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The Gravett(y) of the Situation: Is the BTCC on for 8 Champions?
Why is this man smiling? Maybe he has got a secret to tell…
Not too long ago I found myself telling you all the exciting news that the BTCC was to host 7 former champions for the 2014 season. Never before has the championship been graced with such a presence. With the electric combination of champions and eager newcomers, the 2014 season is set to be one of the most fiercely contested in history.
There is only one problem. I may have given you incorrect information. I come to you all now in confession of my sins. I hope you are able to forgive me, given the erm… Gravett-y of the situation.
That’s right, the BTCC grid for 2014 may now be seeing not 7, but 8 former champions taking to the field.
Robb Gravett in his 1990 Ford Sierra
Robb Gravett, winner of the 1990 British Touring Car Championship, has announced that he is most definitely considering a return to the field this year. Sadly nothing yet has been confirmed, but he has stated that he has indeed been approached.
So who is this Gravett fellow and why is his return so exciting?
Well I am glad you asked.
Robb Gravett shot to Touring Car fame in the late 80s when he launched an attack on the ever-successful Andy Rouse and his Kaliber/ICS Ford Sierra team. At this time, the championship still operated as a class system, where often the overall championship winner across the year would have been finishing around 12th in each race. Confusing right? No wonder they changed it. In 1989, Robb Gravett co-founded the TrakStar team alongside broadcaster Mike Smith; by the end of the year he finished second in class behind Andy Rouse. The overall title that year went to a young John Cleland in a Class C Vauxhall.
When 1990 came along, Gravett was aiming for the top, but his early title attempts were crippled by a severe lack of sponsorship for his Ford Sierra. Thankfully however, as the year progressed and he had proven his success, the sponsors came and he went on to take the 1990 crown. When I first got into the BTCC, it was the videos from these years that were always my favourite. I have always and will forever be a diehard fan of Andy Rouse. Anyone who had the skill to beat Andy Rouse in the late 80s was a serious talent. To beat the ultimate driver, you must also be pretty special.
When the BTCC became a single class 2 litre series, Gravett continued on with Peugeot in 1992 and 1993. His success may have started to fade, but his determination didn’t. Gravett returned as an independent in 1994 up until 1998, before retiring from the BTCC altogether. In 1997, he won the Independents championship in a Rock-It Cargo Honda Accord.
In the late 90s, Gravett competed in the Independents Championship in his Honda Accord
Now obviously, as a former champion he doesn’t want to be given a car that cannot challenge at the top end of the field. No one really wants that now do they? But he has admitted that the offer he has received has come from one of the top teams.
Although he didn’t say outright which team had given him said offer, I believe the truth can reveal itself through some careful detective work. Looking through the confirmed teams and drivers for the 2014 championship, you will notice that most teams are now full. There are however two teams that appear to have spaces. One of these is the Speedworks team which is entering a Toyota Avensis, and the other is the Airwaves/Crabbies/Motorbase team that are entering Fords.
Of the two of these, the Speedworks team are a great up and coming team, but I don’t believe that they will be challenging at the top this year. The Airwaves Fords however showed great promise at the end of 2013, and have already confirmed Giovanardi (2007/2008 champion) alongside Jack Clarke. If we work on the ever increasing success of the Ford team in 2013, and the fact they have already hired one champion, it would seem clear that they will be aiming for ultimate success this year.
What better way to do that than to hire a man who has previously conquered the championship (also in a Ford, if you remember)?
Robb Gravett represents the golden age of Touring Cars. Hard, fast, aggressive and determined, I can see him returning to glory once more.
So with Gravett back, now we just need Andy Rouse back and my life will be complete. Anybody got his number?
8 champions. 1 grid. 1 championship.
Let the games begin!
Keep Driving People!
Follow me on Twitter @lewisglynn69
Peace and Love!
