Australia
Cook Cruzes in Impressive BTCC Debut
After a long winter of silence, the BTCC exploded back onto the scene in the opening round at Brands Hatch last weekend. For Josh Cook and the #RacingForHeroes team, it was the first time to see the results of their immense efforts over the close season with the Power Maxed Chevrolet Cruze. The Saturday saw Cook setting the early pace in tricky practice conditions. From an eventual 20th in qualifying, Josh gave an outstanding performance throughout race day, proving that #RacingForHeroes were not to be taken lightly in the 2015 season.
Conditions on the Saturday were at best, problematic with bursts of rain throughout the morning before drying up into the afternoon. The opening practice session saw #RacingForHeroes leading the way for many of the other teams, with Josh setting consistently competitive times, ending the session in an outstanding 3rd place outright. As qualifying rolled around, Cook would find himself battling a misfire throughout the session, yet still managed to plant his Chevrolet on 20th for race day with a time of 49.517. To only be a second off the pace is a true testament to the immense talents present in both the team and Josh as a driver.
As the day dawned on race day tensions were high, the first race of the season in any series is often explosively unpredictable and the BTCC is most definitely no exception; it is the only time of the year when no driver has success ballast on the car and most importantly, nothing to lose and everything to prove. With Cook starting in 20th, many would say he was out of the danger zone at the front and could get his head down and drive his way to a strong result.
Josh was on fighting form throughout the weekend
The first race saw Josh Cook drive nothing short of an exceptional race, fighting his way up from 20th to 13th. From the outset there was nothing but undeniable pace from Cook as he powered his way through the ranks. Among those taking the flag behind him were big names such as Rob Austin, Sam Tordoff and the other Power Maxed driver Dave Newsham. On top of these successes was Cook’s convincing win in the Jack Sears Trophy by a whopping 13 seconds over AMD man Bushell.
New rules for 2015 mean that the starting positions for race two are determined by the fastest lap set in the first race, which saw Cook line up 17th. The television screens focused a great deal of attention on the battle that raged up front, but what they missed was the near twelve car nose-to-tail train in the mid-pack. As part of this group, Josh took advantage of the apparent weakness of the soft tyre and made some strong passes including on winner of the first race Rob Collard who was sinking like the Titanic down the order. As the chequered flag dropped, the #RacingForHeroes crossed the line 14th ahead of Newsham, once again taking the Jack Sears win by 13 seconds.
The superb success of Cook was brought to an end in the final race of the day when a problem with the car caused him to retire during the safety car period. The biggest shame was that the team had worked out a strategy to deal with the problems with grip drop-off from the soft tyre. It was not all disappointment for Power Maxed; Dave Newsham got a superb 9th overall, giving the team its first top 10 of the year.
The only way is up for Cook and #RacingForHeroes
After a strong first race weekend, #RacingForHeroes left Brands Hatch with their car having secured two Jack Sears victories alongside a 13th and 14th outright. Josh Cook now lies second in the Jack Sears standings to Bushell, while 18th in the overall driver’s championship. If it was not for the problems that hampered Cook in the final race, he would have likely had a clean sweep of Jack Sears wins. For a rookie it is truly an outstanding achievement to become instantly competitive and be battling with some of the long established name in the BTCC game.
Moving forward to Donington Park, the only way is up for #RacingForHeroes. With such success in their opening weekend, it is only a matter of time before Cook cracks the top ten and even fights for a podium. Power Maxed and #RacingForHeroes form a fiery combination that will drive for nothing except victory, and will not stop until they get there.
And remember, with very turn of the wheel, every apex and every overtake; Josh Cook and #RacingForHeroes are racing in support of all our injured veterans and Help For Heroes. This is the time.
Don’t forget to follow the progress of #RacingForHeroes on social media:
Twitter: @racingforheroes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/racingforheroes
This is #RacingForHeroes. Driving For Change
For all my usual motoring madness, don’t forget @lewisglynn69 on Twitter
Keep Driving People!
Peace and Love!
![H4H CHARITY_PARTNER[1]](http://blog.privatefleet.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/H4H-CHARITY_PARTNER1.jpg)
All photos credited to: #RacingForHeroes / marekp.co.uk
Private Fleet Car Review: 2015 Ford Falcon XR8.
Australia has had a long love affair with the V8 engine; be it homegrown or imported, it’s been a big part of our automotive history. In 2014, Ford Australia’s FPV division was shut down and the popular XR8 name resurrected. A Wheel Thing spent a week with a living dinosaur.
Powersource.
The 5.0L V8 was once a staple item for Holden; Ford has, largely, stayed with it and in this case, it’s a blown block too. The numbers are impressive: the “Miami”
335 kilowatts and 570 torques hit the road via a six speed manual (a real man’s transmission). Air is breathed in and breathed out via 32 valves, four for each cylinder, with that air forced into those eight cylinders via a huffing and puffing Harrop supercharger.
