I live a half hour away from Lime Rock Park race track. In the next few months the racing season starts again and I'm looking forward to attending some of the events. Once again I see that the Aston Martin racing team will be participating and was wondering why both in the past with their XK or in the future with there F-Type (different class) that Jaguar is not in the mix. Is it the money thing or just a lack of interest by Tata. Just askin

 

There have been independent entries such as the XKR-S GT of Emil Frey in GT3 seen here at Monza:


Racing is an enormous drain on resources, so JLR are probably more concerned about market share and conquest sales than the 'halo-effect' of racing.

 

Maybe not enough privateers to share the cost did not ask Jaguar? Jaguar would have to offer a sweet deal to get teams to switch their current program.

 

Is this monza italy. Cool

 

They seem to think TV adds with people putting golf clubs into F-types are a better way to spend money I guess.

 

I think Jag is spending their advertising money wisely and I like their newest ad campaigns. Other British marques (Lotus can you hear me) should follow suit. Even if they only have 5% the budget of Jaguar.

 

I would like to see Jaguar develop an advert showing the history of the marque using the racing cars from the 1950s to the recent Formula One campaign similar to this ad by Shell:

 

The best description that I ever read of Jaguar was from you. And there were some really good ones in the etype era.

 

Thank you Q&C for that. I guess even after having been privileged to work years ago with one of the greatest racing teams, I always have a soft spot in my heart for Jaguar. Maybe it is knowing they survived a fire that nearly destroyed Browns Lane; maybe it is knowing they barely survived the dark days of British Leyland, or maybe it is just because I was born seven miles from Castle Bromwich.

You are correct that there are many great racing cars from the 1950s and even later with the XJ13 and the fabulous XJR-12 'Silk-Cut' cars built by Walkinshaw Racing. JLR should draw on this rich history and legacy to rebuild the legend of Jaguar instead of trying to convince everyone they are just as good as the German brands.

That's my 2d.

 

Do you know, I said to myself he is English. It explains much. And makes me somewhat right to have found your observation of Jaguar extraordinary. We are much like jaguars, solitary, fiercely independent and seldom want to be spotted. Worse, nomadic and could care less about protecting a territory. I think JLR is an extension of the same psyche. If it were a German company with those accomplishments and rich positive heritage, you better believe they would never let us forget it.

I think Jaguar and Britain to a greater extent is a victim of its own conservatism. The German tiger has no such qualms about bragging, with the things we have taught them no less. Hats of to them, wish we could do the same. Wont happen. Clarkson did a brilliant bit on Britain's contribution to motorsports- it was an eyeopener.

 

Back to the original question posted by jagtoes: I sincerely hope Jaguar, through JLR, or through an independent team such as in the Silk Cut days, return to racing once again. Perhaps not Formula One, but certainly to the endurance events that put Jaguar at the top in the 1950s.

I would personally like to see Jaguar once again dominate le 24 heures du Mans as a first step towards returning to those glory days!

 

There is a very strong possibility. Indians have started to take racing quite seriously, as a result of several being involved in F1. I believe the Sauber team is headed by an Indian lady as example, then there was Force India. Sooner or later Mr. Tata will want to dip his toes. At the very least co-sponsor.

 

I'd like to see Jaguar be an engine supplier for Williams and then get into a Willimas/Jaguar models like they started to. Great idea they had and should've continued with. Even if it was just an option package on the F-type, that would've been a great start.

 

I wouldn't say there is much heritage to be drawn from the F1 venture unfortunately. Ford weren't interested in spending money unless they were just throwing it at useless figureheads.

 

Well, after Jaguar got out of F1, their team went on to multiple world championships...

 

Its too much capitol for Jaguar to get into F1. They aren't a big enough player yet.

 

Jaguar are going back in to racing and announced it a few months ago. Unfortunately it is Formula E which doesn't exactly fill me with enthusiasm!

 

You are correct, but that had absolutely nothing to do with Jaguar!

 

you like the ad with Hawkins? i saw this in spain, I do not know, I remember this clip with Mexicans too, I wander if it is not ridiculous, to do that, you rather get the halo effect from racing, i will say. men for me it sounds very odd, but I never really like Hawkins, he is scaring me out.

 

The essence is that Jaguar is playing the British card full throttle which seems to be working. The consumer sees value in a British made product with finest cars made coming from the UK. Some more education is needed for consumers to realize that the UK is the center of motorsports and automotive design. Those into racing know this, but most don't; they think all the talent is in Germany.

Jaguar could launch a historic model support race series as part of grand prix weekend in select markets. Any Jaguar that 25+ years old. Similar to Ferrari Challenge or Porsche Cup, but emphasis in classic cars and gentleman racing. Pace car could be whatever model(s) Jaguar wants to promote.