The 30-Year Auto Technology Progress Report – Graded By Knight Rider
The other half scored some DVD versions of some 1980s TV series over the weekend, and it’s been a chance to rewatch some old favourites and to watch some of those things I wasn’t allowed to watch as a kid. Among the collection was a set of Knight Rider episodes. You know the one – the one with the very high-tech futuristic Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am called KITT driven by crime fighter Michael Knight.
It’s intriguing to think that a lot of the car designers and inventors of today – at least the ones who got to watch American TV shows – probably watched this show and similar, and were inspired by it. KITT, after all, was the high-tech car of the future and had all the gadgets and features that people dreamed of having in cars.
So, thirty years later, how is the automotive technology world doing? How close are we to having KITTs of our own?
- Full colour display screens – yes, we’ve got this one. In fact, we’ve gone one better than KITT, as today’s computer screens are touch-sensitive, something that even futuristic TV show writers hadn’t even thought of.
- Navigation. Again, one big tick in this box. OK, with today’s navigation, you get shown a map with the route and the car tells you when you have to turn, rather than having the car doing the turns just about by itself like KITT seemed to. And yes, it is possible to buy the voice of KITT for some navigation systems (try http://www.navtones.com/ for a start).
- Hands-free dialling. Another big tick here! We once all went “oooh!” when Michael Knight told KITT to dial up Devon or Dr Bonnie (or April in Series 2). When my kids watched the DVD with us, their reaction was “So what?” We do indeed have hands-free and sometimes voice-activated dialling in our car phones. KITT impressed viewers in the 1980s with the way that the people phoned communicated with Michael via a screen Skype style. We probably do have the technology to Skype while driving these days – there are a number of car computers that let you use a few online apps (some of the new Infiniti models, for example). However, a big question mark comes up as to whether this is a good idea. It’s probably more distracting than texting while driving. And we all know how bad this is.
- Turbo boost. With a press of a button, KITT could go superfast. We’re sort of getting there. Heaps of cars have different driving modes – usually Eco, Normal and Sport – and the Sport setting does help you get some extra responsive vroom. However, normal cars’ boost does not let them jump things with rocket assistance like KITT did. Imagine the headaches for traffic control if this was a standard feature. KITT did have different drive modes, too: Normal (Michael in charge), Auto Cruise (KITT drives himself), Pursuit (both of them share control, with KITT doing most of the stuff at high speed, because he/it reacts faster) and Super Pursuit (screamingly fast and speeds over 300 mph). Don’t look for Super Pursuit in any production car…
- The front scanner. On KITT, this was the cool-looking red lights on the front bumper (which are also illegal, as red is the signal meaning “this is the back of the car, guys”). This allowed KITT to see things on the road ahead. Again, we’re getting there. A lot of new cars do have sensors all over the show that do detect things in front of you or in the blind spot. A few of them – notably the new Mercedes models – also have a head-up display that identifies speed limit signs and other things of that sort, popping them up on the windscreen. But nothing quite as sophisticated as KITT, who could hear and smell into the bargain.
- Auto Collision Avoidance. KITT could dodge things and take matters into its (his?) own hands if a collision was imminent. Modern cars can’t zigzag like KITT but some of them can start applying the brakes and the like if it thinks you’re about to crash. They don’t dodge out of the way, though.
- Computer print out. Not yet. Theoretically, though, the technology exists, so it’s a possibility.
- Hydrogen gas engines that can run on anything combustible. Again, not yet. We do, however, have electric engines that just need recharging.
- Flame throwers, tear gas jets and lasers. Not on your typical production car for obvious reasons. Not even cop cars have tear gas or tasers fitted. Nor do they have microlock that uses microwaves to trigger the brakes of other cars.
- ATM machine. Dream on!
There are some rumours circulating that there’s a movie adaptation of Knight Rider coming out in the near future. Wonder what futuristic technology the new KITT will have to inspire the car designers of the future.
