Race Day

Race Dayhttp://raceday.blog.co.uk/en-EUhourly82000-01-01T12:00+00:00Race Dayhttp://raceday.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/72/7880004f6c78df3fbba2a9e9fd1933_160x200.jpgBTCC BRANDS HATCH OCTOBER 2009http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2009/10/13/btcc-brands-hatch-october-7158375/2009-10-13T08:41:00+02:00 The final round of the BTCC three races on Sunday to decide the Championship. Three drivers in the hunt for the Championship and to cap it all on the GP circuit. Who would clinch it out of Jason Plato, Colin Turkington & Fabrizio Giovanardi tomorrow would tell. But qualifying would go a long way to deciding it, so as I unpacked my kit Friday night I was thinking about who I would like to win. Arrived Friday evening at 18.30 had 30mins to get set up before it got dark, got the tent up and pegged out before night fell. Had to do a good job as storms were forecast. Finished by 19.45 and had a beer, phoned the wife and kids, had few more beers and had supper. Next morning was a bit overcast & windy but not too bad, but not sun bathing weather. Woke early as I had set the alarm clock for 6.00 to listen to the Japanese GP practices but it wasn't on medium wave you had to have a DAB receiver to get on Radio 5 extra so was not very impressed. So in the showers by 7.30 they really are crap, no pegs to hang your stuff so we had to put our clothes in the sinks whilst showering as the alternative was the floor which was soaking wet. Anyway had a good laugh with two other guys as we moaned about how useless these showers were. Back to the tent and on my way back the smell of bacon frying was it, I had to get off to the supermarket and get some. Drove to Swanley which is the nearest town to Brands Hatch and went to ASDA which dominates the whole town. Most of the regular shops have closed up and there is only ASDA there, maybe they should rename it Asdaley. So after the bacon sandwich and 4 cups of tea it off to the track. At 10.00 it was the first free practice of the BTCC didn't want to miss that. Watched the cars as I wandered around the track, I always like to walk around the track at Brands as it is quite pretty, especially today as we had the GP circuit to enjoy. Takes a good hour and a half 2 hours to do the GP circuit not constant walking as now and again stop and enjoy the racing. I wonder why they use both circuits is because noise restrictions or to mix it up, with BTCC coming here twice in the season it is like two venues with the GP and Indy circuit being used. Tom Chilton was fastest in practice which was a surprise but didn't pay too much attention as it is the qualifying speed that matters. Also this was the first time back at the GP circuit for the BTCC for some years so maybe it was a set up issue. Qualifying started at 15.40 it was getting quite cold up here in the grandstand at Paddock fairly strong wind and very cloudy. Chilton then continued his impressive form by lapping in 1m33.159s on only his second flying lap of the session, to take his first BTCC pole for two years. It was also the first time a Ford had qualified on a BTCC pole since the final round of the 2000 season. All this in a car that started the season at the back goes to show what goes into developing these cars. Oddly Chilton's team-mate Tom Onslow-Cole failed three ride-height tests and had all his times deleted, leaving him last on the grid. When interviewed at the end of qualifying Onslow-Cole compared his team’s results to book ends as each was at either end off the grid. Title contenders Jason Plato and Fabrizio Giovanardi qualified second and third in their RML Chevrolet and Vauxhall respectively. Each driver was within three hundredths of a second of the pole time. Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan made it a Vauxhall lock-out from third to fifth, ahead of Plato's team-mate Mat Jackson. Not so good for series leader Colin Turkington. The WSR BMW driver could only manage 10th on the grid with his 45kg of success ballast, giving him a difficult task to get points in Sunday's opening race. But that is what keeps the BTCC as interesting as it is, why it is the most supported and followed domestic racing series. After the qualifying it was time for a walk round the circuit and round the trade stalls. Got back to the camp site at 17.30 and had a beer, phoned the wife and kids, had another beer etc. Bit of a nuisance as my gas bottle for the light had run out last night, no worries I have a spare, blow me that ran out after 10mins what are the chances of that? So an early night was in order as I am not keen on sitting in the dark, anyway it was another early start as the GP started at 5.30. Great race with the top 3 finishing where they started Vettel winner, Trulli 2nd & Hamilton 3rd potential unemployment has seemed to get Trulli to pull his finger out. So good race all round Button finished a point behind Barrichelo so that’s good, keeping the scorecard ticking over and his competitor not running away. That will do, not terribly exciting but effective strategy for the world championship. Thought I would skip the dubious delights of showering today, and had a large bacon sandwich and few cups of tea. Got part packed away as the first race I wanted to catch was the Formula Renault starting at 10.55. Over to the track and did the usual followed the race from the trackside as I strolled around couldn't do the entire circuit as the first BTCC race was at 11.45. Anyway got to my seat at Paddock with minutes to spare good position high up and close to the Paddock Hill Corner. What a race! Jason Plato snatched a dramatic win by passing Tom Chilton at the final corner of the race to secure the win. You had to have some sympathy for Chilton he led from pole and Plato done him on the last corner. This set up the rest of the meeting as this result halved the points differnce in the championship. This was Plato's fifth win of the year and now he was only 14 points behind championship leader Colin Turkington with 34 still up for grabs. Fabrizio Giovanardi, who was chasing a third straight title, completed the podium places in his Vauxhall making him only six points adrift of the leader Turkingham. So we went into the 2nd race with only 8 points between the top 3 drivers in 3 different teams in 3 different cars, how good is that. The next race wasn't for a couple of hours so I thought that would pack up everything and make a clean get away after the last race. However the tent was still a bit damp after the showers in the night so got everything else packed up. Back to the track and had a walk around the trade stalls then in place for the 2nd BTCC race of the day 14.20. Jason Plato ensured that the BTCC title would go to the last race of the season as he clinched his second win of the day at Brands Hatch. The 2001 champion was outsprinted by Tom Chilton off the line and sat on the tail of the Arena Ford Focus until two laps from the end, when the RML Chevrolet driver nudged his rival slightly wide at Druids and slipped by for his seventh win of the season. What a drive no wonder he is the fans favourite. Fabrizio Giovanardi gets second by passing Chilton three corners later, making his move Hawthorn Bend after previously being elbowed onto the grass exiting the preceding bend at Surtees. Then Colin Turkington got third at the very next corner he too got by Chilton to complete the podium behind his two title rivals. You couldn't have written the script better. With just one race to go, Turkington leads Giovanardi by four points with Plato a further four behind, meaning any one of them could still be crowned champion and the last race to come and they are still only separated by 8 points. Last race to come some it was another stroll round the track, I think it looks like a park with the race track in the middle weather really quite nice now what a great place to be living in England. Colin Turkington clinches the British Touring Car Championship; Jason Plato wins the final race of the season. Turkington's second place is enough to give him his first BTCC title by just five points from Plato, who today became only the second man in championship history to win three races in a day. This is a fantastic achievement bearing in mind he was carrying 45kg in the second and third races. Fabrizio Giovanardi finished fourth after Tom Chilton this left him third in the championship as a result, nine points behind Turkington. For the British fans this gave them what they wanted, Plato gets the hat trick Turkington the title. With the reverse grid Matt Neal was on pole he was playing a team game and bunched up the cars to give Giovanardi the best chance but lost the lead to Jonathan Adam's Motorbase BMW at Surtees on the opening lap, but immediately grabbed it back as the pair made contact, sending Adam spinning onto the grass. Just yards behind, Adam's team mate Rob Collard was spun into the barriers after contact from Chilton. The chaos allowed Chilton to move into second ahead of Giovanardi and Turkington. After a number of hairy moments involving the leading pack, Turkington grabbed second from Chilton at Westfield on lap four, swiftly followed through by Giovanardi, as all the while Plato caught the pack, having started eighth on the grid. Turkington led at Druids on lap nine, elbowing Neal onto the grass at the exit of the corner. Giovanardi made it by too with Plato passing his old rival at Sheene on the same lap. Plato would be leading by a few corners later. Giovanardi and Turkington hit each other at Clearways, slowing the BMW and Vauxhall out of the corner and allowing Plato to out-drag the pair and drive around the outside of them at Paddock. After that Plato drove off to his seventh win of the year. Turkington and Giovanardi though, repeated their antics on lap 10, orange BMW squeezing red and white Vauxhall towards the pit wall, allowing Chilton to split the pair. So you see why BTCC is so popular great races, great show in cars you can recognise and drivers that you know. A great weekend’s entertainment for £65 you will not get better value than that. With 37,000 attending for race day who no doubt will be back next year. <a href="http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2009/10/13/btcc-brands-hatch-october-7158375/#comments">Comments</a> The final round of the BTCC three races on Sunday to decide the Championship. Three drivers in the hunt for the Championship and to cap it all on the GP circuit. Who would clinch it out of Jason Plato, Colin Turkington & Fabrizio Giovanardi tomorrow would tell. But qualifying would go a long way to deciding it, so as I unpacked my kit Friday night I was thinking about who I would like to win.
