Steve Neal: A tough year ahead

Sat 6th February 2010 Team Dynamics boss Steve Neal reckons 2010 is going to be a tough year as the motorsport world continues to feel the effects of difficult economic conditions.

By Matt Salisbury

"Last year had momentum from 2008", said Neal. "But this year doesn’t have the momentum – it has gone completely.

"There is very little cash about, people have been laying off staff and there are a lot of mechanics and engineers out of work. SEAT has quit the WTCC, Lada has pulled out, BMW has downscaled and it seems to be Chevrolet or nothing there. I don’t see that as a proper world championship anymore."

Neal's Team Dynamics squad has been a stalwart in the BTCC, much in the same way as Vauxhall had been until its withdrawal at the end of 2009. While a manufacturer deal may have eluded Neal Snr, he's clear on the benefits of having them in the championship.

"If you have a proper manufacturer team like Vauxhall, or like RML, then there is something for everyone to go for and compare themselves to.

"They also have a strong influence over how the championship is run. When you get wildcards coming in with kit cars – like the new Focus and like the Lacetti – then it makes it a bit of a farce to be honest with you."

During their time running the dominant Integra – and more recently the Civic – Team Dynamics have continuously courted Honda with a view to bringing them back into the BTCC in a works capacity – so far without success.

"We are always talking to them to try and persuade them that is a good thing to be doing", commented Neal.

"It is the only thing they have left in motorsport in Europe. But we are only talking to Honda UK and they have had a tough time as you appreciate. They are doing all right under the scrappage scheme and have been selling the Jazz which is built in Swindon, and my understanding is that the company is running profitably, so maybe the view will be different."

After two season with Vauxhall, Matt Neal looks set to rejoin his father's team in 2010, but the question remains who will line up alongside him. Former Formula 1 racer Johnny Herbert joined the team during the second half of 2009 and remains a contender for the season ahead.

"It all depends on money quite honestly. If we have the funds to take Johnny on, then I would be very happy to do it."

Click here to read our full Q&A with Steve Neal.