Electric Cars

The introduction of the Next Gen (Gen-7) car has sparked considerable discussion within the racing community, frequently drawing criticism for its impact on competition. Drivers, including vocal proponent Denny Hamlin, have pointed out issues such as diminished race excitement on specific track types and the heightened difficulty in passing competitors due to factors like ‘dirty air.’ This has led to scenarios where even a leading car struggles to lap slower vehicles, as observed recently at Iowa Speedway.

Amidst this critical landscape, Kyle Petty has offered a contrasting view, advocating for the Next Gen car by highlighting its technological advancements compared to previous generations. He concedes that the modern vehicle diverges from the traditional 'stock car' concept but firmly believes it remains a legitimate NASCAR machine capable of delivering thrilling races. Petty emphasizes that despite the challenges, events continue to feature intense finishes, demonstrating the car's capacity for close competition. Hamlin, while generally critical, partially concurs with Petty's assessment, recognizing the inherent disparity between modern racing vehicles and their historical counterparts. He argues that the lack of significant development in the Next Gen car has led to a compressed field, where all cars perform at very similar speeds. This uniformity, according to Hamlin, makes traditional overtaking maneuvers exceptionally challenging, often giving the lead car an insurmountable advantage over the pursuit.

Moving forward, the conversation shifts to potential solutions for improving the on-track product, particularly if fundamental changes to the car itself are not forthcoming. Attention turns to tire technology, with Goodyear actively exploring more aggressive compounds. Hamlin applauds these efforts, citing Goodyear's proactive stance in introducing higher-wear tires, as seen at Richmond Raceway following a race at Iowa where tire degradation was minimal. However, Hamlin suggests a more radical change is needed, advocating for a redesign of the car's aerodynamic properties. He proposes shifting downforce from the underbody to the overbody, a characteristic present in the Xfinity Series. Such a modification would allow trailing cars to manipulate the lead car's aerodynamics, fostering more competitive passing opportunities and rebalancing the advantage, which currently heavily favors the leader.

Ultimately, the evolution of racing technology, while pushing boundaries, must continually strive for a balance that preserves the essence of competitive sport. Engaging in open dialogue and embracing innovation, whether through car design or component development, are essential for ensuring that the spirit of racing endures, offering fans and participants alike a truly dynamic and engaging spectacle that inspires all.

In a surprising turn of events, young talent Charles Rainford asserted his dominance by securing the fastest lap in the British Touring Car Championship's free practice session at Knockhill. This performance signals a potentially thrilling weekend for the rookie, showcasing his formidable skill and setting a high bar for the competition. The session was not without its challenges, as two red flags temporarily halted proceedings, yet Rainford remained unfazed, continuing to improve his times.

Details from the Circuit: Rainford's Triumph and Hill's Return

On a bright and brisk Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the challenging Knockhill Racing Circuit, the British Touring Car Championship's free practice sessions commenced with high anticipation. The day's standout performer was undeniably rookie Charles Rainford, piloting his West Surrey Racing BMW 330i M Sport. Rainford, with a vibrant display of driving prowess, consistently improved his lap times, ultimately clinching the top spot in the second free practice (FP2) after navigating through two red-flag incidents. These stoppages were necessitated by the repositioning of Recticel blocks at the chicane, a common occurrence in the high-speed world of touring car racing.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend was the much-anticipated return of reigning champion Jake Hill. After missing the previous competitive round at Croft due to a bout of labyrinthitis, Hill, a formidable force in the series, rejoined the West Surrey Racing team. While Hill's performance in FP2 placed him 14th, his presence alone was a significant boost for the team and a point of interest for fans.

Close on Rainford's heels was Aron Taylor-Smith, who steered his Speedworks Motorsport-prepared Toyota Corolla GR Sport to a remarkable second place, trailing the leader by a mere 0.020 seconds. Following closely, Dan Lloyd, driving his Restart Racing Hyundai i30 N Fastback, bounced back from an engine issue at Croft to secure the third-fastest time. The Hyundai contingent showcased strong form, with Excelr8 Motorsport's Tom Ingram and Senna Proctor, alongside Restart teammate Chris Smiley, filling out positions four through six.

Championship leader Tom Ingram initially set the pace in the morning's first practice (FP1), demonstrating a comfortable lead. However, track conditions improved significantly throughout the day, leading to much faster times in the later session. Despite initial struggles with track cleanliness and a lengthy red flag caused by Nic Hamilton's car in the gravel trap, the drivers adapted. Daryl DeLeon, fresh off a podium finish at Croft, continued his strong run by securing seventh place in his WSR BMW, while Dan Rowbottom, in the fastest NAPA Ford Focus ST, rounded out the top eight, notably achieving his time on medium tires in FP1 and improving slightly on softer tires in FP2.

The top ten was completed by Dan Cammish (Alliance Ford) and Aiden Moffat (WSR BMW), who posted identical times, highlighting the intense competition. Notably, points runner-up Ash Sutton finished 19th, slower than his FP1 time, setting the stage for a compelling qualifying battle, as the qualifying groups are determined by alternating positions from FP2.

Furthermore, the Power Maxed Racing team, despite a devastating fire that impacted their operations, showed remarkable resilience. They appeared on the grid with two borrowed Cupra Leons, with Mikey Doble being their fastest driver in 16th. A noteworthy act of sportsmanship came from the family of Dexter Patterson, who provided a spare Cupra to PMR. However, Patterson faced a setback, being black-flagged in FP2 for track-limit violations, an infraction also committed by Adam Morgan and Dan Cammish. Adding to the drama, local hero and Knockhill commercial director Gordon Shedden was hampered by a broken exhaust clamp, preventing him from completing a hot lap in FP2, although he managed a sixth-place finish in the earlier session.

This practice session sets a dynamic tone for the BTCC weekend at Knockhill. The emergence of a rookie at the top, coupled with the return of a champion and the resilience of teams facing adversity, underscores the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of touring car racing. It's a reminder that talent, determination, and a bit of good fortune are all essential ingredients for success on the track.