THE BTCC IS BACK! A Beginner's Guide to the British Touring Car Championship

[@AidanMillward]

Forgot to link to the league. Oops! www.fantasybtcc.com/game/viewleague2.php?LeagueID=87

[@Romain_69420]

You should do recaps for the BTCC weekends as you do for F1, It'll be interesting

[@I_Ve_I]

World watch the hecc of it, and I've never watched btcc

[@Romain_69420]

@@I_Ve_I I never watched it either, the ITv app is blocked here

[@Pvndawastaken]

+100 for this

[@spitfire12able]

Definitely would be a great idea, would help too recap after a exciting race day

[@km6832]

Would like this because i cant watch it

[@JakePetrolhead]

The BTCC is the best racing series anywhere on earth right now - healthy grids, plenty of really quick guys, exceptional racing, and not locked behind a paywall. Would be criminal to not highlight some of the fantastic things on the Support Package - there's a young driver called Harry King in the Porsche Carrera Cup who is the most explosive talent I've ever seen in a sportscar, the early 2000's class of the Minis produce cracking racing everytime they are on show, and we occasionally get cool one off's like Classic Mini Sevens or the GOAT Historic Super Touring Championship. But the king of the support bill is the Ginetta Junior Championship. Take a bunch of 14-17 year olds who are new to car racing, give them a purpose built 100 bhp sports car, and have them go four wide through most of the corners on any given circuit - it is absolutely spectacular to watch, and gives a glimpse of who is gonna be ones to watch going forward - a certain Lando Norris got his first car racing experience in Ginetta Juniors, as did W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, and current BTCC fan favourite Tom Ingram.

[@rajjy1976]

I remember when the Nissan Primeras dominates in the late 90s. They were so good in the wet. I owned one too at that time and thought my car was also good in the wet, until I hit another car. I hadn’t been driving long. I’m less stupid now.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

This has to be the definition of touring car racing :D !

[@crb19961]

The primera supertourer was a great car ... RML changed so much about the car that the underpinnings were a world away from the road car. As a fellow primera owner I was always a little underwhelmed by how mine performed ... Acceleration and general engine performance was good. It was only then I realised how different the road car was from the race car New and improved Suspension pickup points/geometry, tyres, brakes, suspension and aerodynamics etc. They all contributed to unleashing the cars potential. The SR20 engine shared by both cars, would be probably be the only similar characteristic (as in they were both revvy engines)

[@AidanMillward]

@@crb19961 then Nissan destroyed the Primera with that tech exercise. It’s what became the Altima overseas.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

@@crb19961 Supertouring cars certainly were one of a kind...

[@Trendyflute]

When I was getting into motorsports ~15 years ago I always assumed the top-tier world championship was better than a regional championship...then I watched WTCC and BTCC and that assumption got blown COMPLETELY out of the water!

[@stupidassol]

I remember BTCC in the mid 90's, watching the races on Speedvision and then "trying" to play the game on the PS1-those cars were so damn hard to keep on track! Cannot help but admire the fact that Plato (and a few others) are STILL racing in the series!

[@mattpotter8725]

I think I remember that too!!! I think Jason Plato, and if I remember rightly Alan Menu were in Renault Lagunas and I remember the Audi, Vauxhall, Nissan, Volvo, and even Alfa Romeo being up there often as well. It was great to watch. Might have to give this a look tomorrow!!!

[@Jennyshalfmusic]

Jason Plato always took me of on that game. Dam it was realistic! 🤣

[@mattpotter8725]

@@Jennyshalfmusic Did well yesterday though!!! Still got it!!! Not bad for an old man!!!

[@Jennyshalfmusic]

@@mattpotter8725 yeah. Love him or hate him but btcc wouldn't be the same without him! He's like an anti hero lol

[@cudwieser3952]

Thanks for the heads up. ITV4 makes for a good sunday afternoon with the Touring Cars and support races. One thing I love is the fact you have about 4-5 contenders in the last 3 races where you've a couple outsiders and 2-3 contenders a few points apart. The drama is epic.

[@KevinMaloneDMS_02]

I'm argentinian and I recently found the BTCC, looking for some touring car series that could be similar to those who are raced in my country. I really enjoyed the first time I watched the BTCC and this video is very useful for me, because it allowed me to understand better the series. Despite I joined late the party this year, I would be supporting the series from now on. Thanks, Aidan for this incredible video!

[@rob-shadowracing3401]

I’m one of the furthest things from a BTCC beginner but you can bet I’ll still be watching this guide. We watch the whole programme in my home as well!

