The British Touring Car Championship Events Coming up at Thruxton Circuit

Today I'm going to give you all a heads up on an event close to my heart. A thrilling event where all the family can get close to the fastest motor racing in the UK. On May 28th and 29th and again in August, the British Touring Car Championship will visit the fastest circuit in the UK – Thruxton Race Circuit in Hampshire.

You don't have to be a petrolhead to enjoy the heady and exciting atmosphere as you get up close and personal to some amazing fast cars - it's something everyone can enjoy. 

I use to watch the BTCC (British Touring Car Championships) back in the day when I used to work at Brands Hatch (which was my first ever job after a paper round!) This was around the early 2000's when Vauxhall had a great car with Plato and James Thompson fighting it out. I think BTCC had an early impact in my love for Vauxhall cars in my early years as I went on to own two Corsa's, one Astra and a VX220.

The British Touring Car Championship was set up in 1958 and since then has attracted a huge following.  All cars are built to the same regulations, allowing independent teams to compete on a level with manufacturer-backed teams. As Cole Trickle said in Days of Thunder 'I don't have to worry about getting beat by another car', to which Harry replies, 'No you only need be worried about beaten by another driver'. God I love that movie. But I digress.

The Thruxton circuit is the fastest in the UK and one of the longest at 2.4 miles per lap.  Its legendary high-speed corners give it its well-deserved reputation as a real driver's circuit! Away from the racing action on track there are plenty of places to find delicious food and drink, including in the new, state-of-the-art Thruxton Centre.  Enjoy a snack, tasty treat with tea or coffee or a leisurely 2-course lunch over a glass of wine in the restaurant overlooking the circuit. It really is a great day out and from memory, Thruxton is an exciting race track and beautiful area. I'm excited for the events to come and look forward to introducing Tuula to the frivolities. 

If you're not available on those dates do keep checking the website as more race events are continually being added. You have the Thruxton Historic on 11th and 12th June (with the wonderful and heady sounds and sights of the finest Historic and Classic motor racing in the country), The British Trucks Race Meeting on 9th and 10th July (a festival of all things trucking with lots of family activities), The Bennetts British Superbike Championship 12-14th August (3 days of unmissable bike racing) and the second of the Kwik Fit BTCC weekends on 27th and 28th August.

Below is some extra information about Thruxton sent on by the PR team that I thought would interest you.

Thruxton was originally a wartime airfield. Commissioned in 1941 the airfield was host to both the RAF and USAF and played a major part in the D-Day landings as a base for troop-carrying aircraft and gliders. Motorsport started in 1950 on a track comprising both the runways and perimeter roads. As the deteriorating wartime tarmac was breaking up, plans were underway to redevelop the site. Motor racing returned on a new track in 1968. The new layout followed the lines of the perimeter road with the inclusion of a chicane and three tight corners in succession. Even with these tight corners, Thruxton is the fastest race circuit in the UK.

Thruxton quickly gained a reputation as a real drivers circuit, where success requires total commitment. Thruxton's fame grew from the Easter Monday Formula 2 meetings where Formula 1 drivers of the day; Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart and Jochen Rindt all thrilled the crowds. Since then, Thruxton has seen current Formula 1 drivers race at the track at some time in their career. It is now the high-speed rounds of the British Touring Car Championship and British Superbike Championship that regularly bring in capacity crowds.  And its not just a venue for motorsport fanatics, it's also a fabulous day out with events, festivals, race meetings and driving experiences for all ages.