Arrived Friday evening at 18.30 had 30mins to get set up before it got dark, got the tent up and pegged out before night fell. Had to do a good job as storms were forecast. Finished by 19.45 and had a beer, phoned the wife and kids, had few more beers and had supper.
Next morning was a bit overcast & windy but not too bad, but not sun bathing weather. Woke early as I had set the alarm clock for 6.00 to listen to the Japanese GP practices but it wasn't on medium wave you had to have a DAB receiver to get on Radio 5 extra so was not very impressed. So in the showers by 7.30 they really are crap, no pegs to hang your stuff so we had to put our clothes in the sinks whilst showering as the alternative was the floor which was soaking wet. Anyway had a good laugh with two other guys as we moaned about how useless these showers were. Back to the tent and on my way back the smell of bacon frying was it, I had to get off to the supermarket and get some. Drove to Swanley which is the nearest town to Brands Hatch and went to ASDA which dominates the whole town. Most of the regular shops have closed up and there is only ASDA there, maybe they should rename it Asdaley.
So after the bacon sandwich and 4 cups of tea it off to the track. At 10.00 it was the first free practice of the BTCC didn't want to miss that. Watched the cars as I wandered around the track, I always like to walk around the track at Brands as it is quite pretty, especially today as we had the GP circuit to enjoy. Takes a good hour and a half 2 hours to do the GP circuit not constant walking as now and again stop and enjoy the racing. I wonder why they use both circuits is because noise restrictions or to mix it up, with BTCC coming here twice in the season it is like two venues with the GP and Indy circuit being used.
Tom Chilton was fastest in practice which was a surprise but didn't pay too much attention as it is the qualifying speed that matters. Also this was the first time back at the GP circuit for the BTCC for some years so maybe it was a set up issue.
Qualifying started at 15.40 it was getting quite cold up here in the grandstand at Paddock fairly strong wind and very cloudy. Chilton then continued his impressive form by lapping in 1m33.159s on only his second flying lap of the session, to take his first BTCC pole for two years. It was also the first time a Ford had qualified on a BTCC pole since the final round of the 2000 season. All this in a car that started the season at the back goes to show what goes into developing these cars.
Oddly Chilton's team-mate Tom Onslow-Cole failed three ride-height tests and had all his times deleted, leaving him last on the grid. When interviewed at the end of qualifying Onslow-Cole compared his team’s results to book ends as each was at either end off the grid. Title contenders Jason Plato and Fabrizio Giovanardi qualified second and third in their RML Chevrolet and Vauxhall respectively. Each driver was within three hundredths of a second of the pole time. Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan made it a Vauxhall lock-out from third to fifth, ahead of Plato's team-mate Mat Jackson. Not so good for series leader Colin Turkington. The WSR BMW driver could only manage 10th on the grid with his 45kg of success ballast, giving him a difficult task to get points in Sunday's opening race. But that is what keeps the BTCC as interesting as it is, why it is the most supported and followed domestic racing series.
After the qualifying it was time for a walk round the circuit and round the trade stalls. Got back to the camp site at 17.30 and had a beer, phoned the wife and kids, had another beer etc. Bit of a nuisance as my gas bottle for the light had run out last night, no worries I have a spare, blow me that ran out after 10mins what are the chances of that? So an early night was in order as I am not keen on sitting in the dark, anyway it was another early start as the GP started at 5.30.
Great race with the top 3 finishing where they started Vettel winner, Trulli 2nd & Hamilton 3rd potential unemployment has seemed to get Trulli to pull his finger out. So good race all round Button finished a point behind Barrichelo so that’s good, keeping the scorecard ticking over and his competitor not running away. That will do, not terribly exciting but effective strategy for the world championship. Thought I would skip the dubious delights of showering today, and had a large bacon sandwich and few cups of tea.
Got part packed away as the first race I wanted to catch was the Formula Renault starting at 10.55. Over to the track and did the usual followed the race from the trackside as I strolled around couldn't do the entire circuit as the first BTCC race was at 11.45. Anyway got to my seat at Paddock with minutes to spare good position high up and close to the Paddock Hill Corner.
What a race! Jason Plato snatched a dramatic win by passing Tom Chilton at the final corner of the race to secure the win. You had to have some sympathy for Chilton he led from pole and Plato done him on the last corner. This set up the rest of the meeting as this result halved the points differnce in the championship.
This was Plato's fifth win of the year and now he was only 14 points behind championship leader Colin Turkington with 34 still up for grabs.
Fabrizio Giovanardi, who was chasing a third straight title, completed the podium places in his Vauxhall making him only six points adrift of the leader Turkingham.
So we went into the 2nd race with only 8 points between the top 3 drivers in 3 different teams in 3 different cars, how good is that. The next race wasn't for a couple of hours so I thought that would pack up everything and make a clean get away after the last race. However the tent was still a bit damp after the showers in the night so got everything else packed up.
Back to the track and had a walk around the trade stalls then in place for the 2nd BTCC race of the day 14.20.
Jason Plato ensured that the BTCC title would go to the last race of the season as he clinched his second win of the day at Brands Hatch. The 2001 champion was outsprinted by Tom Chilton off the line and sat on the tail of the Arena Ford Focus until two laps from the end, when the RML Chevrolet driver nudged his rival slightly wide at Druids and slipped by for his seventh win of the season. What a drive no wonder he is the fans favourite. Fabrizio Giovanardi gets second by passing Chilton three corners later, making his move Hawthorn Bend after previously being elbowed onto the grass exiting the preceding bend at Surtees. Then Colin Turkington got third at the very next corner he too got by Chilton to complete the podium behind his two title rivals. You couldn't have written the script better. With just one race to go, Turkington leads Giovanardi by four points with Plato a further four behind, meaning any one of them could still be crowned champion and the last race to come and they are still only separated by 8 points.
Last race to come some it was another stroll round the track, I think it looks like a park with the race track in the middle weather really quite nice now what a great place to be living in England.
Colin Turkington clinches the British Touring Car Championship; Jason Plato wins the final race of the season. Turkington's second place is enough to give him his first BTCC title by just five points from Plato, who today became only the second man in championship history to win three races in a day. This is a fantastic achievement bearing in mind he was carrying 45kg in the second and third races.
Fabrizio Giovanardi finished fourth after Tom Chilton this left him third in the championship as a result, nine points behind Turkington. For the British fans this gave them what they wanted, Plato gets the hat trick Turkington the title. With the reverse grid Matt Neal was on pole he was playing a team game and bunched up the cars to give Giovanardi the best chance but lost the lead to Jonathan Adam's Motorbase BMW at Surtees on the opening lap, but immediately grabbed it back as the pair made contact, sending Adam spinning onto the grass. Just yards behind, Adam's team mate Rob Collard was spun into the barriers after contact from Chilton. The chaos allowed Chilton to move into second ahead of Giovanardi and Turkington. After a number of hairy moments involving the leading pack, Turkington grabbed second from Chilton at Westfield on lap four, swiftly followed through by Giovanardi, as all the while Plato caught the pack, having started eighth on the grid. Turkington led at Druids on lap nine, elbowing Neal onto the grass at the exit of the corner. Giovanardi made it by too with Plato passing his old rival at Sheene on the same lap. Plato would be leading by a few corners later. Giovanardi and Turkington hit each other at Clearways, slowing the BMW and Vauxhall out of the corner and allowing Plato to out-drag the pair and drive around the outside of them at Paddock. After that Plato drove off to his seventh win of the year. Turkington and Giovanardi though, repeated their antics on lap 10, orange BMW squeezing red and white Vauxhall towards the pit wall, allowing Chilton to split the pair.
So you see why BTCC is so popular great races, great show in cars you can recognise and drivers that you know. A great weekend’s entertainment for £65 you will not get better value than that. With 37,000 attending for race day who no doubt will be back next year.