Rescue Mission: Legendary Nurburgring finds new buyer
Located in the Eifel Mountains, the Nurburgring race complex can be described as nothing more than a living legend. The older Nordschleife circuit is a giant conquering monster, spanning 13 miles and representing the ultimate test for both driver and machine. Any circuit that is large enough for villages to exist happily within its titanic boundaries is not one to be ignored.
Although the original racetrack has long since disappeared into the deep annals of time, many alterations were made to the track and the racing heritage of the track continues today. The Nordschleife circuit serves as a vital testing ground for world car manufacturers, giving them the chance to give their new machines the ultimate shakedown on the ultimate race track. Most importantly, Nordschleife holds a strong significance for car lovers around the world; the circuit is often open for public track days. Is there a better treat for any lover of anything automobile?
In addition to the original track, there is of course the modern F1 track that lies within the same facility of the old circuit. This new layout was designed following the unsafe nature of the original design for the high speed nature of Formula One. The new track may only be 3.16 miles long, but it is still a firm favourite among drivers around the world. It has the perfect combination of speed, handling and spectacle.
The Nurburgring Complex includes both the old Nordschleife circuit as well as the modern F1 track. Look at the size of that!
Despite its position as the Olympus of motorsport heritage, sitting proudly atop the Eifel mountain range, the Nurburgring has been in massive financial problems over the last few years. One of the most modern additions to the circuit complex was a track side amusement park, which includes a roller-coaster that has never actually been used. The development of this amusement park has been cited as one of the reasons that the track started to struggle. Overtaken by monumental debts, the circuit finally went into administration in 2012.
The search for a new buyer began. This was a matter of life or death. For a long time, the motoring world thought that the complex would be closed down altogether.
In recent years, the F1 calendar has been switching between the Nurburgring and Hockenheim for the honours of the German GP. If the circuit was to close, the German GP would forever only be held at Hockenheim.
The prospect of losing the Nurburgring would have been a massive blow for world motorsport, especially F1. We are currently living in the Tilke generation of F1 tracks; circuits that have no soul, character or interesting qualities whatsoever. I mean seriously, who thought that Singapore was a good idea? And let us not also forget that the home of British motorsport has also been defiled; the Silverstone GP circuit has been changed and ‘improved’…
The Nurburgring, both the old and new circuits, represent a true test of motorsport ability. As tracks to drive they are both challenging and a bundle of fun. Most importantly they have character. They have a history. They have a soul. Why would we want to lose that?
One of the worries I have when race tracks come under new management is the identity of the buyer or the title sponsor. On one hand, there is the chance of a ‘McDonalds Nurburgring’ boasting new corners such as the Big Mac Esses and the McNugget hairpin. Large corporations do indeed have the money to afford race tracks, but I always feel that their name envelops the original character of their new asset and it loses a certain something.
And on the other hand, I do worry that a company with a downright ridiculous name will buy out the track. This does indeed sound ridiculous, but it has happened before. Donington Park, the once home of the British GP came under new management a few years back. The legendary track became known as…Simply Sausages Donington Park.
There are no words.
The modern F1 track was under threat, would we lose a world class race track?
SALVATION.
It has been revealed that a consortium led by investment company HIG Capital has bought the Nurburgring, for £58 million. Bernie Ecclestone had already put an offer down on the circuit, and his failure to acquire it may still spell the end of the German GP being held at the track. But the future of F1 involvement at the track is still relatively unknown.
When I found out about this, I was rather surprised, not because of the choice of company that has bought the track, but the amount they bought it for. In all honesty, my concept of maths, finance and economic strategy has never been particularly strong, but part of me thinks that £58 million is quite a low number, considering what was at stake. That is £58 million for the modern F1 track, facilities, amusement park AND the beast that is the Nordschleife circuit. Don’t get me wrong, £58 million is no small figure, especially when you take into account the financial woes the circuit had been under, but I would have thought the number would have been higher.
But no matter.
Call the Nurburgring the Rebel Alliance to the Tilke Empire.
The most important fact is that one of the most famous race tracks in the world has been saved and can continue to uphold the true character of motorsport into the next generation.
