THE WORST BTCC SHAKE UP IN DECADES
About this episode
Significant changes to the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) qualifying format for 2026 have sparked intense debate among fans and commentators. The hosts express their concerns, labeling the new system as potentially the worst shake-up in decades, reminiscent of the 1999 exodus. They discuss the implications of reverse grids, ballast adjustments, and the introduction of a qualifying sprint race, questioning the impact on driver strategy and championship integrity. With notable team changes and driver movements on the horizon, the episode dives deep into the future of BTCC amidst growing skepticism.
Is this the worst change in the BTCC in decades, we discuss the breaking news and the qualifying changes for 2026.
Mercedes-Benz Aclass
"of pictures released within those articles and suggestions are that the car that they could be running for the 2026 season may well be a Mercedes A-class. Quite possibly. We don't know for sure. What we do know for sure is that he is teaming"
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a small, fancy car made by a well-known brand. It's popular because it looks good and has a lot of cool features inside. People are talking about it possibly being used in racing, which shows how versatile it can be.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury hatchback that represents the entry point into the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Known for its stylish design, advanced technology, and premium features, it has gained popularity among younger buyers looking for a combination of performance and luxury. The mention of the A-Class in the context of a racing season suggests its potential use as a base for a competitive vehicle.
RML
"...he is teaming up once again with RML, who he did the Chevrolets with back in the day..."
RML is a company from the UK that works in motorsports and car engineering. They help teams build and improve race cars, making them faster and more competitive.
RML is a British motorsport and engineering company known for its work in various racing series and for developing performance vehicles. They have a history of collaborating with manufacturers to create competitive racing cars.
Toyota Corollas
"Yeah, they've moved to a Toyota, which if you look back at the 2025 season seems absolutely bizarre... run two Toyota Corollas for next season."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that is very popular because it's reliable and saves gas. Many people around the world drive it, and it’s also used in racing.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It has been one of the best-selling cars worldwide for many years and is often used in various motorsport events.
GT racing
"...going into endurance and GT racing, particularly given that they've got two drivers..."
GT racing is a type of car racing that uses sports cars designed for both speed and comfort. These races often last longer and involve more strategy than regular races.
GT racing refers to a category of motorsport where teams race grand tourer cars, which are designed for high performance and long-distance driving. This type of racing emphasizes speed and handling.
endurance racing
"...perhaps be phasing themselves out of the touring cars and going into endurance and GT racing..."
Endurance racing is a type of car racing where drivers race for a long time, sometimes for hours. It’s about how well the car can last and how well the drivers can handle the long race.
Endurance racing is a form of motorsport where teams compete over a long duration, often lasting several hours or even days. It tests the durability of both the cars and the drivers' stamina.
Carrera scholarship scheme
"...the Carrera scholarship scheme that they go through. Callan Voicin has won that..."
The Carrera scholarship scheme is a program by Porsche that helps young drivers get better at racing. It offers training and chances to race in competitions.
The Carrera scholarship scheme is a program designed by Porsche to support and develop young racing drivers. It provides training and opportunities to compete in various racing events.
BMW M Sport
"and once they had that M Sport engine brought into that unit, you could kind of see some of that competitiveness come back. In my mind, I think they're probably going to run that going forward..."
BMW M Sport models are special versions of regular BMW cars that are made to be faster and more fun to drive. They have better engines and sportier designs.
The BMW M Sport refers to performance-oriented variants of BMW vehicles that feature enhancements in power, handling, and aesthetics. These models are designed to provide a sportier driving experience compared to standard BMW models.
Opel Astra
"...ing the Cupra. We know PMR have had to change the Astra and they're going to be running Audi. So I think..."
The Opel Astra is a small car that many people in Europe drive. It's known for being comfortable and good on gas, making it a practical choice for everyday use. It's being talked about in racing, which shows it can be modified to perform better on the track.
The Opel Astra is a compact car that has been a staple in the European automotive market since its introduction in the 1990s. Known for its practicality, comfort, and efficiency, the Astra is often praised for its balanced handling and spacious interior. The mention of the Astra in the context of racing indicates its adaptability and the modifications that can be made for competitive purposes.
Astra
"...PMR have had to change the Astra and they're going to be running Audi. So I think that would make the Corolla the oldest car on the grid..."
The Vauxhall Astra is a small car that many people in Europe like to drive. It's comfortable and has good fuel economy, making it a smart choice for everyday use.
The Vauxhall Astra is a compact car that has been popular in Europe for its practicality and performance. It is known for its comfortable ride and a range of efficient engines, making it a common choice for families and individuals alike.
Ford Focus
"...that possibly unlimited has been offered the Napa forward focuses. And then there are further rumors on from that as to what Napa will be running..."
The Ford Focus is a small car that many people enjoy driving because it handles well and has modern features. It's a good option for those who want something fun and practical.