The torque figure is the important one; it kicks in from 2200 and stays there until 5500 rev, just below the point where peak power is delivered. These numbers combine to provide a virtually seamless level of acceleration and almost unrivalled overtaking ability.
Playing with six speeds manually is delightful, made even more so thanks to a smooth clutch, a light one at that considering what it has to deal with and a gearbox that’s largely free from recalcitrance. It’s a pretty smooth and well weighted mechanism, a clearly defined gate and a decently balanced pickup point for the clutch. It’s a bit jerky and stuttery from cold but warms up and smooths out quickly. Quite simply, it made using that mammoth torque an utter delight.
The Suit.
See my review of the XR6; apart from the bonnet bulge now extending through to the windscreen compared to the previous XR8 and FPV models, different 19 inch alloys and the addition of four exhaust tips, there’s no difference…..not exactly shouting that this is a hero model, sadly.
Kerb weight is a not inconsiderable 1861 kilograms, however…
On the Inside.
Identical, down to the lack of keyless start, to the XR6. Bar, of course, the fact that there’s a clutch pedal and a manually operated gear selector….
On The Road.
It’s here that the 8 differentiates itself from the 6. It’s a combination of using flint to start a fire and 21st century explosives. The whole procedure is pretty simple; sit in, strap in and, in the words of Russell Crowe in “Gladiator”, unleash hell.
Although the lack of a starter button somewhat diminishes the experience, the half dozen or so revs before the whoomph from the rear end is a pointer to the demon that lurks within. It rapidly settles down into a quiet, restrained rumble, a hint of blower belt whine from the ….a gentle stab of the accelerator, a lift of the clutch and 500 odd torques move the beast forward.
Given its druthers, the 5.0L will shrink the horizon, collapse eyeballs and shatter the laws of physics, leaving a mix of supercharger wail and a snorting, bellowing roar from the quad tipped exhausts behind. The somewhat notchy gear lever is moved rapidly through the gate, the engine revving slightly as it comes off the clutchplate.
Under light throttle, there’s a hesitancy to start moving, especially when cold, before the revs pick up and the torque again makes its presence known. In 5th gear around town, there’s barely a need to change gear, with a simple flex of the ankle being all that’s required to move along.
It’s a razor sharp, yet user friendly setup, as is the chassis. Although wafer thin sidewalls clad the alloys, the suspension rarely allows a harsh ride through, such is the work on the suspension and it provides an immense measure of confidence, as does the almost thought activated steering.
The Wrap.
Compared to the somewhat lighter yet more lethargic XR6, the XR8 is a revelation thanks to the quad cammed monster bolted between the front shock towers. It really is a case of “What do we need? More powerrrrrrrr” to extract the most from the chassis, long regarded as a highlight for Falcon. It’s no wonder that around a third of the current sales figures are of the V8.
Although the interior is ancient, in design terms, the electronics are simple to use, easy to read and that engine lights the candle. Long live the XR8.
For details: http://www.ford.com.au/cars/ultimate-falcon/specifications/spec-options
Time for Action: #RacingForHeroes Takes On The BTCC
Image Credit: www.marekp.co.uk
All the way back in December, the ground breaking #RacingForHeroes initiative was born unto the world; a race team that would run as an official partner of Help for Heroes to support our wounded veterans, even working towards integrating them into the team itself. Just to highlight the true vibrancy of this enterprise, #RacingForHeroes supports young British motorsport talent in the hope of propelling them into the prosperous career that they deserve. Last week at the BTCC Media Day, the #RacingForHeroes outfit broke cover and took to the tarmac with Josh Cook at the helm. With the first race weekend at Brands Hatch approaching, it was time for the team to show the world what they were made of.
Speaking as a lifelong fan of the British Touring Car Championship, #RacingForHeroes are directly responsible for me struggling to find the words to comprehend my excitement at my favourite series taking such an important and innovative step forward. Since their inception last year, the team remained secretive regarding their vehicle for success in the BTCC. When it was announced that experienced Renault Clio Cup UK driver Josh Cook would be racing in a Chevrolet Cruze as part of the Power Maxed Racing squad, everything started to come together. As Media Day finally arrived, #RacingForHeroes could finally take to the track.
I have mentioned previously just how attractive the 2015 BTCC grid looks, especially when you see the traditional start line group shot. Although, of all the cars I had the honour of seeing take to the track at Media Day, it was the Power Maxed team that stood out more than any other. The combination of colours and sponsors on the car creates a potent mix of good-looks, charm and potential. The Josh Cook car beautifully combines the glorious message of the #RacingForHeroes name with the determination and engineering of the 2015 Power Maxed effort.
