at Rockingham

WITH the new season of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship fast approaching, Rockingham is offering fans a sneak preview of the starting grid at next week’s official Media Day.

The championship gets underway on April 5 but those who cannot wait for the first race will have the chance to watch some high-speed action FREE of charge as the class of 2009 is unveiled at the Northamptonshire circuit.

For the third consecutive year fans will be able to soak-up the pre-season atmosphere at Rockingham from 1pm on Thursday, March 19, when the teams will be testing their highly-tuned 300bhp racing machines for the first time.

Rockingham Director Charlotte Orton, said: “We believe it is important to make motor racing accessible to everyone, in a bid to attract new fans of all ages to the sport. This event is the perfect showcase for the UK’s premier racing series.

“There is always a great atmosphere on BTCC Media Day and last year around 1500 people took advantage of free entry and came along to this event. This is an excellent opportunity for us to remind people of the fantastic facilities here at Rockingham.”

Fans can watch the action trackside and from the pit garages. Refreshments will be available from the Rockingham Diner and there will also be the opportunity to visit the paddock area to collect autographs from the drivers.

Advance tickets for Rockingham’s BTCC meeting on Sunday, September 20, are available to purchase on the day. Fans will be able to save paying the booking fee when purchasing tickets in person on Media day.

Race day tickets will be on sale for just £23 for adults while weekend passes cost £28 – a saving of 20 per cent on gate admission prices. The circuit operates a free admission policy for children aged 15 and under.

For those fans who are unable to attend Media Day on March 19, advance tickets can be purchased via the ticket hotline on 01536 500500 or at rockingham.co.uk – the official Rockingham website.