushing hard to get back to the winning form the team once enjoyed. Starting with a 2.5 mile stage in Cordoba on Saturday, the rally finishes on Tuesday, May 25th back in Cordoba at 1700hrs local time. The Car Enthusiast will be back on May 28th with a full report of the event.
Murph

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