I prefer the ROCK to knock hill

[Ed- the MG fan]

Gow made one of his drastic changes again!!

I was at the ROCK 4 this years BTCC and I can't belive they have taken it off the calender already. It provided by far the most entertaining races in ages, I so annoyed. Even Ried + Leslie who were upset about losing thier home race enjoyed the cicuit. I mean I really like Knochill too, but the racing the Rock produced was so thrilling, every1 was up on thier seats due to the excitment that it had created.

Could't we get rid of snetteton or one of the brands races

[Toto]

Originally posted by Ed- the MG fan
Gow made one of his drastic changes again!!

I was at the ROCK 4 this years BTCC and I can't belive they have taken it off the calender already. It provided by far the most entertaining races in ages, I so annoyed. Even Ried + Leslie who were upset about losing thier home race enjoyed the cicuit. I mean I really like Knochill too, but the racing the Rock produced was so thrilling, every1 was up on thier seats due to the excitment that it had created.

Could't we get rid of snetteton or one of the brands races
Snetterton's the one I'd take off, purely because the viewing is awful. It used to be good there before they got rid of the stand at Bombhole and the following steep banking. The viewing now is awful by comparison. I also find it a very run down place.

Such a shame because the lay-out of the circuit invites good racing. There's so much more that could be done with the place.

Rockingham was good (yes it generates an exciting atmosphere and the viewing is unparalleled), but people harp on about it producing the best two races of the year. I don't think so.

Very happy to see Knockhill is back - possibly my favourite venue. I know the facilities (particularly lack of loos around the back) needs to be improved, but the place is awesome in terms of racing, viewing and atmosphere.

[Kelvin]

I like Rockingham as a venue, but only as it was intended, as an Oval race track... Have seen racing both on the infield and on the Oval (ASCAR, awesome). The racing I've seen on the infield is not for me.. The ability to walk around a circuit, to pick the viewing point you want, get as close to the cars as saftey will allow, thats what its all about... Knockhill gets my vote even though Rockingham is less than an hours drive for me!

Kelvin.

[Les]

Rock has it's ups and downs - same as anywhere really. I went last weekend for a clubby meet.

The restaurant was closed!!! It seems they are only allowed to open when there are no consession stands there! Well the only stand was doing really greasy food and closed soon after lunch so no drinks and no snacks all afternoon.
On Sunday the restaurant reopened and a lovely breakfast was had. What got me then was the car boot sale - loads of people driving in and out - a fabulous opportunity for Rock to get a few people to go and snatch a look at the racing and just maybe get hooked. Not at a £10 a throw (and for one 5 hour race for most people) they won't.

But what was annoying was we did wander around the paddock and ended up on the inside of Turn 1. Stood behind the fences having a natter and watching the chicane and was asked to move! No signs saying no spectating there and we hadn't climbed any fences so what's the problem? Knockhill has far worse places to watch than there.

I still prefer Knockhill

[Reynard]

Originally posted by Toto
Snetterton's the one I'd take off, purely because the viewing is awful. It used to be good there before they got rid of the stand at Bombhole and the following steep banking. The viewing now is awful by comparison. I also find it a very run down place.

It isn't that bad - you just got to put in a bit of legwork at Snet to get the best out of the place. Russell inside / outside is a cracker, so is opposite the pits and around the Esses. Plus you've got fantastic paddock access, which you don't get at many other circuits. IMHO Snetterton is one of the best places to take good photos... OK, it is a little run down, but to be honest, I prefer it to Silverstone, say.

I'm afraid that much to my disappointment I shall be missing the Snetterton BTCC round next season as it clashes with ASCAR Days of Thunder. And seeing that the BTCC isn't going to Rockingham next year, I'm afraid that's no BTCC for me in 2004.

[The Stig]

Had one of my favourite days of racing at Rockingham this year and not happy it will be off next years calendar. Understand why Knockhill makes what appears to be a very welcome return. Puzzled people aren't that fond of Snetterton. Surely Silverstone would be less of a loss ?

[Paul Rayner]

I just think it's a great shame that the country's top race championship won't race at the country's top racing facility. Instead of a state-of-the-art track, we're going to Knockhill. Everything else I feel about this I've said before.

[Knock-on]

I have yet to visit either which is strange. However, a lot of people have fond memories of Knock so I am looking forward to going next year. The problem this year was that it cost them too much to host the round than what they were going to make. Probably for all the improvements.

However, they are working hard to address this over the winter and it will be sorted for next year.

AG has said that he would like to get knock back but he is contracted to two rounds at Brands. Brands also tends to bring in the biggest crowds and Silverstone only has one championship race.

I like Snet as well and camping is right next to the track which is a bonus for viewing with access to beer. :D

Just wish they can turn the temperature down a bit for next year. It ain't alf ot mum.

[Reynard]

Originally posted by Knock-on
Just wish they can turn the temperature down a bit for next year. It ain't alf ot mum.

This photographer made the very stupid mistake of leaning against the Armco at Coram... *OUCH* Thanks to the marshals on post who kept me cool and supplied with water. Otherwise I would have been a pile of goo with camera equipment floating on top! ;)

BTW, as a matter of interest, how many of you decided to come and try an ASCAR meeting after seeing the BTCC at The Rock? If yes, what did you think?

