Circuit Racing Spectating
The UK is blessed with an abundance of circuits, so wherever you live in the UK, you are never far from a race circuit GO FIND PERMANENT VENUES. A venue such as Rockingham and small circuits such as Lydden Hill enable the spectator to see all of the track, but normally it is important to find the best viewing point (often a grandstand) to see your favourite series of corners.
From major international events at Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Silverstone, which attract thousands of spectators, to the few hundred hardy souls enjoying a club-level meeting at Mallory Park or , you are assured of a day’s exciting racing, whatever your tastes.
One of the best things about going to a meeting is the wide variety of cars you will see. Whether the programme features single seaters, saloons or sports cars, there are always plenty of wheel-to-wheel battles as drivers fight to overtake into corners or outpace each other down the straights.
While you are there, check out the often frantic activity in the paddock, as drivers work to fix mechanical problems between morning practice and the actual racing. The camaraderie between drivers has to be seen to be believed, as rivals for the same championship ‘muck in’ to help so that they can try to beat each other where it matters; out on the track. It is great when you do get access to the paddock as you can have a closer look at machinery and the opportunity to chat to the drivers and people working on the cars (unless they are in the middle of a major rebuild of course).
For details of events click here GO FIND EVENTS
TOP UK CIRCUIT RACING SERIES
Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship
For bumper bashing thrills and spills you simply can’t the premier league BTCC. The 10-round series visits all the top UK circuits and enjoys live television coverage on ITV4. The non-stop action, though, is even better when viewed trackside. Racedays feature no fewer than 3 BTCC highlights plus a full supporting programme featuring single-seaters, hot-hatchbacks and sportscars. Highly recommended.
British Formula 3 International/British GT Championship
Double bill of top class entertainment. Formula 3 is the traditional proving ground for the next generation of Grand Prix stars – past champs include F1 world champions Sir Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen. Adding to the entertainment on show, this year’s mouthwatering GT grid is loaded with race-prepared versions of stunning supercars including Ferraris, Porsches and Aston Martins.
TOP 10 UK RACE MEETINGS
British F3 International /British GT Championship, Oulton Park (05 April)
Two of the UK premier race series kick off at the challenging Cheshire circuit. F3 is the traditional proving ground for the next generation of Formula 1 World Champions while the GT grid features all the top sports car marques including Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche.
Silverstone Supercar, Silverstone (01-02 May)
The new FIA GT1 World Championship makes its European debut on Silverstone’s new Grand Prix circuit. Top teams representing Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford GT, Lamborghini, Maserati and Nissan GTR will all be in action.
Festival of Speed , Goodwood House (02-04 July)
The Festival of Speed is far more than just a hillclimb: it’s the world’s biggest and best celebration of motor sport history and a brilliant chance for fans to see the greatest competition cars and star drivers from all eras.
Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix , Silverstone (09-11 July)
Britain expects, but can the World Champion Jenson Button or his predecessor Lewis Hamilton deliver on home ground? With Silverstone predicting a sell-out, tickets for this showpiece event should be booked in advance.
FIA World Touring Car Championship , Brands Hatch (17-18 July)
Triple world champion Andy Priaulx will be flying the flag as the globe-trotting WTCC headlines in the UK. This year’s series includes teams representing BMW, Chevrolet and SEAT, so expect plenty of fireworks.
Silverstone Classic, Silverstone (23-25 July)
Silverstone hosts the world’s biggest classic car race festival featuring a mouth watering array of historic racers including F1, Sportscars, GTs, Saloons… Nostalgia rules.
DTM, Brands Hatch (03-05 September)
Expect plenty of fender bending thrills as the high-powered German Touring Car Championship makes its only UK appearance. Staged on the tight Indy Circuit, spectators are in for a real treat.
HiQ British Touring Car Championship, Knockhill (05 September)
Britain’s most popular race series makes its annual trip to Scotland. Set in spectacular moorland close to Edinburgh, the narrow, undulating track always serves up more than its fair share of controversial action.
Goodwood Revival , Goodwood Circuit (17-19 September)
The magical Revival relives the glory days of Goodwood race track and recreates what many was the golden era of motor sport. No surprise that this iconic event has become the most popular historic meeting on Earth.
Dunlop British Touring Car Championship finale, Brands Hatch (10 October)
Britian’s top race series reaches its pulsating climax on the all action Brands Hatch Indy circuit. In recent seasons the BTCC has always gone right down to the wire and this season’s grand finale is certain to be another firecracker.