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]]>DTM BRANDS HATCH 06.09.09http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2009/09/07/dtm-brands-hatch-06-09-6910090/2009-09-07T09:36:50+02:00 Arrived Saturday morning 05.09.09 around 11.00 would have got there earlier but there was an accident in the roadwork’s on the M25 which was dug up between the M11 and the A127. So had to get my skates on as the Qualifying was 12.30 so got the tent up and everything set up in time. Weather was great clear sky lots of sun so over to the track. Enjoyed the session as the DTM cars are exciting to watch with 470bhp and a strong aero package so they can get round Brands at speed. Good result with Paul di Resta in pole, Gary Paffett in 6th & Jamie Green in 8th so should be a great race tomorrow. Next up is the FF1600 which I was also looking forward to as I was at Brands in May when Josef Newgarden the promising American driver did so well in the FPA races. So time for a wander round and then it's back to the grandstand for the race. What a super race Newgarden wins from pole despite close pursuit from his closest rival James Cole who leads in the championship. Really enjoyed that race and was going to just head back to the campsite as the day’s events had finished when the announcer was saying the F3 Euro race would be continued as it had to be suspended earlier due to an accident and by the time the track had cleared there wasn't enough time as the DTM qualifying was about to start and as it is televised the schedule must be adhered to. So that was a result watch the race as I made circuit of the track enjoyed it but didn't know any of the drivers so it was a bit difficult to be involved. Great race by winner Mika Maki the Finnish driver. So got back to the campsite had a few beers, listened to the England v Slovenia on the radio, ate my supper and it was time for bed bit early at 21.00 but it was dark and maybe I shouldn't have drank 8 cans of Marston’s Pedigree. Up at 8.00 and made tea, off to the showers which were even more crap than usual. For some reason the new shower unit is split into 3 showers for men and 3 for ladies well seeing as the campers at a motorsport event are 90% male this seems a bit crazy. However there was no queue as they were so rubbish I think most of the guys gave them a miss. So packed up a bit, then over to the track to watch the DTM warm up did this as wandered around followed the Lewis Hamilton interview from the video screens. Lewis was doing a PA today and presumably doing sponsorship work with for Mercedes. He was due to do a few laps at the wheel of a DTM car, but begged off as he had never driven one before and didn't want to put it in the gravel. Mercedes had and alternative plan and got Lewis to drive VIP and competition winners round in an AMG road car with DTM livery. Next up the F3 Euros good race but was really wanting the DTM to start, Brendon Hartley did well to get the win after the reversed grid he was on pole and held it till the end of the race. Alexander Sims & Sam Bird the two English guys can 5th & 6th so quite good result as Brendon Hartley is NZ so almost English. Had an hour to kill so went back to the camp site and had a snack and a cup of tea. Back to the track for 13.00 and the race start Mercedes' Paul di Resta survived two safety car periods and a final lap sprint to score his first victory of the season at DTM Brands Hatch this afternoon. Di Resta won after dominating in both free practice and qualifying, converting pole position into a commanding lead over the Audi of championship leader Timo Scheider for the majority of the race. Could have been difficult as DTM required two pit stops between laps 24 and 70 with all 4 tyres changing each time. With Gary Paffett finishing in 4th and Oliver Jarvis in 8th that made 3 British drivers in the top 8 good result. In fact DTM has a strong representation of British drivers with 6 out of 20 and the only country with more is Germany with 7. Next up the FF1600 race couldn't wait for this to start, the grid was set according to drivers fastest lap in the previous race. Good idea to mix things up a bit, as Cole the championship leader was now on pole and Newgarden 2nd. Great race with Newgarden on Coles gear box for the first 12 laps then took Cole at Surtees corner. James Cole very nearly took back the lead but it wasn't to be. Great race and it's 2 in a row for Newgarden, the race commentators were asking if anyone had ever done the hat trick and nobody could remember. The third race was 2 hours later this was OK but with a couple of safety car periods and Newgarden starting in forth it was never on. But it was good days racing the drivers have to use the same tyres over the 3 races so it makes achieving the treble very hard. So James Cole took the winners place and possibly the championship, with only 2 meetings and 4 races it’s his so long as he scores in every race. Anyway that was it I didn't stay for the Toyo Tyres Racing Saloons as it looked more of a series for the participant than the spectator. But all in all a great weekends racing. <a href="http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2009/09/07/dtm-brands-hatch-06-09-6910090/#comments">Comments</a> Arrived Saturday morning 05.09.09 around 11.00 would have got there earlier but there was an accident in the roadwork’s on the M25 which was dug up between the M11 and the A127. So had to get my skates on as the Qualifying was 12.30 so got the tent up and everything set up in time. Weather was great clear sky lots of sun so over to the track. Enjoyed the session as the DTM cars are exciting to watch with 470bhp and a strong aero package so they can get round Brands at speed. Good result with Paul di Resta in pole, Gary Paffett in 6th & Jamie Green in 8th so should be a great race tomorrow. Next up is the FF1600 which I was also looking forward to as I was at Brands in May when Josef Newgarden the promising American driver did so well in the FPA races. So time for a wander round and then it's back to the grandstand for the race. What a super race Newgarden wins from pole despite close pursuit from his closest rival James Cole who leads in the championship. Really enjoyed that race and was going to just head back to the campsite as the day’s events had finished when the announcer was saying the F3 Euro race would be continued as it had to be suspended earlier due to an accident and by the time the track had cleared there wasn't enough time as the DTM qualifying was about to start and as it is televised the schedule must be adhered to. So that was a result watch the race as I made circuit of the track enjoyed it but didn't know any of the drivers so it was a bit difficult to be involved. Great race by winner Mika Maki the Finnish driver.
So got back to the campsite had a few beers, listened to the England v Slovenia on the radio, ate my supper and it was time for bed bit early at 21.00 but it was dark and maybe I shouldn't have drank 8 cans of Marston’s Pedigree.
Up at 8.00 and made tea, off to the showers which were even more crap than usual. For some reason the new shower unit is split into 3 showers for men and 3 for ladies well seeing as the campers at a motorsport event are 90% male this seems a bit crazy. However there was no queue as they were so rubbish I think most of the guys gave them a miss.
So packed up a bit, then over to the track to watch the DTM warm up did this as wandered around followed the Lewis Hamilton interview from the video screens. Lewis was doing a PA today and presumably doing sponsorship work with for Mercedes. He was due to do a few laps at the wheel of a DTM car, but begged off as he had never driven one before and didn't want to put it in the gravel. Mercedes had and alternative plan and got Lewis to drive VIP and competition winners round in an AMG road car with DTM livery.
Next up the F3 Euros good race but was really wanting the DTM to start, Brendon Hartley did well to get the win after the reversed grid he was on pole and held it till the end of the race. Alexander Sims & Sam Bird the two English guys can 5th & 6th so quite good result as Brendon Hartley is NZ so almost English. Had an hour to kill so went back to the camp site and had a snack and a cup of tea.
Back to the track for 13.00 and the race start Mercedes' Paul di Resta survived two safety car periods and a final lap sprint to score his first victory of the season at DTM Brands Hatch this afternoon. Di Resta won after dominating in both free practice and qualifying, converting pole position into a commanding lead over the Audi of championship leader Timo Scheider for the majority of the race. Could have been difficult as DTM required two pit stops between laps 24 and 70 with all 4 tyres changing each time. With Gary Paffett finishing in 4th and Oliver Jarvis in 8th that made 3 British drivers in the top 8 good result. In fact DTM has a strong representation of British drivers with 6 out of 20 and the only country with more is Germany with 7.
Next up the FF1600 race couldn't wait for this to start, the grid was set according to drivers fastest lap in the previous race. Good idea to mix things up a bit, as Cole the championship leader was now on pole and Newgarden 2nd. Great race with Newgarden on Coles gear box for the first 12 laps then took Cole at Surtees corner. James Cole very nearly took back the lead but it wasn't to be. Great race and it's 2 in a row for Newgarden, the race commentators were asking if anyone had ever done the hat trick and nobody could remember. The third race was 2 hours later this was OK but with a couple of safety car periods and Newgarden starting in forth it was never on. But it was good days racing the drivers have to use the same tyres over the 3 races so it makes achieving the treble very hard. So James Cole took the winners place and possibly the championship, with only 2 meetings and 4 races it’s his so long as he scores in every race.
Anyway that was it I didn't stay for the Toyo Tyres Racing Saloons as it looked more of a series for the participant than the spectator. But all in all a great weekends racing.

