NOW an annual date in the Rockingham calendar, the 2018 Junior Open Practice Day will be held at the Northamptonshire circuit on Sunday, February 11.

Exclusive to junior race licence holders, the event provides the perfect opportunity for the next generation of racing drivers to get behind the wheel for some pre-season practice before the new motorsport season starts in March.

The open pit lane event will run on the 1.97-mile International Super Sports Car Circuit, which is the same track layout the young drivers will race on when their respective championships visit Rockingham during the 2018 campaign.

Rockingham’s Junior Open Practice Day has proved very popular and invaluable in the past. With teams, which run in the junior championships, and their young drivers welcoming the opportunity to familiarise themselves with both the car and track layout as well as get in some laps.

Rockingham Senior Business Development Manager for Track & Test, Nanette Houston, who oversees testing at the circuit, said: "The Open Day is not about who is the fastest but provides junior drivers with the chance to gain experience behind the wheel of their race car without the additional pressure of being in a test or racing environment.

"Junior drivers will have the option to be accompanied by their instructors in the car or go out on track on their own. However, drivers don’t have the luxury of someone sitting next to them when they’re racing, so this is the perfect opportunity for them to be more independent."

In addition to young race licence holders, the event is also open to those who need to obtain their Junior ARDS licence before the start of the new campaign. Tests, which includes both theory and track time, can be booked in advance and costs £600 inc VAT.

Places on the open practice day cost £310 inc VAT per car for junior race licence holders, and garages can be pre-booked for £50 inc VAT. To book on to the event visit www.rockingham.co.uk or alternatively for more information contact Nanette Houston on 01536 271534.