Brands Hatch: Finals Day

[Jonathan McLeod]

This happens every year! We hear lies, lies and more lies about running on the GP circuit and it is given as the justification for running two BTCC meetings there, and now, once again, the GP meetings been moved to the Indy layout!

[mattlovestbs]

i agree with you - and you'd have thought that, as it is the 50th anniversary of the BTCC - they'd have allowed both to be used.

Take the double meet to Donny i say - have 1 on the national, one of the GP loop... or Oulton even.

anywhere but Brands and the deception

[Matt_S]

This happens every year! We hear lies, lies and more lies about running on the GP circuit and it is given as the justification for running two BTCC meetings there, and now, once again, the GP meetings been moved to the Indy layout!

Lets be realistic here, do you really think Alan Gow would have announced a calendar with the Grand Prix circuit on it if he didn't believe the race would be held there? If something has changed since then beyond his control, then there isn't a great deal he can do about it.

Also, have you not considered that the reasoning behind two races at Brands Hatch could be down to its location near London and the large fanbase that it includes as a result?

Yes, it would be nice to see the BTCC race on the GP loop, but if they aren't able to for any reason, they can't - simple as that. Its not like the racing on the Indy Circuit will be any less exciting....

[daveylad1978]

Also, have you not considered that the reasoning behind two races at Brands Hatch could be down to its location near London and the large fanbase that it includes as a result?


I hate how the whole of England seems to revolve around London though. Realistically how many people from London will attend Brands?

[projectzip]

Very dissapointed! Was really looking forward to that race.
Now I doubt ill bother doing two trips to a circuit that you cant see much on.
:(

[daveylad1978]

Most overrated circuit in the UK. Yes it looks fantastic with the work Dr JP has put into it, but it's surrounded by high fences, you can't get into the main paddock and it's very cramped when busy.

[bigred]

well if recent history is anything to go by and if mr gow is annoyed with brands then the 2009 races wont be back, if the btcc can blank silvestone for a year id say brands mite have a couple of spots in the calendar to fill in 2009

[Robbo]

it really doesnt bother me, as long as its still at Brands then i dont see the problem and i would stop moaning and saying "oooh the 2 meetings should go to Donnington" cos they wont!

[SeatDartford]

I am very glad the GP circuit has been axed. It is so much better on the Indy circuit as you can see all of the track, with the gp circuit the cars would disapear from view for half the lap.

Apart from the car parking Brands is by far the best circuit so i am glad it is on there twice. I know people might thing I am biast as I live near it but I got home quicker from rockingham and thruxton leaving at the same time last year than I did from brands as we were stuck in the car park.

[adzerrancoon]

To be honest I was never very keen on the idea of the finals being on the gp circuit anyway. Did anyone see the wtcc races there last year. Not very exciting to say the least. The reason the btcc is so good is because the circuits that are raced on are quite short and fairly twisty, thats why btcc is best, and to finish on brands indy again should add to the excitement. I do agree though that I don't see why brands has two meetings every year

[muttley]

Most overrated circuit in the UK. Yes it looks fantastic with the work Dr JP has put into it, but it's surrounded by high fences, you can't get into the main paddock and it's very cramped when busy.

I really have to disagree with you there. High fences? On about 75% of the track you can stand by a small fence and see the cars a handful of feet away!
I agree with you about the paddock but certainly not that it gets cramped. There is loads of room.

Disappointed about the finals not being on the loop though. That track sorts the men from the boys.

[jonboy1066]

It's OK with me as IMO Brands is one of the best circuits in the country for the spectator and as it's my Daughters Birthday for the first round I'll only be going to Brands for the Final and the Indy circuit is the best choice as you can see all of the action from many different parts of the circuit. Whereas at the GP circuit the cars dissappear for half of the lap

I don't understand why all the complaining about Brands being visited twice, It happens every year and think of the locality.