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]]>BTCC BRANDS HATCH APRIL 2009http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2009/03/16/british-grand-prix-5764486/2009-03-16T09:23:21+01:00 20.02 Couldn't wait for the A1GP so responded to e-mail sent to me by Motorsport Vision the owners of Brands Hatch. The only downside is that it is the weekend of the Malaysian GP, no problem take the radio and get the qualifying and race on Radio 5. Bit of an early start but there you go can't wait. 31.03 Weather forecast looks good for weekend so might get down there on Friday night set up and have few beers etc. 03.04 Weather is going to be good so get my work done and it's off to Brands Hatch this evening. Bought the beer and provisions just need to get some bread and its off this evening around 17.00. Should get there for 18.30 and be set up before dark. Read the Autosport article regarding the Hamilton incident at Melbourne and thought what a fuss over nothing, if F1 doesn't watch out it will be a laughing stock. Great weekend started off 1/2 hour late intending to get away by 17.00 but was late leaving work and had to go to Sainsbury’s to get some bread. However not too bad I thought but the traffic was appalling 10 miles queue to the Dartford Crossing, so didn't arrive at Brands until 19.30. Anyway got set up OK luckily it stayed light late enough to get the tent up, so by 21.00 was ready to have something to eat. I forgot so many things but not to worry you always get rusty and this is the first trip away this year. 04.04 Got up early to hear the qualifying in Malaysia, but they didn't start until 11.00 so went off to find the nearest shops, this was a small village called Swanley think it should be renamed ASDA as all the shops had closed and there was just a massive ASDA in the centre of town. Bought 2 folding chairs and some sausages and bacon, no film for the camera in the girl in the photo shop didn't even know what film was. Luckily there was a Boots across from ASDA and got some in there. Back at Brands it was finish listening to the qualifying in Malaysia and off to the races. Free Practices in the morning and qualifying in the afternoon. I always do any photography on the Saturday so I can concentrate on the races Sunday. So wandered around and checked out the shops and stalls, walked around the track taking photos and enjoying the sights and sounds of being at the races. By now it was time for lunch, back to the tent and a couple of bacon sandwiches and 3 mugs of tea, radio on and it was Tottenham away to Blackburn and at the time I went back to the circuit we were 1 - 0 up so all is good in the world. Weather OK but not great, dry but a bit cloudy, now and again the sun got through and it was nice. I did another circuit of the track spending more time at Druids taking photos of the Porsche Carreras and the formula Renaults then thought better get a move on as the qualifying for the BTCC will start soon, just made it to the Grandstand at Paddock, I think it is essential to take a grandstand seat at the races. This is the only time of the season were the cars will run with no success ballast. So for the qualifying and the first race we will see the true pace of the cars. It was dominated by the Vauxhalls and the BMWs no real surprises there. So I watched the BTTC qualifying and the Clio Cup race from the grandstand and it was time for another walk and some photos. From the grandstand at paddock you can see almost the entire track at Brands when the races are on the shorter Indy circuit. From a purist point of view I prefer the GP circuit but can understand why the Indy is as popular as you can see everything going on. 05.04 Wandered over to the track around 11.00 after listening to the start of the Malaysian GP didn’t sound like it was going to be a good one so wasn’t tempted to stay and listen. Had a walk around the circuit and have to say there was a very good attendance at the race, just as well there is a recession otherwise it would have been really packed. Just before 12.00 found my place in the grandstand at Paddocks and the first race was good but spoilt a little by the yellow flag periods. An excellent start by the BMW saw them take the lead from the Vauxhalls of Neal & Giovanardi who were 1st and 2nd on the grid quite amazing what an advantage the rear wheel drive cars had off the grid. However the Vauxhalls reeled them in and took 1st and 2nd places. Time for lunch and its back to the camping area for a sausage sandwich, few cups of tea and a bit of packing up then it’s back to the races. Race 2 the BMW really steamed away from the start and never looked like losing the lead the Vauxhalls weighed down by success ballast really looked slow off the start. The BMWs took the first 2 places of Collard & Turkington took the first 2 places with Matt Neal doing really well to get 3rd, Stephen Jelley in the RAC BMW came in 4th followed by Andrew Jordan in the Vauxhall. Biggest surprise of the race was to find Fabrizio Giovanardi in last but one place but that how it goes sometimes he lost position after a slow start and some contact, but it’s long season so get the bad luck out of the way early for last year’s champ. The 3rd and last race of the day followed a couple of hours late so I took another walk around the circuit. You cannot praise the presentation of Brands Hatch too highly it is really well managed and maintained. It is like a park with a race track in the middle, there are ample toilets, plenty of rubbish bins, and everything is kept clean and tidy during the weekend. Should you want a snack or drink there are reasonably priced concessions within a short walk, even if you want a sit down meal then there are 2 or 3 restaurants available. Back to the races and its race 3 starts a bit later than usual around 17.15 probably for the TV, the BTCC gets super coverage on ITV so you can follow the other races of the series. Shame around a 1/3 of the people left a bit early but they missed the best race of the card. Success ballast and the draw for the reverse grid gave Jason Plato in the Chevrolet Lacetti the pole which he kept on the start and the first few laps. Then there was a contact from Jonathan Adam Airwaves BMW just as they were going to Paddocks which if you were naive and very generous you would put down to him out braking himself . The result was that Plato was spun and lost his position, but through terrific control only dropped to 2nd. He was later awarded the race as the passing was considered illegal and Adam was dropped back to 2nd place. So a great weekend just needed to pack up the tent and it was off back home, on the exit looked across and Steve Rider was there in his Range Rover don’t know why I was surprised but I suppose he has to drive himself to and from work like the rest of us. Looks like being a good season for the BTCC so if you get a chance I would defiantly catch a meeting if not then get it on ITV4 for the whole meeting or ITV for the highlights. <a href="http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2009/03/16/british-grand-prix-5764486/#comments">Comments</a> 20.02 Couldn't wait for the A1GP so responded to e-mail sent to me by Motorsport Vision the owners of Brands Hatch. The only downside is that it is the weekend of the Malaysian GP, no problem take the radio and get the qualifying and race on Radio 5. Bit of an early start but there you go can't wait.
31.03 Weather forecast looks good for weekend so might get down there on Friday night set up and have few beers etc.
03.04 Weather is going to be good so get my work done and it's off to Brands Hatch this evening. Bought the beer and provisions just need to get some bread and its off this evening around 17.00. Should get there for 18.30 and be set up before dark. Read the Autosport article regarding the Hamilton incident at Melbourne and thought what a fuss over nothing, if F1 doesn't watch out it will be a laughing stock. Great weekend started off 1/2 hour late intending to get away by 17.00 but was late leaving work and had to go to Sainsbury’s to get some bread. However not too bad I thought but the traffic was appalling 10 miles queue to the Dartford Crossing, so didn't arrive at Brands until 19.30. Anyway got set up OK luckily it stayed light late enough to get the tent up, so by 21.00 was ready to have something to eat. I forgot so many things but not to worry you always get rusty and this is the first trip away this year.
04.04 Got up early to hear the qualifying in Malaysia, but they didn't start until 11.00 so went off to find the nearest shops, this was a small village called Swanley think it should be renamed ASDA as all the shops had closed and there was just a massive ASDA in the centre of town. Bought 2 folding chairs and some sausages and bacon, no film for the camera in the girl in the photo shop didn't even know what film was. Luckily there was a Boots across from ASDA and got some in there.
Back at Brands it was finish listening to the qualifying in Malaysia and off to the races. Free Practices in the morning and qualifying in the afternoon. I always do any photography on the Saturday so I can concentrate on the races Sunday. So wandered around and checked out the shops and stalls, walked around the track taking photos and enjoying the sights and sounds of being at the races. By now it was time for lunch, back to the tent and a couple of bacon sandwiches and 3 mugs of tea, radio on and it was Tottenham away to Blackburn and at the time I went back to the circuit we were 1 - 0 up so all is good in the world. Weather OK but not great, dry but a bit cloudy, now and again the sun got through and it was nice.
I did another circuit of the track spending more time at Druids taking photos of the Porsche Carreras and the formula Renaults then thought better get a move on as the qualifying for the BTCC will start soon, just made it to the Grandstand at Paddock, I think it is essential to take a grandstand seat at the races. This is the only time of the season were the cars will run with no success ballast. So for the qualifying and the first race we will see the true pace of the cars. It was dominated by the Vauxhalls and the BMWs no real surprises there. So I watched the BTTC qualifying and the Clio Cup race from the grandstand and it was time for another walk and some photos. From the grandstand at paddock you can see almost the entire track at Brands when the races are on the shorter Indy circuit. From a purist point of view I prefer the GP circuit but can understand why the Indy is as popular as you can see everything going on.
05.04 Wandered over to the track around 11.00 after listening to the start of the Malaysian GP didn’t sound like it was going to be a good one so wasn’t tempted to stay and listen. Had a walk around the circuit and have to say there was a very good attendance at the race, just as well there is a recession otherwise it would have been really packed. Just before 12.00 found my place in the grandstand at Paddocks and the first race was good but spoilt a little by the yellow flag periods. An excellent start by the BMW saw them take the lead from the Vauxhalls of Neal & Giovanardi who were 1st and 2nd on the grid quite amazing what an advantage the rear wheel drive cars had off the grid. However the Vauxhalls reeled them in and took 1st and 2nd places. Time for lunch and its back to the camping area for a sausage sandwich, few cups of tea and a bit of packing up then it’s back to the races. Race 2 the BMW really steamed away from the start and never looked like losing the lead the Vauxhalls weighed down by success ballast really looked slow off the start. The BMWs took the first 2 places of Collard & Turkington took the first 2 places with Matt Neal doing really well to get 3rd, Stephen Jelley in the RAC BMW came in 4th followed by Andrew Jordan in the Vauxhall. Biggest surprise of the race was to find Fabrizio Giovanardi in last but one place but that how it goes sometimes he lost position after a slow start and some contact, but it’s long season so get the bad luck out of the way early for last year’s champ. The 3rd and last race of the day followed a couple of hours late so I took another walk around the circuit. You cannot praise the presentation of Brands Hatch too highly it is really well managed and maintained. It is like a park with a race track in the middle, there are ample toilets, plenty of rubbish bins, and everything is kept clean and tidy during the weekend. Should you want a snack or drink there are reasonably priced concessions within a short walk, even if you want a sit down meal then there are 2 or 3 restaurants available. Back to the races and its race 3 starts a bit later than usual around 17.15 probably for the TV, the BTCC gets super coverage on ITV so you can follow the other races of the series. Shame around a 1/3 of the people left a bit early but they missed the best race of the card. Success ballast and the draw for the reverse grid gave Jason Plato in the Chevrolet Lacetti the pole which he kept on the start and the first few laps. Then there was a contact from Jonathan Adam Airwaves BMW just as they were going to Paddocks which if you were naive and very generous you would put down to him out braking himself . The result was that Plato was spun and lost his position, but through terrific control only dropped to 2nd. He was later awarded the race as the passing was considered illegal and Adam was dropped back to 2nd place.
