FOR BTCC TITLE-DECIDER
The Brands Hatch circuit in Kent will make for the "perfect" venue for Britain's premier motor racing series - the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship - to crown its 2008 Champion a week on Sunday (21 September).
That is the view of Alan Gow, BTCC Series Director who has made the championship a household name in the UK - it receives live Sunday afternoon television coverage on ITV4 - and turned it into a favourite for motor sport fans worldwide.
Brands Hatch on 21 September will see either Italian Fabrizio Giovanardi or Briton Jason Plato win the title in this, the BTCC's 50th anniversary season. The circuit is steeped in BTCC history and it was there in 1958 that the first BTCC Champion Jack Sears was crowned in a humble 1.5-litre Riley. Half a century on, meanwhile, and on the very same circuit - Brands' short Indy track - Giovanardi and Plato will be doing battle in their very latest 2008-specification Vauxhall Vectra VXR and SEAT Leon TDI.
Gow said: "Brands Hatch is the perfect venue to end the BTCC's 50th anniversary season and a great place for the new Champion to be crowned.
"History aside, it is one of the world's most famous motor racing circuits and, with the improvements made to spectator facilities by its owner MotorSport Vision, now ranks as one of the very best sporting venues anywhere in the UK.
"Spectator viewing at Brands has always been exceptional and from many areas the crowds see almost the entire lap unfold. With the non-stop action in the BTCC, that's a lot of bang for your buck."
Not only does Brands provide the ideal venue for the public and teams alike in terms of backdrop and atmosphere, but it is also guaranteed to bring out the very best in terms of bumper-to-bumper, panel-scraping action - something that makes the BTCC such a hit for its millions of fans both trackside and on TV across the UK.
Gow added: "The Indy circuit lay-out always keeps the racing close and really tests the drivers' nerves in places. Take Paddock Hill Bend - it's got drama written all over it.
"Indeed, some of the BTCC's most exciting races have been played out at Brands Hatch down the years. Given that this is Finals Day and several titles are still to be decided, there are bound to be plenty of nerves on the grid.
"The crowds are in for an exceptional day of motor racing and we very much look forward to welcoming them to Brands Hatch a week on Sunday."
Adult race day tickets to see the BTCC title-decider at Brands Hatch on Sunday 21 September cost just £22.00 if booked online at brandshatch.co.uk by midday next Wednesday (17 September). Admission for children aged 12 and under is FREE. All prices include access to the lunchtime Pit Lane Walkabout session when the public is invited to cross the track to meet the BTCC's star drivers for autographs, photos and plenty of giveaways.
In addition to the BTCC's final three rounds which headline the day, a further seven races from supporting categories - Ginetta Juniors, Porsche Carreras, Renault Clios, Formula Renault single-seaters and SEAT Cupras - will all be in action. The Ginetta, Porsche, FRenault and SEAT title races will also be settled on the day.
