Breathless!

[The Stig]

Had the pleasure of being at Rockingham today, many thanks Amanda, and was thrilled by some of the best racing and incidents, one of them very unpleasant, I've seen in ages.
Virtually all the way down the field in both races you didn't know where to look. I can't wait for the ITV highlights show which I am certain anybody not there today or without Motors TV would do well not to miss. Days of racing like today are the best advertisement for British Touring cars you can have. This was my first visit to Rockingham and it definitely will not be my last.
The unpleasant incident alluded to above has already been mentioned elsewhere in this forum. Watch it yourselves and form your own opinions.

[Alan]

Well it seemed rude not to come on and agree with you Stig!:D

It was a good weekend, even the weather just about managed to keep itself together.

I have to say, although we are Rockingham regulars (I think this was our eighth visit), I was not convinced it would be good for BTCC - but I am now!:)

But that leaves the quandry - Rockingham or Knockhill, isn't life a *.*$@"% sometimes? Over to you Mr Gow on this one - I would not like to decide!

[Nikh_mg]

Ive got a better idea, get rid of the relative borefest known as Thruxton and have both Rockingham and Knockhill, they are the 2 best tracks in England IMO.
People should take note from the Rock, more tracks with tight hairpins and lots of over taking oppertunities, less Thruxtons, all over the world

Well done Rockingham, I think I will go next year(couldnt this year, my brother was racing)

[Le Mans]

Originally posted by Nikh_mg
...Rockingham and Knockhill, they are the 2 best tracks in England IMO......

:confused:

[Amanda]

I would like to see Silverstone dropped then we could go to Rockingham and Knockhill next year!:D

[The Stig]

Not for the first time and I suspect, nor the last, I agree with Amanda. Rockingham and Silverstone are too close geographically to both hold meetings. I can't believe Silverstone offers as good a spectacle and facilities as Rockingham. For me that decision is a no brainer, particularly after this weekend. Whatever doubts, if any, our administrators may have had last week must surely be dispelled now.
Knockhill and the Scottish enthusiasts deserve a meeting. For some it may be the only opportunity to enjoy homegrown talent such as Anthony Reid and David Leslie. Hope the people lucky enough to go to all the meetings don't mind me saying that. It will cost them more.

[Peter]

I am not a Silverstone fan, but the idea of dropping the Home of British Motor Racing from being a championship round seems a little far fetched. Although, I think it was a mistake to have races in the Midlands within two weeks of one another.

However, the 2004 calendar is set in stone and the question we have to ask ourselves is what is better- Rockingham or Knockhill?

[Amanda]

Peter ~ that is a difficult one!

The facilities at Rockingham are the best at any track in the UK. Apparently, the infield track is great to drive!

However, Knockhill is a lovely circuit where you can get really close to the cars. I know the facilities leave a lot to be desired but I love going there.

I know it is unlikely that Silverstone will be dropped from the calendar but I would prefer to go to Rockingham and Knockhill any day! At Silverstone you are too far from the action, there are big fences everywhere that make taking photos difficult and the track is so long the cars get spread out.

[Nikh_mg]

Originally posted by Le Mans
:confused:

Oops, Best 2 tracks in BRITAIN lol

[Jabe]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Nikh_mg
[B]Ive got a better idea, get rid of the relative borefest known as Thruxton and have both Rockingham and Knockhill


I would have to agree with this, Thruxton needs a big overhall to compare to most of the other circuits. Facilities are as cofortable as those at my local banger track.

I also understand where Amanda is coming from on getting rid of Siverstone, but there isn't a cat in hells chance thats going to happen.

[bazza_the]

I totally agree with you Amanda... get rid of Silverstone..... it was certainly a long long zzzzzz day spent there the other week, whereas Rockingham was an enjoyable day out in the sun rain and lightning. Knockhill should never have been dropped.

[Paul Rayner]

Originally posted by Amanda
I know it is unlikely that Silverstone will be dropped from the calendar but I would prefer to go to Rockingham and Knockhill any day! At Silverstone you are too far from the action, there are big fences everywhere that make taking photos difficult...
Got to agree there, but Silverstone is already on next year's calendar twice! The truth about Silverstone is that it's "The home the British grand prix", not really British of motor racing. It's like the old Wembley, but with none of the atmosphere - naff facility, not at all the country's best, but it holds the country's biggest event. Silverstone might be fantastic for the British grand prix - so Touring Cars should go there to support F1, as it is doing. But when F1 isn't there, it's a sub-standard circuit when compared to Rockingham.

With rounds so limited, I'd like to see the BTCC go to Rockingham instead, it is less than an hour up the A43. Next year either Knockhill or Rockingham will miss out but, if we have to stick to 10 rounds in future, I hope that in 2005 it'll be Silverstone that gets dropped.

Of course, Silverstone could start treating customers better, like giving them free grandstand seats, like its nearest competitor...

[Jamie P-E]

Paul,

The other problem with Silverstone is that you have to walk miles to get anywhere, where are the golf buggies that are sometimes used at Brands Hatch. I agree I would the knockhill to be put back on the fixture for 2004 and coupled with the Rock there are 4 fabulous races guarenteed.:D


Jamie

[Les]

now that is one thing that Silverstone could do - run golf buggies from Woodcote/Luffield to the paddock - my feet and back would appreciate that.

[The Stig]

By the sound of things, golf buggies are a low priority given what else is required at Silverstone.