Is she not just a thing of pure beauty? Image Credit: BTCC.net
Sadly, due to funding and sponsorship delays #RacingForHeroes have not been able to field the originally intended five car outfit across the TOCA package, but their headline entry in the BTCC remains. Furthermore, founder Peter Thorpe hopes that with more sponsorship deals being finalised that the other entries can be sorted as well as buying more space on the BTCC car itself. It truly will be an evolving project throughout the year.
“It’s amazing to be achieving one of my dreams as well as managing to do something good alongside Help for Heroes for all our injured veterans. I am under no illusions that it will be easy, but I will not be happy until I’m at the front” – Josh Cook ahead of his 2015 BTCC season
When the small matter of the first official BTCC test session of the year came around, Cook and the #RacingForHeroes boys certainly did not fail to deliver. Having completed just over 30 laps in his Chevrolet Cruze, Josh managed to end the day 15th in the standings with a best time of 1:11.289. In your first competitive run, to only be off the pace by 1 second is nothing to be ashamed about. To make his achievements that little bit sweeter, some notable names that Cook managed to beat include veterans Rob Collard and previous champion Gordon Shedden. Did I also mention that Josh Cook was the fastest rookie, which if you ask me puts him in a strong position for the Jack Sears Trophy?
Hopefully, this rear view is all the competition will see this year! Image Credit: BTCC.net
With the first round at Brands Hatch very much upon us, the time for talking is over. The months of hard work from everyone at #RacingForHeroes have been astonishing. It is now time for Josh Cook to climb into that stunning Chevrolet Cruze and take to the track. After impressing at Media Day, the chances of strong positions are high, even considering the proven calibre of the BTCC field. It has been a few years since the fans of the series have seen a Chevrolet at the top of the time sheets, but now is the time for a mix up in the championship. All I can say is good luck to Josh Cook and of course the whole of Power Maxed Racing including Dave Newsham, without whom this would not be possible!
The BTCC is famous for its action-packed unpredictability, and so who knows what may happen. What I can say for sure is that this weekend marks a momentous occasion in the series. With every corner, every apex and every overtake, Josh Cook will be representing our wounded veterans through motorsport.
Don’t forget to follow all the action across the weekend on Twitter @RacingForHeroes
It is time for the dawning of a new era in British motorsport.
This is the rise of #RacingForHeroes.
It’s time to drive for change!
Article written by Lewis Glynn
BTCC Media Day 2015: Time To Rock n Roll
The stunning 2015 BTCC grid. Image Credit: BTCC.net
After months of silence, the sound of 2 litre touring cars made a thunderous return. The BTCC Media Day is a chance for the public and press to get their first glimpse of the cars they will be following for the season ahead. In the backdrop of the legendary Donington Park circuit, the time had come for the teams to showcase the results of their winter’s labour. This was my first time attending the Media Day, and I was not disappointed.
The first thing I noticed was the sheer volume of support from the fans; the queue to get into the circuit at 12:30 reminded me of days gone by when I would wait in line for hours to see my favourite band up close and personal. If there was no other proof that would be enough, the BTCC is a shining jewel in the crown of not only British but world motorsport. As the gates opened a rapturous combination of applause and cheers echoed down the line, this was going to be a good day.
It has felt like a lifetime since enjoying the full BTCC experience of the senses; the sight of touring cars charging around the track, the smell of the exhaust mixed with the fragrant aroma of the burger vans and the explosive sound of the 2 litre engines all coming together in such beautiful harmony.
It was released in the close season that Robb Holland would not compete in the 2015 season due to other commitments, and it did not take long for the seat to be filled. So, it came as no surprise that one of the biggest news stories to come from Media Day was the announcement that the Audi S3 would be driven by Nicolas Hamilton, brother of current F1 champion Lewis Hamilton in a rumoured £1 million sponsorship deal with Monster Energy. This is a historic moment for the championship, for it is the first time that a disabled driver will enter.
Image Credit: BTCC.net
“I’m doing this to inspire people to exceed expectations” (Nicolas Hamilton on his 2015 drive)
Sadly, we will not get to see Hamilton in action until Croft, as he is only competing for half the season and will not be eligible for championship points. The ex-Rotek Audi has been transformed into a ferocious beast, and we can hope that it will give Hamilton some strong results in the latter half of the year.
The new liveries for the 2015 are a stunning selection, which will make for a majestic sight for both the trackside and television audiences. The Pirtek livery for Andrew Jordan looks even better on an MG than it did on the Honda, while for his team mate his car is almost completely covered in sponsorship while still retaining a sense of style and good looks. The works Hondas have definitely surprised me this year; the potent mix of slight styling tweaks and the new Civic Type R have created a mouth-watering machine that looks ultra-competitive as ever.