[@Thee_Snow_Wolf]

2:18 According to the press releases, the engines will remain the same previously homologated engines as before. The part that is changing for 2022 is the gearbox that contains the electric motors.

[@davidpryor9489]

Indeed, it's a updated Xtrac gearbox casing that allows the series spec Cosworth electric motor to bolt on. Also the current engines produce closer to 380 bhp than the 300 he said.

[@ReclusiveDuck]

Started getting back into BTCC last year after years away and it was very entertaining and pleasant surprise. ITV's live coverage is brilliant but it does guarantee that nothing else gets done on a Sunday.

[@darknewt9959]

2019 was probably the best season in years IMO with an epic finale... If you can catch up on it, I urge you to do so.

[@nathanielhill5887]

​@@darknewt9959how can I?

[@joehunt2001]

I have to say Aidan listening to your Story times on the BTCC has gotten my really excited to wathc it again. I used to watch as a kid but haven't watch for years now. This is the perfect video for me in the lead up to the weekend! Looking forward to it! Love the vid dude

[@markmatthews7202]

'If you like Max Verstappen you'll probably like Ash Sutton' Genuinely spot on for me. I like Rory Butcher too, always like to see him do well and anyone who races in a Ford too, due to my family being fairly Ford mad.

[@AidanMillward]

Sutton is proper good at using that front bumper. If Max could he’d do the same 😂

[@Compendium_of_tom]

I really would like to see Anglesey added to the calender for BTCC, then there would be rounds in England, Scotland and Wales. It's such a scenic circuit also, would be the BTCC's Monaco on the coast with the mountains back drop!

[@darknewt9959]

There's nothing like enough infrastructure on Anglesey (or at the track) to support a BTCC, sadly. It'd make for an excellent race though.

[@levitikan]

Jesus christ you gave me a panic attack when i first glimpsed the title in my uploads feed, thought i had missed the first weekend and had to check the race calendar again XD Great video and as always well thought out

[@bradroper7694]

Ran into your channel due to my obsession with Aussie Supercars and F1. Thanks for this video giving me a crash course in a series I need to check out

[@Eunos]

Absolutely love the BTCC.. Between 2008 and 2012 I would go to all the Rounds live.. I do miss those days.. Will be routing for Turkington myself personally, really want to see him win that 5th Drivers title.. Let's not forget that Gordon Shedden is also back so he will definitely be one to watch even if his time in WTCR was slightly disappointing. But yes It's a motor racing series I recommend to anyone..

[@cudwieser3952]

The support races are blood epic, especially the hatchbacks and Ginettas. Porsches are good too, Tim Harvey being and old hand there as well as btcc. As for some other BTCC dark horses, Adam morgan is one to keep an eye on. He's well seasoned now and on reverse grids can present an obstacle. TBF Most of the drivers are very capable and not for the faint of heart and given some of the antics of old you're almost assured one complete outsider or two during the season hitting the podium, which is alway nice to see.

[@jamesruddock9596]

Glad to always see 2021 BTCC Content :)))

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

Thank you for telling me! I've been looking for it every weekend. Hadn't done it this week, yet. Can't wait!

[@leftboot83]

Just a note, the TOCA engine is available to all competitors, even 'manufacturers' - the Power Maxed Vauxhall uses it and did whilst it was a manufacturer entry.

[@sebastianelioberließen]

I am German but I think it will be on the ITV hub once the season starts. Normally I would get geoblocked but I have a VPN that lets me choose what country I want to be from! I do the same with F1. The only country that has retained F1 on a normal TV station is RTL in Luxemburg. So I watch it in Luxemburgish. Luckily its very closely related to German so I get most of it. The lengths I go to to watch motorsport...

[@randomfaca]

With Plato back and the Astra looking good I'll be def tuning in. I doubt he can do much in the championship race but if he can get one win here, punt Shedden or Turkington once or twice I'll be a happy camper.

[@nathancorfield2609]

As a Turkington fan, Sutton is the driver that is spectacular to watch but is frustrating to see charging up behind. I remember his battle with Plato at and forgive me if I'm wrong but Oulton park in 2019

[@connorduncan9859]

The BTCC does have some reshoot support categories like ginetta juniors are always interesting and same for the Porsche carerra cup. I enjoy the support categories as much as I do the actual BTCC races.

[@minibus9]

awesome video, love btcc, can't wait for Sunday

[@LupusAries]

BTCC=CRASH+BANG+WALLOP Needs to be a shirt!😉😋

[@andrewwinslow9315]

thats NASCAR too, just with a dumb championship system

[@adrianthomas4163]

Thanks for the primer.