Up north and in the midlands gets most of the BTCC racing action as Donnington, Silverstone, Oulton Park and Rockingham are relatively easy for most Northeners and Midlanders to get to, Snetterton is good for East Anglians and Midlanders, Croft and Knockhill are easy for Scotts and Northeners but all of those tracks pose a major trek for us Southerners.

All we've got Track wise is Brands and Thruxton and yet the bulk of the British Population live down here with the highest population density being the South East, so in the face of only having two tracks to get to why not have Brands visited twice?

Yes it would be nice to have the Indy and GP circuits used but if it can't be done, I'm sure it's out of Mr Gow's hands so it's just a case of Suck it up, enjoy the fact that 7 out of 10 of the races are easy for Northerners and Midlanders to get to and let us Southern Race fans have our races that we can get to.

[ted]

i prefer the btcc having different final meetings every year, its better to have a mixture (i,e sliverstone 2000, donington04, thruxton07) but i guess this years brands race is a good idea to have it on indy since its 50years old. i would like to see another round host a final for once (knockhill???) next year

[Romano]

This happens every year! We hear lies, lies and more lies about running on the GP circuit and it is given as the justification for running two BTCC meetings there, and now, once again, the GP meetings been moved to the Indy layout!

As mentioned in the post on the homepage, Alan said: "The decision not to use the GP circuit is disappointing, but due entirely to circumstances beyond the BTCC’s control."

[bigred]

not trying to be synical here but how does a race track that functions only as a race track have circumstances that wont permit the use of certain parts of that track on a weekend that had been designated to use those parts of the track.


i have no doubt its beyond btcc's control but surely there must be some kind of contractual arrangement in place between btcc and the track owners stipulating which facilities should be provided


its not the m25 wanting to close a lane for barrier repairs
i do like the shorter track from the point of view its nearly all visible but as a driving challenge the longer gp track lets the drivers test their skills and cars

[SBF]

As mentioned in the post on the homepage, Alan said: "The decision not to use the GP circuit is disappointing, but due entirely to circumstances beyond the BTCC’s control."

Which begs the question which series has come in waving a bigger cheque to take one of ever decreasing number of GP weekends away from the BTCC?

[mattlovestbs]

does anyone know how many GP loop race weekends Brands can do?

coz they've got to fit in:

WTCC,
A1GP,
BSB,
WSB

and normally - the HSCC Superprix has its meet on the GP Loop as well... thats 5 gone straight away

[Eunos]

I don't welcome this News At all.

In fact im abit annoyed by it, Im sure they have their Reasons but i love the GP Circuit.

I suppose i should be Grateful The Track i live only 20 Mins away from still gets 2 Meetings a Year.

[Brooklands78]

Which begs the question which series has come in waving a bigger cheque to take one of ever decreasing number of GP weekends away from the BTCC?
It certainly seems that BTCC is down the pecking order when it comes to using the GP circuit so maybe the justification for two rounds at Brands is diminished. A few years ago, there was a sound financial argument for staging another round in the south-east but, with BTCC's popularity on the increase again, maybe even that argument no longer holds water as most circuits can expect large crowds for BTCC meetings.

Ideally, we could do with a tenth circuit to add to the programme (now that Rockingham seems to have become an established fixture) - don't know if there's any prospect of a return to Mondello but I can't think of any other circuit that would have the required infrastructure to stage a BTCC round.

Everyone has their favourite circuits and everyone would like their local circuit to stage two BTCC rounds (and Brands is just 25 mins away for me!). Perhaps the answer for future seasons would be to rotate the staging of a second BTCC round between those circuits that can accommodate it?

[nicemms91]

I agree there!

There simply isn't enough tracks in Britain that can accomate touring so we can have 10 different tracks on the calender.

[Editor1]

Folks: if some of you would care to view Alan Gow's Q&A forum you will see he has explained the situation.