So a great weekend just needed to pack up the tent and it was off back home, on the exit looked across and Steve Rider was there in his Range Rover don’t know why I was surprised but I suppose he has to drive himself to and from work like the rest of us. Looks like being a good season for the BTCC so if you get a chance I would defiantly catch a meeting if not then get it on ITV4 for the whole meeting or ITV for the highlights.

Comments

]]>A1 GP BRANDS HATCH.http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2009/01/30/a1-gp-brands-hatch-5473630/2009-01-30T09:40:21+01:00 30.01.09 Booked ticket for the A1GP at Brands Hatch looking forward to the meeting. This is what F1 would look like if the proposals put forward by the FIA had their way with cost cutting. However that is not criticise it as we can have both which is excellent. Brands Hatch is a very good circuit, camping is right next door and for a weekend ticket it is very reasonable costing only about £80 including camping and grandstand. 04.05.09 Had a great weekend at the A1GP arrived Friday afternoon at 16.00 should have arrived earlier but was late leaving the office; traffic was terrible getting across the river etc. But it was sunny and warm which are two things we do not take for granted. Set up the tent and within an hour I was walking around the track, caught the FPA qualifying I particularly wanted to see how Josef Newgarden the 18 year old American would perform as he did so well in October last year at the FF Festival run on the Indy circuit. He only got 4th on the gird which was not too bad seeing as he had only just got in the car that week to test. Then there was the A1GP safety car exercise which gave me the first time to see the A1GP cars in action plus the support vehicles making sure all safety procedures are in place for tomorrow. I would have liked to be at the free practices in the morning and earlier in the afternoon but that's how it goes. Got back to the tent and after a few beers had a chicken curry and rice, the curry was a can from Lidl it’s a bit lazy I know but I just can't be bothered to barbeque when I am on my own. The guy next door was far more conscientious and did himself a barbeque. The guy on the other side me had brought his two young boys and they were having a great time. Motor racing has to one of the best value leisure activities with an weekend entrance ticket with camping is around £60 and kids under 12 are free. That’s got to be hard to beat especially if the weather is good. There was a strong overseas contingent with at least 25% of the campers from Holland some of whom was very noisy, but very well behaved inviting all to their party with posters by the shower block. Saturday morning slept in and didn't get down for a shower until 8.00am bit of a queue and resolved to get up a bit earlier. By 9.30am had breakfast muesli and two beef burger sandwiches then it was over to the track. Just a few minutes from the camp site and what a lovely day it was, so I watched the morning’s action from the track side doing a complete circumference of the track and stopping as I felt like it. The GP course really is great with woods, changes in elevation and at 2.3 miles a reasonable length too. The MSV organisation really has control over the basics trackside neatly cut grass, plenty of litter bins; good toilet facilities well priced food franchises. The program started with the GT Cup qualifying, Lotus Elsie Trophy race, FPA race, A1GP practices, Sport 2000 race & the FIA Lurani Trophy qualifying all before the lunch break. The FIA Lurani Trophy races were really interesting as the trophy was for formula junior cars which dated from 1957 to 1963 which witnessed the transition from front engine to rear engine race cars. So the field was a mix of the two layouts with the rear engine mostly Lotus the fastest. The first FPA race was won by the American who did really well to come 1st from 4th on the grid a very good result. Back to the camp site for a cup of tea and refreshed I returned to the races. The A1GP qualifying sessions were OK it was good to see the cars but there were two sets of two ten minute sessions with qualifying for first the sprint race and second for the feature. The times being a combination of each drivers two fastest times from each set. The problem being that there was a boost feature on each car which was only able to be activated once during qualifying so it means that the drivers had to prioritise for either the sprint or the feature. Personally I would have preferred have the same system as F1 with grid positions being decided by the results of the sprint race. If you wanted to mix it up a bit then do a grid reverse according to draw as the BTCC. I watched from the grandstand which was reasonably full, the grandstand at Paddocks gives you an excellent view of one the best corners at Brands and maybe the best overtaking opportunity of the track. But it was good to see the cars performing in anger, I was surprised to note how quiet they were compared to the F1 & DTM cars, they push out 600 bhp so they are not much shy of the F1 but with a capacity of 4500cc they are much less stressed and must rev a lot lower. Then the GT Cup Race and the Heritage GT Car race but I was waiting for the FPA 2nd race of the day so it was another circumnavigation of the track whilst I waited for the 2nd FPA race of the day. I watched this from the viewing bank just after Clark Curve, a terrific race with Newgarden starting 4th on the grid after winning the last race they must have a grid reversal draw. I didn't hear any mention of it but then I wasn't listening that hard to the commentators. By the first corner Newgarden was in 2nd and after 6 or 7 laps took first at Paddocks super move by out braking the leader Richard Plant. Who received a 10 second penalty anyway for jumping the start. Great race and really enjoyable it would help if for the junior categories a bit more info was available in the program. For those who really interested we get all this stuff from Autosport, but for the casual observer it might help to get them interested in the junior categories. Had to buy a hat today as the sun was so hot and I had forgotten my panama. So bought the cheapest one I could find as I have 2 good hats at home, unfortunately this was bright yellow and grey with red trim. But hell what do you expect for a quid. So another day over at the track, the Dutch boys are a bit quieter today, not surprising after last night’s party and I saw a few of them at the track this evening and they looked like they had been on the beer all day. So as usual a few beers for me and just for a change beef curry tonight. Up at 7.00am to make sure no queue for the showers, but hey there were 4 in the queue already. Not to worry its reasonably fine today and it could turn out to be a great day like yesterday. Got about 1/2 packed up before going over to the track wandered round as usual and made my place in the grandstand for the A1GP Sprint Race good race with Ireland winning from pole the driver and the car were a class ahead of the rest winning with ease and style. The Great Britain car just didn't look as sharp as it should have been. However with all the financial turmoil surrounding the team I am surprised that they did as well as they did. As between Rounds 5 and 6 of this season A1 Team Great Britain entered administration. From Round 6 onwards, the car was run by mechanics and engineers employed by the series itself, with pit stops carried out by the German team. So Dan Clarke did a good job especially in the feature race improving by 6/7 positions on his start, he is obviously no mug as he did 2/3 seasons in Champ Cars in the USA. So this performance in a car that probably had minimum preparation wasn't bad at all. but I was waiting for the FPA race which was immediately after the A1GP Sprint I was hoping that Newgarden would make his hat trick but it was not to be with a starting position of 2nd on the grid he finished 4th it was the start that was his undoing loosing 2 positions by Paddocks and slipping further as the race progressed. He maintained 4th but was never in touch with the leading trio who just powered away. Not sure whether the car just wasn't up to it Sunday or having made a poor start he decided to bank the result and just drove within himself. After the A1GP feature race wandered back to the camp site as it had suddenly looked like rain and nothing much worse than packing up in the rain and also having to dry out the tent next week. Although I had wanted to catch the GT Cup race with Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Viper, Marcos, Morgan, BMW, Aston Martin, Lotus, Ginetta & TVR big field but it was good seeing them go round. So I passed on that and the final Heritage GT Race and hit the road. As it happened there was no traffic and got back in good time. A superb weekend and tomorrow it’s a bank holiday so if the weathers good there is grass cutting and hedge trimming to be done. <a href="http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2009/01/30/a1-gp-brands-hatch-5473630/#comments">Comments</a> 30.01.09 Booked ticket for the A1GP at Brands Hatch looking forward to the meeting. This is what F1 would look like if the proposals put forward by the FIA had their way with cost cutting. However that is not criticise it as we can have both which is excellent. Brands Hatch is a very good circuit, camping is right next door and for a weekend ticket it is very reasonable costing only about £80 including camping and grandstand.
04.05.09 Had a great weekend at the A1GP arrived Friday afternoon at 16.00 should have arrived earlier but was late leaving the office; traffic was terrible getting across the river etc. But it was sunny and warm which are two things we do not take for granted. Set up the tent and within an hour I was walking around the track, caught the FPA qualifying I particularly wanted to see how Josef Newgarden the 18 year old American would perform as he did so well in October last year at the FF Festival run on the Indy circuit. He only got 4th on the gird which was not too bad seeing as he had only just got in the car that week to test. Then there was the A1GP safety car exercise which gave me the first time to see the A1GP cars in action plus the support vehicles making sure all safety procedures are in place for tomorrow. I would have liked to be at the free practices in the morning and earlier in the afternoon but that's how it goes. Got back to the tent and after a few beers had a chicken curry and rice, the curry was a can from Lidl it’s a bit lazy I know but I just can't be bothered to barbeque when I am on my own. The guy next door was far more conscientious and did himself a barbeque. The guy on the other side me had brought his two young boys and they were having a great time. Motor racing has to one of the best value leisure activities with an weekend entrance ticket with camping is around £60 and kids under 12 are free. That’s got to be hard to beat especially if the weather is good. There was a strong overseas contingent with at least 25% of the campers from Holland some of whom was very noisy, but very well behaved inviting all to their party with posters by the shower block.
