The Rockingham racing circuit in Northamptonshire has announced a strong line-up of high-profile motor sport events for 2007.
The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), the UK’s most prestigious motor racing series, will kick-start the motor sport calendar at Rockingham in spectacular fashion on 22 April. The tin-top championship will hold Rounds 4, 5 and 6 at the venue, returning after a four-year break. Rockingham takes Silverstone’s traditional slot in the calendar, underlining its status as the UK’s most modern and only purpose-built motor sport facility.
This year will also see the return of the Lloyds TSB Insurance BritishF3 International and GT Series, following the successful trial of the new infield International Super Sports Circuit during the 2006 season. The finale of this F3 series will be held at Rockingham on September 30 and will feature some of Europe’s best future talent, including the sons of former Formula One and CART World Champion Nigel Mansell.
In addition to the new race meetings, Rockingham will host another season of entertaining weekend motor sport events organised by the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC). Taking place over the weekends of 28/29 April, 23/24 June, 21/22 July, 18/19 August and 29/30 September, these meetings will be hosted on the oval and international circuits. During each weekend there will be opportunities for pit lane walkabouts and an open-Paddock session, plus an extensive range of activities with many non-circuit attractions for all ages.
The highly successful Ovalfest makes a welcome return in September to provide a weekend of family fun and entertainment. Last year the event featured 10 different classes of races, as well as the premiere of the county’s first drive-in movie.
A new short oval circuit was specially created for Ovalfest in 2006, welcoming vehicles such as Lightening Rods, trucks and F1 stock cars to the venue for the first time. Meanwhile a variety of V8 SCSA and Pick-ups - firm favourites at Rockingham - took to the 1.5-mile banked oval track.
Once again, the Ovalfest event will culminate on the last day with a winner-takes-all finale race where the individual class winners will all drive the same type of vehicle as they battle it out to be crowned King of the Rock.
Rockingham’s line-up for 2007 builds on a strong 2006 season, which included the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, Pickup Trucks, Jedis,SCSA Series and the Rockingham VSR Championship.
Rockingham’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Charlotte Bushby, is delighted to see another full racing calendar for 2007. “Rockingham is rightly acknowledged as a fantastic venue for motor sport events. Drivers benefit from comprehensive, modern facilities with a thrilling track while spectators are able to catch every second of the action from the grandstand seating.
“We always receive very positive feedback from drivers and fans alike and the line-up for 2007 is further evidence of Rockingham’s popularity as a racing venue. Last year was an important year for us and we’re excited about growing the motor sport business during 2007 and beyond.”
Rockingham also enjoyed a successful year away from the track, with significant investments in its facilities beyond the original oval race track.
A key part of this expansion has been the recent addition of the Wet Grip facility. Specially developed in co-operation with MIRA, it offers a range of extreme weather automotive demonstration facilities that are unique in the UK.
The Wet Grip has already proved to be a popular feature at the circuit with manufacturers, and following the installation of the kick-plate in December, bookings for 2007 indicate the success is set to continue.