Ed1

[Assassin]

Alan Gow wrote: Due to strict planning restrictions

Maybe, when the calendar was published, there just have been a little asterisk next to the GP Circuit saying 'subject to confirmation' it would have saved all the fuss and mumblings! While indeed, it is not the end of the world, a lot of fans do like to see racing around the long circuit. but I suppose it solves the promlem of where to park all the team lorries, and the TV company wont need so many cameras! Also shorter circuit will mean more laps, which for many might be considerd a bonus!?

[Kasalic_01]

not trying to be synical here but how does a race track that functions only as a race track have circumstances that wont permit the use of certain parts of that track on a weekend that had been designated to use those parts of the track.


i have no doubt its beyond btcc's control but surely there must be some kind of contractual arrangement in place between btcc and the track owners stipulating which facilities should be provided


its not the m25 wanting to close a lane for barrier repairs
i do like the shorter track from the point of view its nearly all visible but as a driving challenge the longer gp track lets the drivers test their skills and cars

It's down to the fact that they can only use the GP circuit a certain number of times, an agreement with the local council to do with noise as the GP loop runs close to the nearby village.

And pretty much all the fixtures are subject to confirmation, in fact it's only really been the last few years that the calender has been announced as early as it has.

I'd rather know the dates and tracks early, and then have the circuit changed as I can then at least book time off work.

[topgear1]

noise control????????:mad: :mad: :mad:

so annoying- when i was at oulton they were supposed to stop the racing before 5:30 otherwise people complained.
was talking to a msv guy and he said that the local residents were offered free entry to events all year round if they had permission to run the races later........ the local residents said no!!!!!

i would love to live near oulton!!!!

[bringbacktheolddays]

It's down to the fact that they can only use the GP circuit a certain number of times, an agreement with the local council to do with noise as the GP loop runs close to the nearby village.

And pretty much all the fixtures are subject to confirmation, in fact it's only really been the last few years that the calender has been announced as early as it has.

I'd rather know the dates and tracks early, and then have the circuit changed as I can then at least book time off work.
If they don't like living next to a racetrack they should move in my opinoin.
Brandshatch was there before most of them lived there anyway.

[heidi1]

well at least on the indy circuit you can see the whole track you get more for your money that way! i am sure people would moan even more if it was taken off the calender all together!!!

[Romano]

noise control????????:mad: :mad: :mad:

so annoying- when i was at oulton they were supposed to stop the racing before 5:30 otherwise people complained.
was talking to a msv guy and he said that the local residents were offered free entry to events all year round if they had permission to run the races later........ the local residents said no!!!!!

i would love to live near oulton!!!!

Why do you think Castle Combe is never on the calender?
Noise Violations

[thetrooper_uk]

People that buy houses next to noisy things like race tracks and airports and the like. They know they are there before they buy and get it cheaper because of it, then moan all the time.
I would love free entry to all race meetings god that would be great.

[CombeMarshal]

I prefer the Indy circuit, 2 reason, you can see all the action AND need far less marshals to run safely!

[bringbacktheolddays]

I prefer the Indy circuit, 2 reason, you can see all the action AND need far less marshals to run safely!
personeely think its to small and not challenging enough for the drivers unlike the GP circuit, but thats just my Opinion.:o

[mattlovestbs]

i like both - but for a finale, you couldnt have beaten the GP loop - think back to 05... Yvan Muller & Matt Neal collide, Muller had 1/2 a lap to complete on a puncture... Indy circuit, that's not as possible.

but - we cant change the decision, we have to accept its on the Indy Circuit.

Alan - organise the finale for Oulton Park ;)

[Romano]

For the 50th anniverary it is fitting that they would hold the final on the same track as they did 50 years ago, Brands Hatch Indy

As Alan already stated

[marshal-beej]

I prefer the Indy circuit, 2 reason, you can see all the action AND need far less marshals to run safely!