Saturday morning slept in and didn't get down for a shower until 8.00am bit of a queue and resolved to get up a bit earlier. By 9.30am had breakfast muesli and two beef burger sandwiches then it was over to the track. Just a few minutes from the camp site and what a lovely day it was, so I watched the morning’s action from the track side doing a complete circumference of the track and stopping as I felt like it. The GP course really is great with woods, changes in elevation and at 2.3 miles a reasonable length too. The MSV organisation really has control over the basics trackside neatly cut grass, plenty of litter bins; good toilet facilities well priced food franchises. The program started with the GT Cup qualifying, Lotus Elsie Trophy race, FPA race, A1GP practices, Sport 2000 race & the FIA Lurani Trophy qualifying all before the lunch break. The FIA Lurani Trophy races were really interesting as the trophy was for formula junior cars which dated from 1957 to 1963 which witnessed the transition from front engine to rear engine race cars. So the field was a mix of the two layouts with the rear engine mostly Lotus the fastest. The first FPA race was won by the American who did really well to come 1st from 4th on the grid a very good result. Back to the camp site for a cup of tea and refreshed I returned to the races.
The A1GP qualifying sessions were OK it was good to see the cars but there were two sets of two ten minute sessions with qualifying for first the sprint race and second for the feature. The times being a combination of each drivers two fastest times from each set. The problem being that there was a boost feature on each car which was only able to be activated once during qualifying so it means that the drivers had to prioritise for either the sprint or the feature. Personally I would have preferred have the same system as F1 with grid positions being decided by the results of the sprint race. If you wanted to mix it up a bit then do a grid reverse according to draw as the BTCC. I watched from the grandstand which was reasonably full, the grandstand at Paddocks gives you an excellent view of one the best corners at Brands and maybe the best overtaking opportunity of the track. But it was good to see the cars performing in anger, I was surprised to note how quiet they were compared to the F1 & DTM cars, they push out 600 bhp so they are not much shy of the F1 but with a capacity of 4500cc they are much less stressed and must rev a lot lower. Then the GT Cup Race and the Heritage GT Car race but I was waiting for the FPA 2nd race of the day so it was another circumnavigation of the track whilst I waited for the 2nd FPA race of the day. I watched this from the viewing bank just after Clark Curve, a terrific race with Newgarden starting 4th on the grid after winning the last race they must have a grid reversal draw. I didn't hear any mention of it but then I wasn't listening that hard to the commentators. By the first corner Newgarden was in 2nd and after 6 or 7 laps took first at Paddocks super move by out braking the leader Richard Plant. Who received a 10 second penalty anyway for jumping the start. Great race and really enjoyable it would help if for the junior categories a bit more info was available in the program. For those who really interested we get all this stuff from Autosport, but for the casual observer it might help to get them interested in the junior categories. Had to buy a hat today as the sun was so hot and I had forgotten my panama. So bought the cheapest one I could find as I have 2 good hats at home, unfortunately this was bright yellow and grey with red trim. But hell what do you expect for a quid.
So another day over at the track, the Dutch boys are a bit quieter today, not surprising after last night’s party and I saw a few of them at the track this evening and they looked like they had been on the beer all day. So as usual a few beers for me and just for a change beef curry tonight.
Up at 7.00am to make sure no queue for the showers, but hey there were 4 in the queue already. Not to worry its reasonably fine today and it could turn out to be a great day like yesterday.
Got about 1/2 packed up before going over to the track wandered round as usual and made my place in the grandstand for the A1GP Sprint Race good race with Ireland winning from pole the driver and the car were a class ahead of the rest winning with ease and style. The Great Britain car just didn't look as sharp as it should have been. However with all the financial turmoil surrounding the team I am surprised that they did as well as they did. As between Rounds 5 and 6 of this season A1 Team Great Britain entered administration. From Round 6 onwards, the car was run by mechanics and engineers employed by the series itself, with pit stops carried out by the German team. So Dan Clarke did a good job especially in the feature race improving by 6/7 positions on his start, he is obviously no mug as he did 2/3 seasons in Champ Cars in the USA. So this performance in a car that probably had minimum preparation wasn't bad at all.
but I was waiting for the FPA race which was immediately after the A1GP Sprint I was hoping that Newgarden would make his hat trick but it was not to be with a starting position of 2nd on the grid he finished 4th it was the start that was his undoing loosing 2 positions by Paddocks and slipping further as the race progressed. He maintained 4th but was never in touch with the leading trio who just powered away. Not sure whether the car just wasn't up to it Sunday or having made a poor start he decided to bank the result and just drove within himself.
After the A1GP feature race wandered back to the camp site as it had suddenly looked like rain and nothing much worse than packing up in the rain and also having to dry out the tent next week. Although I had wanted to catch the GT Cup race with Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Viper, Marcos, Morgan, BMW, Aston Martin, Lotus, Ginetta & TVR big field but it was good seeing them go round. So I passed on that and the final Heritage GT Race and hit the road. As it happened there was no traffic and got back in good time. A superb weekend and tomorrow it’s a bank holiday so if the weathers good there is grass cutting and hedge trimming to be done.

Comments

]]>BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2009http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2009/01/24/british-grand-prix-5437047/2009-01-24T12:41:18+01:00 Bought tickets for the race and camping 2 weeks ago (end December) for perhaps the last British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Hopefully the weather will be a bit better for the weekend. Although the poor conditions did make for a fantastic race and even better result. I find it very difficult to believe that the Donnington track will be ready. It has taken 20 years to get Silverstone where it is and commercially they will be better off with the Moto GP. So what is Donnington's objective? They cannot make money from a GP and it is further from London, the parking is nonexistent and being so close to the airport how will the helicopters get in. Also what about the Red Arrows? Can't see that the display will be workable. I am not sure what is best the planning and expectation of the event or the event itself. However the British GP 2009 was excellent, Silverstone does have its flaws but every year it gets better a new grandstand here, an extra toilet block there. I would say that all it needs now are more toilets; I know the problem is that the track only uses these facilities once or twice a season. But it is not good enough having queues 50 yards for the gents, it definitely put me off swilling ale. Arrived at the Cavalier Fields campsite Thursday at around 18.30 got set up and had a few beers and phoned home. The only problem was the self igniting charcoal didn't and had to fry the lamb on calor gas cooker. So following morning Friday up early and off the shops at Trowbridge to buy same barbeque lighters then it was off to the track, also bought a rather smart barbeque lighter made by BIC bit expensive but what a good gadget. Missed the first F1 free practice but got there for the GP2 practices watched these at Becketts, quite impressed these machines they lap around 10 secs slower than a F1 but at probably 1% of the cost over a season. But isn't that the fascination with F1, I know diminishing returns etc but that’s what it cost to be at the cutting edge. Then there was the air display by the Red Devils parachute team. Then F1 practice at 14.00 which I watched from Farm where I would watch the race Sunday decided the seat I had got was rubbish but that’s how it goes. Although the engines were only restricted by 1000 revs this season they are demonstrably quieter, although still very loud. There was quite a strong chilly wind which was going to feature all weekend. Slight optimism regarding the McLarens and was curious as to why the Brawns were a little less fast compared to normal maybe they were doing set ups or going heavy we would have to see. Stayed in Farm to watch the GP2 qualifying and then it was a stroll back to the gate round at Maggots taking in the Porsche Super Cup practices on the way round. Then through the merchandising area F1 village impressed that Brawn had 3 large concessions and bought a cap. Sorry Lewis that how it goes and there is the thought in small way I was helping to fund a rising English team. Could not believe there was a large Fernando Alonso concession selling Renault merchandise but specific to Fernando. Did no body tell these guys that he is not the most popular over here? Anyway the poor schumucks were stuck there all weekend with little action; they appeared to be Spanish so maybe they thought he was a popular guy. Even my daughters who only have a passing interest in motorsport boo whenever they see him on the TV, shouting he's the guy who was nasty to Lewis (I try to explain that Lewis can look after himself). So the day was over at the track and it was time to stroll back to the campsite this takes about 60 minutes, you can do it in 45 mins but after a day at the track I can't be bothered walking fast. Anyway there are usually some great cars in the car park to have look at. Few beers got the barbeque working and it was grilled lamb, Greek salad and Turkish bread for supper. Woke up around 4.00am as there was really heavy rain for about an hour, I thought oh no I do hope it's not going to be as bad as last year. Anyway went back to sleep and woke around 8.00 jumped up and dashed for the shower block as if you leave too late there is a massive queue. But the weather was great, looked like being a really nice day. Off to the track around 10.00 and arrived just as the Black Cats RN display team were starting their display which was really skilful & interesting but not entertaining. Had a stroll round the track as the Porsches were qualifying for the Supercup race thinking where would be best to watch the qualifying for the F1? I decided on Club grandstand, as if you have a