[touringlegend]

Originally posted by Paul Rayner
I just think it's a great shame that the country's top race championship won't race at the country's top racing facility. Instead of a state-of-the-art track, we're going to Knockhill. Everything else I feel about this I've said before.


I'm glad there's someone like Alan Gow at the top that has some common sense...if Rockingham was in Scotland and Knockhill was in the Midlands I'm sure we'd come to Scotland's "rockingham"

Still dissapoints me that people can't face the fact that the real reason Knockhill got it back is because of its location which taps into a vital market.

[The Stig]

touringlegend, the majority of people on the forum seem to appreciate the return of Knockhill. I do too, but not at the expense of Rockingham, which this year was first class for lots of things, chiefly, access in and out, facilities, weather and racing.
For me it is a pity Silverstone and Mondello park are still on the schedule. Lets lose Silverstone and add Rockingham.

[touringlegend]

Incidentally, I too thought Rockingham's races this year were the best and it's sad that they won't have any next year. Someone had to lose out I suppose.

But if someone says drop Silverstone from the calendar they are dreaming. I think as long as the BTCC is around Silverstone will be because its seen as the "Home of British Motorsport".

I would suggest why the hell does a circuit in Ireland get a race ? But I suppose that is an important market too that the BTCC can dip into because there is not the demand for an Irish Touring Car series.

[codename_47]

Originally posted by Kelvin
I like Rockingham as a venue, but only as it was intended, as an Oval race track...

Are you kidding??

Rockingham is one of the worst oval layouts I've seen....why they couldn't build one with actual banking I'll never know....

They should've been really brave and built one like Daytona and Talladega....(then they'd really be allowed to call it "Days of Thunder! :D ) or at least do something interesting like Bristol or Charlotte....but no, they built one with a silly layout that the Champ Cars (which it was designed for, don't forget) couldn't pass on, and even ASCARS have a hard time passing! :rolleyes:

Still...good for BTCC racing though, as we saw last year! ;)

I like Knockhill, it's got inclines not just up, but down as well! (yes, thanks Murray) and some great races have been had there in the past.....It should never have lost it's place on the calender this year, really! ;)

But Alan Gow has said they're committed to returning to Rockingham....so lets point fingers at which track's date Rockingham should steal permanently in 2005 instead of moaning shall we? :p

My vote is for Croft! *Ducks* :eek:

[Claw]

I prefer Knockhill and i'm glad it's back and Rocks gone.

I haven't been to niether to watch races, but for pure racing entertainment I prefer Knockhill by a mile. It's so unique and Rockingham is so bland compared.

[Alan]

Rockingham is banked!!!:(

Mind you - I take your point codename_47, it is not as steep as some. But I don't think ASCAR cars have that much difficulty overtaking there.

If you really want to see a banked track go down to Surrey and see what remains of the old Brooklands circuit - now that is what I call banked!:D It really does make you respect the guys who used to race on it.

[Nikh_mg]

It has to be Thruxton for me, it may be exciting for the drivers, but I have been there 3 times and seen it on TV every year since '94 and it just aint fun compared to other races. The only really good action is when someone makes a move at Church which happens once a blue moon, and you have to be very brave AND very stupid to go there, take out Thruxton and have the Rock and Knockhill, 2 of the best tracks for close racing

[codename_47]

Originally posted by Nikh_mg
It has to be Thruxton for me, it may be exciting for the drivers, but I have been there 3 times and seen it on TV every year since '94 and it just aint fun compared to other races. The only really good action is when someone makes a move at Church which happens once a blue moon, and you have to be very brave AND very stupid to go there, take out Thruxton and have the Rock and Knockhill, 2 of the best tracks for close racing

Are you kidding??

Thruxton is one of THE best on the calender for racing....passing happens all over the place due to the higher average speed...plus I love the Braking duels into the chicane at the end of the lap.....Thruxton is irreplaceble in my view! ;)

If you'd seen the brilliant slipstreaming Renault Clio race on Motors this year you wouldn't be saying that....heart in mouth stuff for every single lap!

The only downside of TX is I guess the spectators don't get to see much.....just the chicane and the pit straight....the rest I think is off limits due to the high speed nature of the track....

Safe though....go off anywhere but the complex and there's nothing to hit....wheeeeeeeeeeee! :D

[Toto]

Nikh_mg: I think it's time for your next injection or go and find another sport.

Thruxton is mighty, one of the last unblemished circuits around. The racing around there is always something to behold. The chicane has drama written all over it (although I wish they could find a way of putting in larger banking on the exit of the bend) and the Complex is just awesome - get on the bank on the entry to there and you can just about see the whole circuit.

In fact, yes, go and find another sport.

[Reynard]

Originally posted by codename_47
Safe though....go off anywhere but the complex and there's nothing to hit....wheeeeeeeeeeee! :D

Get it wrong at Church and you're halfway to Andover before you realise it! ;)

On a slightly more serious note, crashes can be quite big at Thruxton. Charlie Cox's shunt in '95 still makes my hair stand on end...