The Ford Focus is a compact car known for its sporty handling and technology features. It has been a popular choice for drivers looking for a balance of performance, comfort, and efficiency.
satellite team
"...from my understanding, it looks like because they're going to be a satellite team, they'll be running in possibly an independent outfit..."
A satellite team is a smaller racing team that gets help from a bigger team. They might use the same cars or parts, which helps them race better.
A satellite team in motorsport refers to a team that operates under the umbrella of a larger, more established team, often using the same resources or technology. This allows them to compete at a higher level than they could independently.
Park Fermi
"There is no suggestion at the moment that Park Fermi will be lifted. So I'm assuming that all the cars will be in Park Fermi condition."
Park Fermi is a rule in racing that keeps cars in the same condition after qualifying or a race. It stops teams from making big changes to their cars, so everyone competes fairly.
Park Fermi is a state in motorsport where cars are held after qualifying or a race, preventing teams from making significant changes. This ensures that the cars remain in the same condition as they finished the session, promoting fairness in competition.
Aero
"Yeah. I mean, they can't make any substantial change to Aero or anything like that."
Aero is about how air moves around a car. In racing, it's important because good aerodynamics can help a car go faster and stay stable on the track.
Aero, short for aerodynamics, refers to how air flows around a vehicle. In racing, optimizing aero is crucial for performance, as it affects speed, stability, and fuel efficiency.
qualifying race
"qualifying race distance to be approximately 15 minutes in duration set in advance to the nearest lap count at each particular circuit."
A qualifying race is a short race that helps decide where drivers will start in the main race. The faster you go, the better your starting position will be.
A qualifying race is a short event that determines the starting positions for the main race. Drivers compete to set the fastest lap times, which influences their placement on the grid for the actual race.
dry slick tire
"Only that event standard dry slick tire and or wet tire may be used throughout the official qualifying session."
A dry slick tire is a smooth tire used in racing when the track is dry. It helps cars grip the road better and go faster, but it can't be used on wet surfaces.
A dry slick tire is a type of tire used in racing that has no tread and is designed for maximum grip on dry surfaces. These tires provide the best performance in dry conditions but are not suitable for wet tracks.
wet tire
"Only that event standard dry slick tire and or wet tire may be used throughout the official qualifying session."
A wet tire is a type of tire made for driving in the rain. It has special grooves that help it grip the road better when it's wet, preventing the car from sliding.
A wet tire is specifically designed for use in rainy conditions. It features tread patterns that help channel water away from the tire, improving grip and reducing the risk of hydroplaning on wet surfaces.
F1
"It doesn't affect the Sunday too much. But it also works more for F1 because you've only got one main race on the Sunday."
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of car racing that takes place on tracks around the world. It's known for its fast cars and exciting races.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
one-stop races
"there is no strategy in F1 anymore because they're all one-stop races."
One-stop races mean that drivers only need to stop once during the race to change tires. This can change how the race is run and how fast the cars go.
One-stop races in Formula 1 refer to races where drivers only make one pit stop during the event. This strategy can affect tire management and overall race pace.
pit stop
"But without having a pit stop, you get a bit of hard racing on the circuit without having the strategy."
A pit stop is when a race car stops during the race to change tires or get fuel. It's a crucial part of racing strategy.
A pit stop is a pause during a race where a car stops at the pit area for refueling, tire changes, or repairs. Effective pit stops can significantly influence race outcomes.
pole position
"to nip a pole position by 1000 for a second."
Pole position is the first spot on the starting line for a race. The driver who qualifies fastest gets this spot, which helps them start the race ahead of others.
Pole position refers to the starting position at the front of the grid for the driver who qualifies fastest in a race. It is a significant advantage as it allows for a clear track at the start.
one lap pace
"...I think there's a real skill to qualifying. I think that it's one lap pace. One lap pace. I think you, again, could bring an F1..."
One lap pace is how fast a driver can go in just one lap. It's important for qualifying because it helps determine where they start in the race, but it might be different from how fast they can go during the whole race.
One lap pace refers to a driver's ability to achieve a fast lap time during a single lap, which is particularly important in qualifying sessions. It can differ from a driver's overall race pace, which may be slower due to factors like tire wear and fuel load.
Formula 1
"Yeah. I can kind of see why F1 want to shake it up with the sprint tracks, especially when they have only those six throughout the whole season. It doesn't actually take up that many of the races."
Formula 1 is a top-level car racing series where teams compete in fast cars on different tracks. It's famous for its exciting races and cutting-edge technology.
Formula 1 (F1) is a premier international auto racing sport known for its high-speed races and advanced technology. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
hybrid
"I may give you a little bit of a flip and joke there of the hybrid. These things seem to come and go in British touring cars. Obviously, the hybrid is the next big thing."
A hybrid car uses both a regular gas engine and an electric motor. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment. Many racing cars are starting to use this technology too.
In automotive terms, a hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This technology is increasingly being adopted in various racing series, including touring cars.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.