BTCC Brands Hatch Indy.

The BTCC returned this weekend just gone and, subject to "news" broken on this very blog did not race anti clockwise - who knew!

What we did witness however was two of the sports more elder statesmen involved in two separate start line incidents, now, without wanting to cause too much controversy I am beginning to wonder:

Is It Time For The "Old Guard" To Call It A Day?

Don't get me wrong, Neal and Plato have been fantastic ambassadors to the sport and to Touring Car racing in general but, two, fairly similar, start line incidents while all those around them - many young enough to be their sons get through a weekend relatively unscathed one wonder if it is time for the two of them to take a back seat and let the younger blood through. 

Neither driver has won a title since 2011, and while both have gone into the final weekend with an outside chance of glory on most occasions since one would argue that plenty of other drivers would have too.

To fans of the BTCC there are plenty of other "big name draws" reigning and 3 time champion Gordon Shedden, 2 time champion and multiple independent champion  Colin Turkington, Andrew Jordan the 2013 champion, Mat Jackson, Rob Austin, Rob Collard. The up and comers such as Ash Sutton, Josh Cook, Jack Goff and Adam Morgan. There are more than enough drivers capable of taking victories podiums and titles while giving the crowd all of the action, excitement and access fans of the BTCC are used to. 

I'm not saying they should leave entirely, just maybe step aside and let the next generation have a go, nothing wrong with Neal and or Plato in a satellite team, maybe part funded by a manufacturer while, at the same time giving the next crop of drivers the opportunity to show what they can or cannot do with a properly sorted race car with full works backing. They could impart their own knowledge and experience to the next, next generation in you follow.

Neal, Plato you will always be a huge part of the BTCC like Sears, Percy, Rouse and all those before you but, maybe it's time to let someone else have a go.

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