I agree for touring cars the Indy circuit is good for the spectators, and as CombeMarshal says it needs less marshals to run safely, but if he remembers that at the finals in 2006, where we were together on the inside of Becketts, they ended up turning marshals away in the end because it was over subscribed, but it would be nice to have each meeting on a different circuit whether that it 2 configurations at the same site or different sites. I would not mind seeing one meeting ran on the National course at Silverstone and one on the International, I think the GP circuit is too big for them. The 2 circuits at Donington are too similar in my eyes.

[ted]

For the 50th anniverary it is fitting that they would hold the final on the same track as they did 50 years ago, Brands Hatch Indy

As Alan already statedit would bring back memorys for those who saw the very first final back then.
i hope thruxton is around in 50odd years when im old and wrinkley

[Romano]

it would bring back memorys for those who saw the very first final back then.
i hope thruxton is around in 50odd years when im old and wrinkley

Im not to big on Thruxton, Is just a fast flowing track with the best overtaking spot being in the complex, And its rare that you overtake into club and come out ahead of the other driver

Im more of a Knockhill or Mondello kind of guy, Can be tight, twisty and dangerous to overtake at certain corners

[topgear1]

Im not to big on Thruxton, Is just a fast flowing track with the best overtaking spot being in the complex, And its rare that you overtake into club and come out ahead of the other driver

Im more of a Knockhill or Mondello kind of guy, Can be tight, twisty and dangerous to overtake at certain corners

oulton is my favourite- because i only live 20 mins away in stockport!!!!!

donnigton always looks good- but i will see for myself when i go this year.

[BTCCROCKS]

oulton is my favourite- because i only live 20 mins away in stockport!!!!!

donnigton always looks good- but i will see for myself when i go this year.
You will love it. I need to go to Brands Hatch, either later this year, or next year

[seat.tdi]

The indy will be fine because Plato will use the TDI to climb Paddock hill and sail through the corners to an 08 victory! :D

[thompp]

oulton is my favourite- because i only live 20 mins away in stockport!!!!!


I'm only 15 mins from Snetterton, but its not my favourite circuit.....

[mattlovestbs]

my nearest circuit is a couple of hours away (Thruxton) but its not my fav..

i love Oulton though (not only coz Mat J got his 1st win there), its just a very good circuit, offers plenty of challanges...

id love the finale there

[btccbryn]

same here thomp i live in liverpool so it takes me about the same lucky really to have in my opinion one of the best tracks in the country right on your doorstep.


and this year race day is on the same day as my birthday i know i keep going on about it but how lucky can you get there is a god after all lol.

[daveylad1978]

my nearest circuit is a couple of hours away (Thruxton) but its not my fav..

i love Oulton though (not only coz Mat J got his 1st win there), its just a very good circuit, offers plenty of challanges...

id love the finale there

Did you go to the 2003 finale there? :) Good day's racing that was.

[mattlovestbs]

no.

i wasnt into the BTCC in 03... my 1st BTCC event was the 2nd Brands Hatch one in 04... i can remember that event clearly coz Rob Huff won his 1st race there :D

[ted]

no.

i wasnt into the BTCC in 03... my 1st BTCC event was the 2nd Brands Hatch one in 04... i can remember that event clearly coz Rob Huff won his 1st race there :Di remember that, that last lap was one of the best ive seen live. where was you standing? i was right near the 1st corner, i didnt know were to look! one of those laps i will never forget.

romano, i live near thruxton so i will always visit that track if possible, but if i went2 knockhill or mondello like you said, i would probley prefer them.
but im glad there is a track near me which matters the most to be honest

[mattlovestbs]

i remember that, that last lap was one of the best ive seen live. where was you standing? i was right near the 1st corner, i didnt know were to look! one of those laps i will never forget.

romano, i live near thruxton so i will always visit that track if possible, but if i went2 knockhill or mondello like you said, i would probley prefer them.
but im glad there is a track near me which matters the most to be honest

i was somewhere between Druids and Graham Hill bend - may have been south bank.

was only my 2nd or 3rd visit (i think) - saw it was on when me and Dad went there for a club weekend