The return of the high-octane Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship to Thruxton is now just a matter of days away (7/8 May), and we have ten tip-top reasons not to miss the flame-spitting tin-tops speeding around the UK’s fastest circuit.
Unrivalled Top Speeds
The BTCC battlers will hit almost 160mph as they duel it out around Thruxton, with the popular Hampshire track laying claim to the highest top speeds in British motor sport.
Fortune Favours the Brave
Complete commitment is required to tame Thruxton’s intimidating flat-out sweepers, leading to plenty of edge-of-the-seat entertainment as the touring cars teeter on the absolute brink of adhesion at eye-watering speeds...
Wave the Chequered Flag
In a unique promotion, anybody that buys (or has already bought) an advance race day or race weekend ticket will be entered into a competition to wave the chequered flag at the end of the first race. The winner must be over 17 years of age.
Meet the Pros
Accessibility has long been one of the BTCC’s key selling-points, and a Pit-Lane Walkabout and Autograph Session at 09.50 on Sunday morning encourages fans to meet the BTCC drivers and grab a cheeky selfie or two.
Soap Star Spotting
Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher is in his maiden campaign in the BTCC, driving a Chevrolet Cruze for Power Maxed Racing. Come along and see how he is getting to grips with the cut-and-thrust nature of Britain’s premier motor sport series.
Expect the Unexpected
With six different winners from the six races so far, the 2016 BTCC season is proving to be anything but predictable, making for some thrilling doorhandle-to-doorhandle racing in which the form book is repeatedly thrown out of the window. What chance a seventh winner this weekend..?
The Big Picture
Giant screens at both the Complex and Chicane – Thruxton’s two key overtaking hotspots – mean spectators won’t miss a second of the flat-out, wheel-to-wheel action.
Local Aces
Four of the 32-strong BTCC grid hail from the south-west, making Thruxton a home circuit for them. Come and cheer on Rob Collard (Team JCT600 with GardX), Josh Cook (MG Racing RCIB Insurance), Dan Welch (Goodestone Racing) and Alex Martin (Dextra Racing).
Carry on Camping
For the full BTCC experience – and to take advantage of the return of spring after the long, cold winter – why not stay overnight at Thruxton’s campsite, which is open and manned from 15.00 on Friday, 6 May. At just £5 per adult per night, it’s a steal!
Support Series Stars
Keep an eye out for the Formula 1, touring car and sportscar standouts of the future as a packed support bill featuring the Renault UK Clio Cup, Ginetta Junior Championship, MSA Formula and Ginetta GT5 Challenge ensures there will never be a dull moment.
Discounted advance tickets are on sale from just £11 for Saturday, 7 May and £26 for Sunday, 8 May, with weekend tickets including Paddock Pass available for £38. They can be purchased online at www.thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc or by calling 01264 882200 (Option 1). Accompanied children aged 15 and under are admitted free.
Advance tickets will remain on sale online and over the phone until 3pm on Wednesday, 4 May, after which they will be available from the BARC Ticket Office at Thruxton until 3pm on Friday, 6 May. Any tickets ordered from Friday, 29 April onwards will incur a special delivery charge of £5.95 per order. Full price day tickets can be purchased on the gate; weekend tickets are only available in advance.
For more information on Thruxton’s race meetings and driving experiences, visit: www.thruxtonracing.co.uk