Keep Driving People!
Follow me on Twitter @lewisglynn69
Peace and Love!
What They’re Driving In The BRIC Nations
If you’ve ever had a quick brush with international economists, then you may have heard about what’s known as the BRIC nations. BRIC stands for Brazil, Russia, India and China, and they’re the up-and-coming force in world markets. Now, when I take a look through the cars reviewed here at Private Fleet, there’s not a whole heap of Chinese, Brazilian, Russian or Indian cars listed there, although China is making its presence Down Under felt with the Great Wall and Chery (OK, a lot of marques with European or US origins probably get bits assembled in China these days, but all the same…). I had to ask myself what people are driving in these countries. Are they driving their own cars or something else?
So, research time…
China, of course, has a list as long as your arm of its own car manufacturers (and that doesn’t count the ones made in China for “European” cars). Some of the Chinese local brands include BYD, Dongfeng Motor, FAW Group, SIAC Motor, Lifan, Chang’an, Geely, Chery, Hafei, JAC, Great Wall and Roewe. SAIC, Chang’an, FAW Group and Dongfeng are known as the “Big Four”. SAIC, incidentally, owns MG, and has its finger in the Skoda, Chevrolet and VW pies, among quite a few others (including other Chinese marques like the Rover-inspired luxury line Roewe). The rest of the Big Four also seem to have a stake in some of the more familiar names we know: Chang’an has a few joint ventures with Ford and Suzuki; FAW Group is cosying up with Audi and a couple of others like Toyota; Dongfeng has a lot of partners, including French marques Citroën, Renault and Peugeot. Quite frankly, trying to decipher what’s going on with the Chinese automobile market is simultaneously confusing and enlightening.
But what about the Chinese-exclusive marques – things with badges we don’t recognise on the noses? The list is massive. Just a glimpse at the brands at the bottom of the page should give you an idea. Do some of them look like rip-offs of other logos? You betcha!
India also has a couple of unfamiliar names buzzing around the crowded streets of New Delhi and Mumbai. One that would, however, look familiar to a lot of Aussie drivers is the Maruti. The what? Well, some of the top sellers in India are the Maruti Alto and Maruti Swift . Yes, Maruti is Suzuki in a sari – the Indian equivalent. It’s kind of like the Holden/Vauxhall/Opel thing. Of course, the big name in Indian cars is Tata, with another popular one being Mahindra & Mahindra. Other things on Indian roads are quite familiar: Hyundais and the like.
Brazil has often been the place where marques headquartered in other countries were actually made, and this still goes on. Fiat is one brand that is thought of as Italian but is actually made in Brazil. Brazil churned out heaps of VW Beetles and Kombis, and these were sold throughout Latin America. There is a Brazilian local marque: the Troller, which specialises in off-road vehicles (which makes sense, considering the amount of wild Brazilian back country in the form of the Amazon jungle).
Russia has Lada, of course. The Lada brand may have been the butt of a few jokes here in the West and they weren’t exactly known for their comfort features, but they were tough and sturdy. They were the Eastern Bloc’s “people’s car” and they were no-frills affairs that had to get from A to B in conditions that could range from the arid deserts in the south in all those countries that now end in “istan” to freezing Siberian conditions. Ladas made it over here and to the rest of the world, but some others stayed at home – unsurprising, given that Russia is currently the largest European market for cars. Other Russian brands include AvtoVAZ (formerly known as just VAZ – and it owns Lada), GAZ (with a lovely gazelle logo) and KAMAZ (makes trucks that have won their class in the Dakar rally). A lot of Russian cars are sold elsewhere in the world. What’s with the AZ bit? Simply, AZ is short for “avtomobilny zavod”, which means “automobile plant” or “motor works”.
Great Wall is here. Chery is here. Lada is here. My question is: what’s going to be over here next? Will we see Tatas on Aussie roads? Or other Chinese marques? Time will tell, but I won’t be surprised if they do.
Level 2, 9 Help Street