[@namugriff]

Thruxton is my home circuit as it's the closest to me. Need to go there again

[@orionexplorer]

I'm in the US and can't watch any BTCC races, damn it! Back in the mid 2000's I was watching WTCC and BTCC all the time thanks to KZbin. Then the BTCC started really cracking down and no more BTCC. I am not a fan of WTCR, it just doesn't get me going like the old WTCC did and would love to see the BTCC again. Yes, I'm from the US and prefer Touring Cars, Sports Cars, and endurance racing to just about anything here.

[@kevin_m]

Was up at 5am in Canada to watch round 1 today. It was fantastic. Then rFactor2 mod created so I can sim my own season.

[@lacosanostra20]

I'm happy someone explained it I feel like people tend to stick to there sport of choice because if you dont know the rules people stick to what they know so it's nice to branch out a little

[@AidanMillward]

Some people also think F1 is the only sport that matters and look down on other forms because they’re not F1

[@nathancorfield2609]

@@AidanMillward I knew someone like that. I for one prefer the BTCC

[@mancunianace8428]

Love BTCC, Ash is the man to beat again (hell of a driver). I reckon Adam Morgan will have a good season. Hope Ingram does well, but he's changed teams so it could go either way tbh. Anyway bring it on.

[@AidanMillward]

Sutton is good, but has a habit of using his front bumper and then crying when it’s done to him.

[@kierenferguson2003]

Can't wait have tickets booked for finally at brands hatch

[@spudgun1978]

Last time I watched the touring cars Alain Menu was still racing. :)

[@kadancomputers]

love at 5:39 the livery for my team is on there :D

[@ironfistedmonk2003]

I love BTCC, but lets be honest, we are all really there for the Ginetta Juniors

[@cudwieser3952]

To be fair the juniors are often better behaved than some of the seniors and their driving reflects it. That said I'm bloody jealous I can't drive as well as someone so young.

[@darkwarrior6465]

it doesnt seem like 5 mins since i was watching norris and russel in the ginetta juniors, now look where they are

[@garethneal82]

This person speaks only facts.

[@ethansutherland3786]

Nah the Clio cup is bloody mental

[@cudwieser3952]

@@ethansutherland3786 Clio cup was mental. IIRC it's ended as of this year.

[@volante8657]

watching Plato defending this weekend is something you will never see in F1 or indeed any open-wheel series include CART and FE

[@markkaren8891]

Awesome championship, It sucks we can't watch it here in Australia like we use to!

[@Mrmayhembsc]

getting back into this again. Going to my 1st race in a month :)

[@wild4fp]

May go to croft this weekend. Never seen a race

[@tiutubanana7506]

2:18 wait, a front wheel drive hybrid car? That could be interesting.

[@kylewaddington1983]

Great racing cars Champship

[@tyhouse8759]

I’d suggest having a look at TH Motorsport on KZbin for more BTCC stuff! Great channel too

[@andrewcoggin148]

I found a series of races on KZbin last year that took place on a wet Brands Hatch, and this must have been BTCC. They were some of the best races I’ve ever seen. I’m an American who’s just gotten into f1 and motorsports (last year was my first f1 season) so I had no idea what I was watching. Wonder if there’s a way to watch this in the states.

[@lacosanostra20]

Simple is good sounds like fun

[@darknewt9959]

Glory be... I've been to Knockhill and I never knew it runs both ways! I hope you'll be giving the BTCC the sort of airing it deserves this year, chap :-D Tingram for the crown! Nick Hamilton brings a not-needed touch of the Maldonados to the championship. I fear that sooner or later he's going to get someone killed or seriously injured.

[@Gteesma]

I've been watching WTCR and watched some stuff on BTCC. Never have I realized BTCC have RWD.

[@jarigustafsson7620]

they ram around the track and in the end Plato wins. used to watch on eurosport when volvo used station wagons in races.

[@Speedworx]

They never actually ran the new pitlane layout at Silverstone. They are running Thruxton twice still.

[@Br0nzeBar0n]

Where can I watch it from South Africa?

[@rajjy1976]

Check the BTCC website. Might tell you.

[@carsons5750]

@@rajjy1976 the ‘TV’ section of their website is “under construction” and offers no information :/ I know because I’m trying to figure out how to watch it in Canada but it seems to be like BSB where it just isn’t possible.

[@rajjy1976]

@@carsons5750 What about VPNs? ITV Hub will be showing them but UK only. I don’t know much about VPNs, but I know people like to use them to watch things in other countries 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@edwardburek1717]

Gotta love me some British Nascars. I do love the smell of burning Goodyears in the morning. And by the way, was that Jack Nicholls in the #29 machine during the driving footage?

