BRSCC T-Car Advice/ Help

[Ross_328i_sport]

This week’s searching the classified for no particular reason has got me thinking of a BRSCC T-Car.

From what I have seen on the internet they used to be raced in a junior category for 14- 17 year olds in 2008 a bit like the Ginetta Juniors nowadays.

They a space framed chassis which looks substantial and fitted with either Zetec or Duratec engines. I currently run a Caterham, on track day and one of these is quite appealing due to being able to use all year round in relative dry/ warm comfort.

Does anybody have experience of driving one? What are they like?

At present the idea would be to compete in track days however would not rule racing out in the future therefore knowing Championships that I could compete in would be good to know prior to any thoughts on purchasing. Championships I can think of would be as follows: -
- Various Sports and Saloons (Northern, North West, Scottish)
- CSCC Super Saloon?? (Not sure if it would be eligible)
- 360 motor club endurance event
- Birket Relay

Appreciate any pointers/ advice

Cheers

[markbates]

I seem to remember that in 2009 when the BRSCC let them go they went over the water to race in Ireland (not necessarily a kids formula). I think the cars were built by SHP who built the pick ups and a lot of other stuff for oval racing. Not sure what they could be eligible for now though as it was not a production car just a space frame. Getting a little long in the tooth now though I would have thought.

[andy97]

Ross, you are right about them being a Junior category. I seem to remember Jonathon Palmer's lads starting in them and one of the Chiltons (?). They were built by SHP and were very similar to the Eurocars chassis I think. Should be very strong and unstressed.

The Irish adopted them as the RT 2000 Supercar with updated engines.

I doubt that you could race them in the CSCC Special Saloons series but the one series that I think fits them best might be the Quaife Motorsport News Series and the affiliated Intermarque seris run in the South East by BARC. I'm not sure that any other T-Cars run in that but there are load of space frame cars similar to the Hotrods that run on the Ovals. Thats your best bet, although various other regional sports v saloon series may also accommodate them.

[MyVTECGoesBwaaah]

I remember Jolyon Palmer's first race in them at Cadwell, I also remember seeing Max Chilton (I think) racing them as well.

To see where they are now, makes me feel old - Although I am only 20

They used to be a good formula. Never got great numbers (Seem to think around 10-15 would be the norm?) but normally created action in their races

[RC Developments]

Used to have one to use for driver coaching at track days. Brilliant car, very under-rated, handled superbly and with the inlet restrictor removed went pretty well. Wouldn't hesitate to have one again but not sure what series it would fit into well.

[designndrive62]

I think it was tom chilton in t-cars. He aced it them stepped up to btcc, if I remember correctly. I thought max jumped straight into f3, but I could be wrong? I can't remember t cars being around all that long but remember seeing them at castle Combe and they looked impressive on the track from what I can remember. Shame the idea didn't take off as it would have had a better place on the btcc bill than junior ginetta.

This thread has got me remembering the awful formula zip as well that ran at the same time. If my memory serves me right the 'front wings' on those cars were polystyrene?? Last I heard all those cars ended up in Dubai I think...

Edited by designndrive62 on Tuesday 25th November 21:18

Edited by designndrive62 on Tuesday 25th November 21:21

[andy97]

There's an Irish Dunlop Super Saloon forvsale on Racecarsdirect as well. Same sort of car but this one has 240bhp Zetec and a sequential box. Worth a look too?

[Ross_328i_sport]

Hi thanks for all the replies.

@Andy,

Yes that is the car I have seen which to me appear very good value for money particularly with a sequential box. The only issue i have is the limited running in Championships may well have a negative impact on the potential selling market etc when that time comes.

[spikey78]

I always thought these looked like they could be great. They've always been a bit unpopular though for some reason, and so pretty cheap. Great for a trackday toy but I can't think where you could race it-maybe some kind of catch-all race. I think it would seriously outclassed in intermarque

[andy97]

Ross, I see that you are in the NE. Have a look to see if any of the Croft based regional series would take it.

[snowen250]

andy97 said:

Ross, you are right about them being a Junior category. I seem to remember Jonathon Palmer's lads starting in them and one of the Chiltons (?). They were built by SHP and were very similar to the Eurocars chassis I think. Should be very strong and unstressed.

The Irish adopted them as the RT 2000 Supercar with updated engines.

I doubt that you could race them in the CSCC Special Saloons series but the one series that I think fits them best might be the Quaife Motorsport News Series and the affiliated Intermarque seris run in the South East by BARC. I'm not sure that any other T-Cars run in that but there are load of space frame cars similar to the Hotrods that run on the Ovals. Thats your best bet, although various other regional sports v saloon series may also accommodate them.

Andy

as they are spaceframe they would not be allowed in the QMN.

And also not currently eligible for the Intermarques as that is Hot Rods only now I believe.

Simon

[andy97]

Cheers, Simon. I'm obviously out of date. Seems a bit odd that the T-Car/ Eurocar isn't eligible, though, if the series is for spaceframe cars.

[snowen250]

It always was, and I could be wrong on that point for the intermarques. But certainly this year I have only seen HR class cars competing. Other sorts may be allowed as invitation cars but you would have to contact the organisers.

Spaceframes definitely banned in QMN however.

[indigorallye]

It would be eligible for North West Sports & Saloons.

[woof]

spikey78 said:

I always thought these looked like they could be great. They've always been a bit unpopular though for some reason, and so pretty cheap. Great for a trackday toy but I can't think where you could race it-maybe some kind of catch-all race. I think it would seriously outclassed in intermarque

I was speaking with Adrian Quaife-Hobbs about these cars and apparently they were very quick. Not far off the BTCC car pace ! Proper racing car.

[indigorallye]

Oli Webb used to race in one too. He's not done too bad.

[Ross_328i_sport]

Thanks for the comments. Looks like it would make an ideal track car but very limited for race series. It would fit in Northern sports and saloons and North West however resale i believe would be very difficult.

Think I will think a bit longer as currently been racing in Fun Cup which i love but the team i am with may not have the drivers for a full season next year hence the question on race series.

I think my real problem is there is too much choice!

[cupofbeans]

They ran at the same time as the RT2000s/Dunlop Supercars, they were just detuned versions. Lots of well known t-car graduates..... Tom Onslow-Cole, Tom Chilton and Max, Matthew Wilson, Adrian Quaiffe-Hobbs, Alex MacDowall, Jolyon Palmer, Tom Kimber-Smith and more.

[andy97]

Ross_328i_sport said:

Thanks for the comments. Looks like it would make an ideal track car but very limited for race series. It would fit in Northern sports and saloons and North West however resale i believe would be very difficult.

Maybe £10 k is too much then, make a cheeky offer!!!

It may also be worth asking SHP if they do other body panels that fit on the same space frame chassis, because if you can make it look like a Mk 1 or 2 Escort then it may be eligible for Special Saloons! And the pics of the BARC Intermarque series show a Mk1 Escort which I believe is still on a space frame. Worth aslking anyway.

[andy97]

Not sure whether Ross, the OP, ever bought one but It seems that these cars are now running again in Ireland as "Ask Supercars", run by Alan Kesie as a "one make series" that caters for both the T-Car variant and the RT2000 Supercar variant.

There's also one that's going to be used in the Endurance Racing Serie (ERS) in the UK this year.

Alan Kessie has several for sale or hire drive.

A lot of car for the money and it's good that they seem to have found a home.

Could also race in the CSCC "Open" Series which is new for this year.

Edited by andy97 on Wednesday 17th February 15:10