The myserious jet black BMR VW kept everyone guessing. Image Credit: BTCC.net
Team BMR kept everyone guessing throughout the day with their cars all still running the jet black livery with no hint of sponsors. With Plato still running the #99 car, will he bring with him his ‘Tesco Clubcard Fuel Save KX Every Little Helps Asda price’ look from years gone by? A sly placement on the front of the cars revealed a question mark (literally), which could either refer to the question of what the liveries will be or that the cars are now sponsored by ‘What Car?’. Rob Austin Racing has introduced an intriguing new look for the Exocet cars this year; the flames from last year have been replaced by what looks like smears of marmalade mixed with mustard. Eventually I will make up my mind as to whether I like this change or not.
Of all the cars on the grid however, my prize for my favourite livery goes to the Power Maxed team with their Chevrolet Cruzes. The two car team including the Coffee Drops car for Dave Newsham and the #RacingForHeroes car for rookie Josh Cook did nothing but steal my attention all day with their smouldering good looks. Since acquiring the ex-Stockton car, Power Maxed are definitely on their way up for 2015!
Power Maxxed has probably my favourite livery on the grid! Image Credit: BTCC.net
Considering their immense media effort, the Support Our Paras team were somewhat of a disappointment on the day; the cars did not make it out on track due to not having correct parts in time. After all the time they have had to get the car ready, it seemed slightly strange that they still were not able to take part in the test session. Other teams have managed to get cars ready and out in much less time, so perhaps the Infiniti squad need to focus a bit more on the motor and less on the media message. What I will say however is the choice of sponsors have somewhat amused me when it comes to Infiniti. Perhaps Nico Rosberg and Support Our Paras have more in common than I first thought…
Interesting sponsorship deal there, Infiniti! Image Credit: BTCC.net
As it has for many years, ego plays such a significant part within the BTCC and although the media day is surprisingly about the media, there is also the small matter of the first official test session for the field. The testing times may not count for anything in particular considering teams are often still fine tuning their cars, but setting your personal precedent for the upcoming year is still important. That is exactly what the BMR boys decided to do; Plato and Turkington ended the day at the top of the time sheets, separated by a tiny 0.006 seconds. The new look Triple Eight MGs made their intentions clear with a strong 5th and 6th as the official timing ended.
Some of the surprises of the session came in the form of Moffat who planted his brand new Mercedes 3rd fastest and Hunter Abbott who managed an impressive 7th. Personally, one of the biggest shocks came from Martin Depper, a seasoned backmarker from 2014 who shot up to 9th only 0.679 off the pace. Having spent a great deal of last year in strong criticism of his abilities, perhaps Depper has seen the light and will become a contender for the 2015 season. Power Maxed showed nothing but improvement from 2014, with both cars inside the top half of the field. Josh Cook in the RacingForHeroes car even managed fastest rookie in 15th. Considering of course that this was Cook’s first time in a BTCC car competitively, to only be 1 second off the pace in a brand new car is something deeply impressive.
The Moffatt Mercedes surprised everyone with its outright pace. Image Credit: BTCC.net
The stunning new Honda team may be playing a clever game with their competition based on their times in the test. At their first test at Brands Hatch, they claimed that the new car was already faster than the Tourer from last year. However, both Neal and Shedden were outside the top ten at Donington Park. Initially many might think that the new car is off the pace, but I sense that some mind games may be apparent. They appear to have set slow times, but I will put my money on the table now and say that come Brands Hatch they will catch everyone off guard and dominate from the front.
As Media Day drew to a close, the unspoken question around the paddock was clear; whose season would 2015 turn out to be? There are so many teams that are hungry for victory, from the Hondas, to the MGs and Team BMR. But on top of that there are the young guns and the newbies who are confident of success; I would not discount the abilities of the Moffat-mobile. Furthermore, Power Maxed has already seen a massive improvement and with Cook and Newsham on board, I foresee podiums and even some race wins in the season ahead.
The results of the test session at Media Day
We cannot forget the people’s champions on the grid in Rob Austin and Dan Welch. Rob Austin has been in a constant upward state of improvement since joining the BTCC and his time may finally come this year. Dan Welch and the Proton suffered an embarrassment of a 2014 season, but Welch has said that the new engine will bring them consistent top 10s across the year. As a fan of all things Welch and Proton, I do hope this will ring true.
The time for conjecture and discussion will soon be over. Now is the time for action. The 2015 British Touring Car Championship kicks off this weekend at Brands Hatch.
Once more the engines will roar. Once more the flag will drop on the greatest touring car championship on the planet.
It’s time to bring the noise. Let’s rock n roll!
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for all things BTCC across the opening weekend @lewisglynn69
Keep Driving People!
Peace and Love!
Level 2, 9 Help Street