[@AidanMillward]

It is. Had a lot of fun in that series. Should be starting again soon

[@officialsked]

ngl I remember rory butchers first outing in 2017 where he essentially paid to be there. Unreal how far he's come & 2020 would probably have been his year had he'd not been literally the unluckiest man on the grid.

[@AidanMillward]

His shunt at Silverstone was sca-ry.

[@leftboot83]

sked - they all pay to be there in some way or another. Through the sponsorship they bring etc

[@fabian_balle]

These are real touring cars, not like DTM which fell apart over the last years. Really hope to get a high quality stream for sunday

[@rayjones7725]

Hi just getting into this motorsport i need help with one thing is qualifying done with ballast ?

[@BayAreaMike99]

So are the cars real production cars that were modified or just shells that look like the model like NASCAR?

[@benjaminhoward-buck8075]

Love BTCC

[@jimbryant2157]

Love the BTCC! Hopefully someone will upload the races so I can watch them in the US.... Question: What mod to what PC game are you using to race the BTCC cars/circuits you are showing in the video? Thanks!

[@driver1140dg]

where can I watch in the states?

[@pkscarr]

if any americans are wondeing why so many of our circuits look like airfields with a few added corners... it's because that's exactly how a lot of them started.

[@adammiller011]

I think I would really enjoy BTCC but I live in the US and I don't think I can watch it anywhere

[@danbradley7176]

I’m not sure if it’s available in the US anymore. About 10 years ago I watched it regularly and loved it but the television coverage got so bad I couldn’t stand it anymore.

[@willhapgood3986]

What sim/mods are you using for the racing in this video??

[@desertigel1663]

Has ITV4 some kind of Internet stream. I am not from the UK but I have a VPN and would love to watch BTCC

[@AidanMillward]

The ITV hub, yes.

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

Only race1 I never watch is Knockhill. Hated racing there and watching it is no better

[@loui__hounsell]

Unfortunately I can’t watch the first rounds because I’m at snetterton this weekend so it’s not all bad

[@turismo-2way996]

I hope the Levorgs make a comeback, I loved those cars!

[@leftboot83]

Never gonna happen in BTCC. The Scrooby was just far too slow at the end.

[@samvessey9643]

What sim are you using

[@sethlouden2529]

Yeah it's hard to find in the states but not impossible

[@jameskeetley2059]

Can the btcc still be watched on ITV and ITV player? As I don't have normal TV viewing pleasures, I stream alot. Never mind. I typed this before the end. Sorry.

[@AidanMillward]

Yep. I tend to watch it at my computer

[@jameskeetley2059]

@@AidanMillward well here's to a good Sunday then. F1 and btcc. All I need now is rally cross to have a good motorsport Sunday.

[@Rotaxary]

Is there some Assetto Corsa BTCC 2021 mod? (cars)

[@LaMusiqueetlabeat]

what's the game on screen?

[@warrenhaguef1688]

Silverstone is only going to have 1 race this year on the National circuit

[@phil6844]

How does an American watch BTCC? Anyone know?

[@stephensmith1012]

Me and the wife watch aus v8, f1 and indy now.

[@retromaniaco_br7422]

The only think I know about btcc is Jason Plato wrecks.

[@insertgenericusernamehere2402]

I lost interest in btcc after the 2000 season. Might have to go back and check it out.

[@rajjy1976]

I lost interest when all the manufacturers pulled out and it turned into hatchback racing

[@jackwhyte9416]

Butcher hasn’t got the head for it my dad worked with him in Carrera Cup GB and he would destroy his tyres half way through the race and drop back

[@carrot1401]

Friend told me I was famous...of all the clips Aidan!

[@carrot1401]

Second hardest hit that Morby Motorsport got that season...the hardest being Knockhill formation lag when someone else's lag spike sent me to the moon...

[@AidanMillward]

Lock. Your. Brakes. 😁

[@carrot1401]

@@AidanMillward Swerve. To. Avoid :-P

[@arztbesucharzt8143]

Now lemme explain what my problem with series like these is: I am very interested in the engineering part of motorsport, and if they make all the important parts standart there isnt really much the manufacturers do except hire a good driver. If you want to see Touring car racing as just a competition between drivers thats all well and good, but i think Touring cars should have a bit of "Car Competition" in them. And with identical engines and gearboxes and hybrid system and who knows what else its becoming close to a spec series, which is just a bit sad for what is supposed to be the top level of Touring Car racing. Even the dumb DTM had more engineering in it with their prototypes. I just hope at some point we will have competitive Series like the early 90s DTM or Supertouring in various Series.

