btcc:action >> BTCC FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ToCA stand for?
The simple answer is - nothing! TOCA is not an acroynm or abbreviation and, according to Alan Gow, was thought up as a twist on the then-Formula One governing body name FOCA (Formula One Constructors Association). The word itself has no real meaning.

How is success ballast handed out?
Ballast is given out to the top five finishes of the first and second races of the weekend and also for the top five drivers in the championship heading into a BTCC meeting. 1st place is given 45 kilgorams, 2nd - 36 kgs, 3rd - 27 kgs, 4th - 18 kgs and 5th - 9 kgs. Drivers who carry ballast based on championship position must carry it through all practice and qualifying sessions. If a driver is excluded from the results, or given penalties after a race has finished, they must still carry the ballast for the position that they crossed the finish line in.

How are the numbers on the cars allocated?
Based on the previous years championship standings, numbers are allocated to the top ten in the championship. For example, 2007-champion Fabrizio Giovanardi carries the number one on his car in 2008, while Matt Neal who was fourth in '07 carriest the number 4 in 2008. Some drivers, such as Gordon Shedden (number 52), choose to continue running their chosen numbers despite finishing third in the championship in 2007. Teams often allocated similar numbers to both cars, so Colin Turkington who was fifth in 2007 carries the number 5 this year, with his team-mate Stephen Jelley (an '08 newcomer) carrying the number 50.

Why do the drivers sometimes race around with the window open - surely this creates more resistance and slows the car down?
Whilst having an open window will increase the air resistance of the car, the amount it does so in a touring car is negligible. To the drivers, the benefit of keeping cool with the window open is greater than the cost in a straight line.

Why do the cars have a mesh on the drivers side window?
This is to stop the driver's arms flying out of the window in the event of a big accident, with the drivers often choosing to race with the window open.

Why are there often big gaps in the summer calendar of the BTCC?
The BTCC calendar is based around several other major motorsport and sporting calendars each year. Firstly it is important that BTCC races do not take place on weekends where there is F1 as many of the supporters of the BTCC will also follow Formula One. Additionally the BTCC is broadcast on ITV, the same network that currently carries F1 broadcasting. Secondly, most sports organisations will avoid planning their calendars around major sporting events such as the football World Cup and European Cup, so as not to lose potential viewers. In short, the BTCC calendar is very carefully planned each year to ensure the maximum coverage for teams and sponsors involved in the series.

Why are there only two maufacturers in the BTCC?
There are many possible answers to this question. Some manufacturers, such as Renault and Honda, will likely be focusing their motorsport funds and resources on F1 projects, whilst others such as Ford are involved in the World Rally Championship. In addition to this, with many car companies performing buyouts and mergers, it is unlikely that we will ever see teams such as Ford and Volvo competing against each other, as Volvo is now owned by Ford. Another factor to consider is cost and potential exposure - some car companies do not see the value in competing in a national championship when they can go global.
Finally, with non-works teams such as Team Dynamics running the new Honda Civic, Honda can be comfortable with two of their cars competing in the championship and taking the glory when they win whilst not having to suffer the losses when they are less successful.