grandstand ticket for race day you can sit in any other grandstand Friday & Saturday. So if you are a bit of a geek you can try them all, which I normally do. The qualifying went according to form with the only surprise being how slow Button was but then it was pretty chilly due to the strength of the wind. I was surprised at how slow Lewis was in relation to Heikki, on radio 5 that morning they were saying that Heikki was running KERS and Lewis wasn't so maybe that was it. But then after I read neither were so am not sure on that count. The most interesting thing was to me that Brawn, Red Bull and Williams outperformed their engine suppliers teams, with Red Bull out performing Torro Rosso by a mile, so either Ferrari are supplying poor engines this year to Torro Rosso or the Ferrari engine is poor or maybe the others have moved on. As the Red Bull and the Torro Rosso are essentially the same cars with different engines. The Red Bull is much better than the Renault car but shares the same engine and as for the Mercedes engine the Brawn is at least a lap faster than the McLaren per race and they are even being beaten by the Force India. This demonstrates what a poor car the McLaren car is this year. I then strolled around the track to Woodcote to catch the GP2 race from there great spot to spectator from but I prefer the open grandstands to the covered ones (don't know why) and was really surprised how good the racing was. The formula is a good one and defiantly is worth watching in Woodcote the spectators were very knowledgeable and followed the racing closely. Applauding every good move and cheering quite loudly at the finish. I then wandered round the F1 village (merchandising area) and was impressed by the fact Brawn had arranged a PA with not only Button & Barrichello but Ross Brawn as well. This was really good luck as I was just going through the F1 village and stayed to hear the drivers and Ross. Usual stuff signed autographs and answered a few questions from the presenter, but the important thing was that they took the time trouble to do it. Both the drivers and Ross across as nice guys focused but genuine fellows. Must have shifted a few caps too, the Ferrari stands were deserted and as for the Fernando stand don't ask. Missed the Formula BMW race whilst all the was going on and walked round to Maggots to watch the Historics qualifying and at 18.00 it was a gentle walk back to the camp site. The wind must have been strong that day as my neighbour’s gazebo was wrecked and they were chucking it in the rubbish when I got back. However my tent and wind break were still good so I gave myself a pat on the back for camping skills. Few beers and this time the barbecue did work so after half a dozen Marston’s it was time for bed. Woke up early (7.00) and got down the shower block whilst in the queue was deciding whether to stay the night after the GP and then I could go to the after race party. Weather was looking good so I thought that’s it I'm going to the party. So set off as usual around 10.00am and got to the track just in time to catch the end of the GP2 second race but wasn't sure who won as it was packed, I thought this must be a modern day record attendance. When I got back Autosport reported that 310,000 had attended over 3 days with 131,000 on race day, around 85,000 on Friday and 95,000 on Saturday. Not bad eh, sure beats Turkey and all the other Mickey Mouse venues. Also note it was only a week after Le Mans in the same pay month so awesome support from the British public. Took in the Porsche Supercup from Hangar Straight and continued round target to be in seat for the start of the Red Arrows, saw the driver’s parade at club and just got to my place in time. As it was so crowded progress was slow, but no complaints from me that’s just how it should be on race day. My seat was absolutely the worst you could get in Farm, I like Farm but this seat was crap, B1 so right near the front and against the standing enclosure so these guys were all standing and restricted the view to the screens and track but that’s how it goes. Caught the Red Arrows display in full and loved every minute there’s no way that they can hold this display at Donnington unless they shut the airport down. Nice guy next to me with his son from Scotland or North England but he had quite a strong accent. This coupled with my partial deafness and the cars going round made it bit difficult to follow. But good company and very knowledgeable within 2 laps he had spotted the lead Vettel was building up and said it's Vettel’s race now and it was. Some might say it was a bit boring but you have to remember that F1 is both and engineering and endurance exercise coupled with driver’s ability. There always is this argument is it the driver or is the car, the answer is both it's a bit like horse racing where the best jockeys end up on the best horses. Some tussles in mid field and a good race overall I enjoyed it and said goodbye to my Scots friend as he had to make a move up north. Stayed at Farm for the remaining race the Historics but was able to move place as around 1/2 the spectators made a move to try to get out before the traffic. Straight after the last race there was another air display this time it was the new RAF fighter the Typhoon terrific action, 4 air displays in 3 days so a real treat for the spectators. Around 16.15 started to make a move round to the tunnel at Copse and after a slow walk round and a big queue got through to the middle of the track. Silverstone really do go to great efforts and there was a large covered stage with a compare who was interviewing guests great to see how many of the drivers took time out to attend. Rosberg, Piquet, Webber, Nakajima, Hamilton, Button also former drivers and owners Derek Warwick and Eddie Jordan really great fun. Eddie Jordan was the first band up and by now the audience was mostly geeks and the drunk but a terrific atmosphere although more 50% were really plastered there was no trouble at all. I was going to have a few drinks myself but there wasn't a great deal of toilets and the queue were 40/50 yards so I thought I'ii wait until I get back. Eddie was a little cheesed off, but took it all in good grace when 3 numbers into his set he was yanked as Lewis had just come on stage. Lewis would have only had 10/15 minutes free as I would imagine he had sponsors & Mercedes duties straight after the race. After all the bills have to be paid somehow. But he was great Jenson was great and now feeling a bit weary it was time to head on back. So as usual few drinks, bit of a barbeque around 1/2 the campers had cleared off so early night and I resolved to visit the Canal Museum in the morning after packing up and on the way home. <a href="http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2009/01/24/british-grand-prix-5437047/#comments">Comments</a> Bought tickets for the race and camping 2 weeks ago (end December) for perhaps the last British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Hopefully the weather will be a bit better for the weekend. Although the poor conditions did make for a fantastic race and even better result. I find it very difficult to believe that the Donnington track will be ready. It has taken 20 years to get Silverstone where it is and commercially they will be better off with the Moto GP. So what is Donnington's objective? They cannot make money from a GP and it is further from London, the parking is nonexistent and being so close to the airport how will the helicopters get in. Also what about the Red Arrows? Can't see that the display will be workable.
I am not sure what is best the planning and expectation of the event or the event itself. However the British GP 2009 was excellent, Silverstone does have its flaws but every year it gets better a new grandstand here, an extra toilet block there. I would say that all it needs now are more toilets; I know the problem is that the track only uses these facilities once or twice a season. But it is not good enough having queues 50 yards for the gents, it definitely put me off swilling ale.
Arrived at the Cavalier Fields campsite Thursday at around 18.30 got set up and had a few beers and phoned home. The only problem was the self igniting charcoal didn't and had to fry the lamb on calor gas cooker.
So following morning Friday up early and off the shops at Trowbridge to buy same barbeque lighters then it was off to the track, also bought a rather smart barbeque lighter made by BIC bit expensive but what a good gadget. Missed the first F1 free practice but got there for the GP2 practices watched these at Becketts, quite impressed these machines they lap around 10 secs slower than a F1 but at probably 1% of the cost over a season. But isn't that the fascination with F1, I know diminishing returns etc but that’s what it cost to be at the cutting edge. Then there was the air display by the Red Devils parachute team. Then F1 practice at 14.00 which I watched from Farm where I would watch the race Sunday decided the seat I had got was rubbish but that’s how it goes. Although the engines were only restricted by 1000 revs this season they are demonstrably quieter, although still very loud. There was quite a strong chilly wind which was going to feature all weekend. Slight optimism regarding the McLarens and was curious as to why the Brawns were a little less fast compared to normal maybe they were doing set ups or going heavy we would have to see. Stayed in Farm to watch the GP2 qualifying and then it was a stroll back to the gate round at Maggots taking in the Porsche Super Cup practices on the way round. Then through the merchandising area F1 village impressed that Brawn had 3 large concessions and bought a cap. Sorry Lewis that how it goes and there is the thought in small way I was helping to fund a rising English team. Could not believe there was a large Fernando Alonso concession selling Renault merchandise but specific to Fernando. Did no body tell these guys that he is not the most popular over here? Anyway the poor schumucks were stuck there all weekend with little action; they appeared to be Spanish so maybe they thought he was a popular guy. Even my daughters who only have a passing interest in motorsport boo whenever they see him on the TV, shouting he's the guy who was nasty to Lewis (I try to explain that Lewis can look after himself).
So the day was over at the track and it was time to stroll back to the campsite this takes about 60 minutes, you can do it in 45 mins but after a day at the track I can't be bothered walking fast. Anyway there are usually some great cars in the car park to have look at. Few beers got the barbeque working and it was grilled lamb, Greek salad and Turkish bread for supper.
Woke up around 4.00am as there was really heavy rain for about an hour, I thought oh no I do hope it's not going to be as bad as last year. Anyway went back to sleep and woke around 8.00 jumped up and dashed for the shower block as if you leave too late there is a massive queue. But the weather was great, looked like being a really nice day.