[Claw]

Originally posted by Nikh_mg
It has to be Thruxton for me

Sorry Thruxton has to stay. Where are people from the South West gonna go huh!?

[Peter]

Originally posted by codename_47
Are you kidding??

Rockingham is one of the worst oval layouts I've seen....why they couldn't build one with actual banking I'll never know....

They should've been really brave and built one like Daytona and Talladega....(then they'd really be allowed to call it "Days of Thunder! :D ) or at least do something interesting like Bristol or Charlotte....but no, they built one with a silly layout that the Champ Cars (which it was designed for, don't forget) couldn't pass on, and even ASCARS have a hard time passing! :rolleyes:


Rockingham was given restricted area to build the circuit on, thus the shape of the track was compromised.

However, supersuperspeedways like Talladega are unsuitable for the Champ Cars as speeds would be as high as 250 mph! To prove this, CART actually abandoned their race at Texas Motor Speedway in 2001 only hours before the scheduled green flag as drivers were complaining of dizziness and risked falling uunconscious in the cars because of the G-forces. Check Kenny Brack's crash last weekend to see what happened when IRL went there...

In an ideal world, the Lausitz layout would permit the best racing.

[codename_47]

Originally posted by Peter
Rockingham was given restricted area to build the circuit on, thus the shape of the track was compromised.

However, supersuperspeedways like Talladega are unsuitable for the Champ Cars as speeds would be as high as 250 mph! To prove this, CART actually abandoned their race at Texas Motor Speedway in 2001 only hours before the scheduled green flag as drivers were complaining of dizziness and risked falling uunconscious in the cars because of the G-forces. Check Kenny Brack's crash last weekend to see what happened when IRL went there...

In an ideal world, the Lausitz layout would permit the best racing.

(Wow...I asked a lot of people if they were kidding in this thread huh? :D )

You say that due to the land restriction the design was comprimised, so what was it going to be like before they found that out then? :confused:

I think Mitchigan would've been a good design to base it off, the Champ Cars had some MIGHTY races there before they were chucked out, and NASCAR do too (well, the trucks was the last thing I saw from there!) so good for Open and Closed wheel then.

But still, I respect them for trying to bring something different to the UK motorsport scene, even if I don't sound like it! :p

[Freddie]

If we are trying to not have so many "Midlands" circuits then I would sacrifice Silverstone as the least spectator friendly track. The only place where you can see more than 100yards of action is the complex where the cars are tip-toeing around. Very few tracks show as much of the action as Brands and Rockingham but Silverstone shows the least.
I found Mondello Park a waste of money as I had to fork out for ferry, accomodation, and lots of petrol. But I didn't let that put me off. No, the fact that you either stand in the grandstand (restricted view and 10euros even on qualifying) or somewhere round the building site. (not a good view). The only bar was in the paddock and that required a paddock pass (5 euros) which was the final straw. It didn't help that Colin T's car wouldn't run.

[Knockhill]

Aah my memories of Knockhill include wind, lashing rain and midges. What fond memories...

Not to mention some of the most exciting racing in every class!

Welcome back old friend :)

[bramble]

The BTCC should use Rockingham and their approach to a racing weekend and make it a flagship event for the start of the season.

[McKay]

I dont think Rockingham is the place to start a season. Unless you want to get the circuit out the way, a ciruit which i dont particularly like.
Im glad knockhill is back and that rockingham is gone.
I think oulton park is the place to start the season.

Or on the Silverstone National circuit

[Mocko]

Well I'm glad it's on the calender, now I can go and see the meeting.

I think it's time for a return of the GP circuit... oh GP support, great stuff.

[Freddie]

As I stated before Silverstone is my least favourite track.
The viewing is limited and you end up walking miles to see anything.
If they used the GP track that would make it worse. Not sure what the ratio is between GP and International but you see little enough of the cars now so if you lengthened a lap it would mean less opportunities to cheer on the boys.
Might be interesting to see 2 laps of the oval at the Rock before they head for the infield tho'.

[The Stig]

It's a real shame a way couldn't be found to acommodate both Rockingham and Knockhill for 2004. Hopefully, in not many years time, both will be given long deals, and those contracts that lapse for the less popular venues, (Mondello Park), won't be renwed.

[Nikh_mg]

Originally posted by Toto
Nikh_mg: I think it's time for your next injection or go and find another sport.

Thruxton is mighty, one of the last unblemished circuits around. The racing around there is always something to behold. The chicane has drama written all over it (although I wish they could find a way of putting in larger banking on the exit of the bend) and the Complex is just awesome - get on the bank on the entry to there and you can just about see the whole circuit.

In fact, yes, go and find another sport.

No offence toto, but go shove it dude.

I meant it is the least fun from a spectators point of view, it's good into Cambell cobb n seagrave but you dont get to see round at the fast corners. And I never said it was a bad track, just that compared to the Rock and Knockhill which are having to fight it doesnt produce as much action.

Or, as Freddie said, Silverstone, next year it'll be great for pulling the crowd in with the F1 support, but normally it pretty boring to watch from at the track

And almost always as cold as Wales was when I went to see the World Rally last week! lol