BTCC night racing

[The Stig]

Peter posted a question to the forum for Alan Gow regarding night racing. This might be a subject for discussion sometime later. Was just wondering what does the greater forum think of the concept of night racing?

As a TV spectacle, my only exposure to the idea never having been to a live night race, it was ok'ish. What do people who attended the events think ?

Would the teams, circuits and paying customers welcome the idea back ?

[Carl Breeze fan]

I have been to a hell of a lot of BTCC races since 1989, and four of the top 7 or 8 meetings I've been to were the night races. They just had an entire atmosphere about them, especially at Snetterton. I would LOVE to see a return for night racing definatly

[Sarah]

I've been to the Snetterton night races but then the track is only 20 miles from where I live. Don't know if I would travel any distance to watch one.

[Amanda]

I have been to most of the night races and really enjoyed the ones at Snetterton, the atomsphere is great. I don't think they worked so well at Silverstone though, because it is so spread out the atmosphere was lost.

It would be good to see night races back on the calendar but the cost of the lighting has to be considered.

I am looking forward to the evening race at Snetterton in August.

[thommo_fan]

the first BTCC night race at snetterton was the best race i have attended, 30,000 people there, a great atmosphere, everything happening on one day, and then the races, both races had everything, it was just non stop action.

in 2000 at snetterton it wasn't quite as good but still very good, the weather was rubbish which didn't help.

i would deffinetly welcome back night racing because it would be unique to the BTCC in the UK, no other racing series has night racing does it?

[Peter]

I made it to all of the night races, and they definitely stack up highly in my memories!

I agree with Amanda about Silverstone not working so well. Although I enjoyed the 2000 event, that was due largely to it being the championship decider. However, Silverstone is always a bland and freezing venue for touring cars- even during the day!

In an ideal world, I would hold a night race at Snetterton and Rockingham. The latter would be easy to light and it would be boosted further by an ASCAR race in the twilight! The races would have to be held in the warm months, however.

Another advantage of night racing is that the spectators can spend the day with their families.

[touring fan]

I loved the snetterton night races, they had a fantastic atmosphere, the closest we can get to leMans with the BTCC?

Can't do a night race at Rockingham, the locals would complain.

[Peter]

Originally posted by touring fan
Can't do a night race at Rockingham, the locals would complain.

That's a real shame- mind you, CART had a jolly good go at racing at night in 2001;)

I also believe Mondello Park was touted as a possible night venue, although one would have to hope for better weather than in the last couple of seasons!

[Les]

I am anti - mainly because I can't distinguish the cars. The only time I could was the Nissans with their plasma tubes and Tarquini with a coloured ball on the end of his aerial.
The darkness ruined the Lotuses and Clios as they couldn't afford the lighting effects.

The other thing I really detested - the music! The very loud music. I wouldn't have minded if it stopped when the races was on or was outside the circuit but it was slap behind my grandstand seat.

so no thanks - evening will do me a treat!

[Amanda]

Originally posted by Les


The other thing I really detested - the music! The very loud music. I wouldn't have minded if it stopped when the races was on or was outside the circuit but it was slap behind my grandstand seat.



Les ~ I had forgotten the music! That was a nightmare!!! They should have been made to turn it off during the races.

[Sim_Da_BTCC_Man]

The night race played a major factor in bringing my attention back to the BTCC after a short break from not following the series (I know I was dumb :rolleyes: ;) ). Holds allot of memorys. Would love to see it back! Something special about a night race you know other than the dark :) ;).

Would fit in with my normal sleeping patern too ;)

[Sim_Da_BTCC_Man]

Originally posted by Amanda
Les ~ I had forgotten the music! That was a nightmare!!! They should have been made to turn it off during the races.

Blame my good freinds at Non Stop Vibe FM :D ;)

[Les]

I have a headache just remembering it...... ;)

[The Stig]

Would appear to be a yes then!!
What about Brands Hatch ? - ideal sort of compact circuit.
No doubt that would never happen because of the licence situation and locals objecting. Is Rockingham governed by the same rules and a powerful local lobby against ?

[Claw]

Poor you they were playing Vile FM everywhere.

Anyway I liked the night races. Brought more people to the races.

[touring fan]

Originally posted by The Stig
Is Rockingham governed by the same rules and a powerful local lobby against ? Yes, a pretty vocal lobby (probably louder than the noise they're actaully moaning about) so the track has a curfew (think it's about 6pm?).

[tvgod]

No, the curfew at Rockingham is a ridiculously early 5pm!

The only circuits where you can have night racing are Silverstone, Snetterton and Mondello Park.

[Stuart]

I've yet to experience BTCC in the dark, but I went to several Willhire 24hr races at Snetterton in the eighties so I know what you all mean about the atmosphere of the place at night. I would definately make the trip to Norfolk should they resurrect the BTCC night race there.
The British GT night race at Silverstone in 2001 was a bit special too.
Is it just me or do cars look a lot quicker in the dark?

Hows this for a concept....
A series of 6 races held over a 24 hour period, similar to the Andros Trophy for Ice Racing Cars.
eg 2 on Saturday afternoon, 2 night races then 2 races on Sunday afternoon.

[Paul Rayner]

Originally posted by tvgod
The only circuits where you can have night racing are Silverstone, Snetterton and Mondello Park.
Could you do it at Knockhill if it was back on the calendar?

[cav1995]

Why not Donnington? That's out in the 'sticks' away from miserable locals.