Off to the track around 10.00 and arrived just as the Black Cats RN display team were starting their display which was really skilful & interesting but not entertaining. Had a stroll round the track as the Porsches were qualifying for the Supercup race thinking where would be best to watch the qualifying for the F1? I decided on Club grandstand, as if you have a grandstand ticket for race day you can sit in any other grandstand Friday & Saturday. So if you are a bit of a geek you can try them all, which I normally do. The qualifying went according to form with the only surprise being how slow Button was but then it was pretty chilly due to the strength of the wind. I was surprised at how slow Lewis was in relation to Heikki, on radio 5 that morning they were saying that Heikki was running KERS and Lewis wasn't so maybe that was it. But then after I read neither were so am not sure on that count. The most interesting thing was to me that Brawn, Red Bull and Williams outperformed their engine suppliers teams, with Red Bull out performing Torro Rosso by a mile, so either Ferrari are supplying poor engines this year to Torro Rosso or the Ferrari engine is poor or maybe the others have moved on. As the Red Bull and the Torro Rosso are essentially the same cars with different engines. The Red Bull is much better than the Renault car but shares the same engine and as for the Mercedes engine the Brawn is at least a lap faster than the McLaren per race and they are even being beaten by the Force India. This demonstrates what a poor car the McLaren car is this year.
I then strolled around the track to Woodcote to catch the GP2 race from there great spot to spectator from but I prefer the open grandstands to the covered ones (don't know why) and was really surprised how good the racing was. The formula is a good one and defiantly is worth watching in Woodcote the spectators were very knowledgeable and followed the racing closely. Applauding every good move and cheering quite loudly at the finish.
I then wandered round the F1 village (merchandising area) and was impressed by the fact Brawn had arranged a PA with not only Button & Barrichello but Ross Brawn as well. This was really good luck as I was just going through the F1 village and stayed to hear the drivers and Ross. Usual stuff signed autographs and answered a few questions from the presenter, but the important thing was that they took the time trouble to do it. Both the drivers and Ross across as nice guys focused but genuine fellows. Must have shifted a few caps too, the Ferrari stands were deserted and as for the Fernando stand don't ask.
Missed the Formula BMW race whilst all the was going on and walked round to Maggots to watch the Historics qualifying and at 18.00 it was a gentle walk back to the camp site.
The wind must have been strong that day as my neighbour’s gazebo was wrecked and they were chucking it in the rubbish when I got back. However my tent and wind break were still good so I gave myself a pat on the back for camping skills.
Few beers and this time the barbecue did work so after half a dozen Marston’s it was time for bed.
Woke up early (7.00) and got down the shower block whilst in the queue was deciding whether to stay the night after the GP and then I could go to the after race party. Weather was looking good so I thought that’s it I'm going to the party.
So set off as usual around 10.00am and got to the track just in time to catch the end of the GP2 second race but wasn't sure who won as it was packed, I thought this must be a modern day record attendance. When I got back Autosport reported that 310,000 had attended over 3 days with 131,000 on race day, around 85,000 on Friday and 95,000 on Saturday. Not bad eh, sure beats Turkey and all the other Mickey Mouse venues. Also note it was only a week after Le Mans in the same pay month so awesome support from the British public.
Took in the Porsche Supercup from Hangar Straight and continued round target to be in seat for the start of the Red Arrows, saw the driver’s parade at club and just got to my place in time. As it was so crowded progress was slow, but no complaints from me that’s just how it should be on race day. My seat was absolutely the worst you could get in Farm, I like Farm but this seat was crap, B1 so right near the front and against the standing enclosure so these guys were all standing and restricted the view to the screens and track but that’s how it goes. Caught the Red Arrows display in full and loved every minute there’s no way that they can hold this display at Donnington unless they shut the airport down. Nice guy next to me with his son from Scotland or North England but he had quite a strong accent. This coupled with my partial deafness and the cars going round made it bit difficult to follow. But good company and very knowledgeable within 2 laps he had spotted the lead Vettel was building up and said it's Vettel’s race now and it was. Some might say it was a bit boring but you have to remember that F1 is both and engineering and endurance exercise coupled with driver’s ability. There always is this argument is it the driver or is the car, the answer is both it's a bit like horse racing where the best jockeys end up on the best horses.
Some tussles in mid field and a good race overall I enjoyed it and said goodbye to my Scots friend as he had to make a move up north. Stayed at Farm for the remaining race the Historics but was able to move place as around 1/2 the spectators made a move to try to get out before the traffic.
Straight after the last race there was another air display this time it was the new RAF fighter the Typhoon terrific action, 4 air displays in 3 days so a real treat for the spectators.
Around 16.15 started to make a move round to the tunnel at Copse and after a slow walk round and a big queue got through to the middle of the track. Silverstone really do go to great efforts and there was a large covered stage with a compare who was interviewing guests great to see how many of the drivers took time out to attend. Rosberg, Piquet, Webber, Nakajima, Hamilton, Button also former drivers and owners Derek Warwick and Eddie Jordan really great fun. Eddie Jordan was the first band up and by now the audience was mostly geeks and the drunk but a terrific atmosphere although more 50% were really plastered there was no trouble at all. I was going to have a few drinks myself but there wasn't a great deal of toilets and the queue were 40/50 yards so I thought I'ii wait until I get back. Eddie was a little cheesed off, but took it all in good grace when 3 numbers into his set he was yanked as Lewis had just come on stage. Lewis would have only had 10/15 minutes free as I would imagine he had sponsors & Mercedes duties straight after the race. After all the bills have to be paid somehow. But he was great Jenson was great and now feeling a bit weary it was time to head on back.
So as usual few drinks, bit of a barbeque around 1/2 the campers had cleared off so early night and I resolved to visit the Canal Museum in the morning after packing up and on the way home.

Comments

]]>HiQ MSA BTCC BRANDS HATCH 2008.http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2008/09/08/hiq-msa-british-touring-car-championship-4699115/2008-09-08T16:29:21+02:00 Went to the DTM meeting the other week at Brands Hatch and really enjoyed it. Deciding whether to go to the British Touring Car Championship weekend after next. Looks like it could fun I really like Brands Hatch as a circuit, the camping is right next door and the circuit itself is quite attractive with fabulous visibility. In July I went to the World Touring Cars there and had a great time. On both occasions I was lucky with the weather. That's the only thing that's putting me off, nothing bleaker than a racing circuit in the driving rain. Just got back from the weekend and must say it was great, the weather was fine but very cold at night. Especially if you don't bring and warm clothing, I only had shorts and no warm jacket or fleece so had a few early nights as it was the only way to keep warm. There was a group of lads next door to me who were having a party, they were completely hammered and decided to light a bonfire right next to their tent. They were making a bit of a racket but they were good humoured fools so it didn't bother me and the bonfire was a good enough distance from me so even if they did manage to set themselves on fire, I was OK. Anyway after the French GP it was quiet the German & French boys really make a noise. Glad to see the signs saying no bonfires and no barbeques were being ignored by all. The racing was excellent with Fabrizio Giovanardi being crowned champion of the series, despite a very unfortunate series of results. The day belongs to the BMWs with Motorbase/BMW doing especially well but also strong were Team RAC BMWs and the BMW Dealer Team UK doing well. In direct contrast to Giovanardi, Matt Neal had a good day with a strong 2nd in race 2. All in all a great weekend I would challenge anyone to come up with a better weekend’s action for such a modest fee. BTCC really put on a great show. <a href="http://raceday.blog.co.uk/2008/09/08/hiq-msa-british-touring-car-championship-4699115/#comments">Comments</a> Went to the DTM meeting the other week at Brands Hatch and really enjoyed it. Deciding whether to go to the British Touring Car Championship weekend after next. Looks like it could fun I really like Brands Hatch as a circuit, the camping is right next door and the circuit itself is quite attractive with fabulous visibility. In July I went to the World Touring Cars there and had a great time. On both occasions I was lucky with the weather. That's the only thing that's putting me off, nothing bleaker than a racing circuit in the driving rain.
Just got back from the weekend and must say it was great, the weather was fine but very cold at night. Especially if you don't bring and warm clothing, I only had shorts and no warm jacket or fleece so had a few early nights as it was the only way to keep warm. There was a group of lads next door to me who were having a party, they were completely hammered and decided to light a bonfire right next to their tent. They were making a bit of a racket but they were good humoured fools so it didn't bother me and the bonfire was a good enough distance from me so even if they did manage to set themselves on fire, I was OK. Anyway after the French GP it was quiet the German & French boys really make a noise.
Glad to see the signs saying no bonfires and no barbeques were being ignored by all.
The racing was excellent with Fabrizio Giovanardi being crowned champion of the series, despite a very unfortunate series of results. The day belongs to the BMWs with Motorbase/BMW doing especially well but also strong were Team RAC BMWs and the BMW Dealer Team UK doing well. In direct contrast to Giovanardi, Matt Neal had a good day with a strong 2nd in race 2.
All in all a great weekend I would challenge anyone to come up with a better weekend’s action for such a modest fee. BTCC really put on a great show.

Comments

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