[@mattpotter8725]

I think you need to go up the M42 as well as the M40 to get to Donnington Park from Silverstone, that or just go over to and straight up the M1!!! The M40 on its own isn't going to get you there!!!

[@AidanMillward]

Rather walk than use those motorways.

[@mattpotter8725]

@@AidanMillward I think you have to go up a bit of the A42 as well, the M42 doesn't go the whole way!!!

[@Dral.09]

Hi Aidan, can you do a Indycar biginners guide? Nice work as always!!

[@Sebastianraikkonen_actualname]

I'm working :'( so result avoidance mode that evening

[@TheTotallyRealXiJinping]

As a Texan who bleeds Earnhardt and Labonte, I can attest that Jerkin Winklehawk is one of my favorites besides Clelend thanks to the ps1 BTCC game

[@aaron-jamesgannon5135]

Everyone likes Tingram

[@AidanMillward]

He’s a laugh, properly nice guy.

[@taufiqutomo]

Who's going for first?

[@AidanMillward]

Cleland.

[@hallo_welt_ag]

Wait!!!! Did Twat Neal finally retire????

[@AidanMillward]

Nah, he’s taking a year off.

[@hallo_welt_ag]

@@AidanMillward oh so we're not safe yet

[@srxshadow]

we gotta get you a RTX 3080!

[@AidanMillward]

They’re going for 2 grand on eBay. Good luck!

[@davestopforth]

I've just never gotten into these NGTC cars, despite trying my best every single year since introduction and even attending Oulton one year. I don't even recognise them as touring cars anymore. There are so few connections to the actual road cars other than a portion of the original monocoque that it's closer to a Formula series than anything. Maybe it should be renamed the British Formula Silhouette Car Championship and TOCA could reintroduce actual production touring cars again.

[@joeogle7729]

Is it weird I like Jake Hill? It's mostly because of him ragging that skyline around Goodwood but still...

[@Stretch-vv4tk]

God it sucks being a european/international motorsport fan in the United states. Especially when your sleep schedule sucks like mine does

[@fnafboy-fnafgirlssistercar685]

So it's basically British nascar without the chase ok

[@simoneburini4036]

And with cars that are (almost) really stock

[@davestopforth]

@@simoneburini4036 they're far from stock. Most don't even use the OEM engine. They're closer to silhouette racers than touring cars.

[@simoneburini4036]

@@davestopforth they use stock chassis. Just like in the World Championship/Cup.

[@gameboyterrorysta6307]

NGTC era of BTCC is better than Super Touring and we live in golden years of this series! I said it. But hot take aside, it is pain to watch BTCC from outside of UK. ITV subscription is not worth the cost, quality of broadcast (technical, I love crew responsible for commentary and shots) is not sth you would expect for the money and their website freaks out often. I payed for one season and came back to certain bay. SRO and DTM are years ahead of BTCC (in purely technical point of view) with their broadcasts on YT.

[@Paul_VanGo]

Star Power? Nicolas Hamilton? Finished 29th last year. Well that was 3 places better than the year before... He's only there because of one reason. Ok, maybe to. Perhaps 3, if you cared to read Lewis' t-shirts...

[@AldershotDave]

NGTC?

[@AidanMillward]

Next Generation Touring Car.

[@BEATHROKZ]

Fun fact: Gordon Shedden, who is returning to BTCC this season started as racing instructor at Knockhill.

[@leftboot83]

He's also Butcher's brother in law

[@TomGS]

Aidan, can i recomend to you TN case 2 and 3 (Turismo Nacional) It has pretty much the same condiments as the BTCC; real road cars, modified into race cars, standarizes engine (althoug each manufacturer must make their own, privateers must modify the original engine to spec), best tin top drivers in the region, at least 3 races per weekend. each class. Classes are divided into 2 litter saloon, or 3 doors hatchbacks, and 1.6 litter hatchbacks. on the outside, cars must look exactly as their road legal counterparts, so no aero trikery. oh, and there are 40(ish) cars..... per class. lots, and lots of close racing, door banging, mirror smashing and fender benders.´ Here, have a look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHWkmYmJq66Vfrc&ab_channel=TurismoNacional

[@ThRifTeDmUsIc]

So its stock car racing

[@PGriffin316]

The creators of Supercars Australia could learn a lot from the BTCC. In fact, if they ran the BTCC rules here in Oz, but in the V8 formula they would be much better off. Supercars are as boring as batshit. Not having free to air tv coverage means I don't follow it at all anymore.

[@AidanMillward]

Yeah, sorta moved away from it myself now. It’s going the way DTM did.

[@oogrelover6927]

Anyone here watch trans am or trans am australia?

[@sadwingsraging3044]

**Ahem** Trans Am