THOUSANDS of motor racing fans flocked to Rockingham for the return of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship over the weekend (April 21/22).
The UK’s most dynamic and popular racing series served up a real treat for 35,000 people, who attended over the two-days and enjoyed a spectacular weekend of racing at the Northamptonshire circuit.
Director of Sales & Marketing at Rockingham, Charlotte Bushby, said:“We are absolutely delighted with the bumper crowd that turned up to support the BTCC and Rockingham.
“This has been a fantastic weekend for all the family, and the perfect way to introduce a new generation of motor racing fans to Rockingham. It was great to see so many families enjoying a superb day out together.
“We have received very positive comments from TOCA, who organised the event, the teams and their drivers as well as from the fans.”Fabrizio Giovanardi and Tom Chilton gave Vauxhall a 1-2 finish in the first of the three rounds with SEAT’s championship leader Jason Plato pushed into third spot.
The crowd cheered on Team RAC BMW’s 19-year-old Tom Onslow-Cole as he took his first BTCC podium finish in just his fifth outing when he edged out Chilton to claim second spot in round five. Giovanardi made it two out of two as he took the chequered flag.
Plato won the sixth round from fifth on the grid after taking advantage of a thrilling first-corner collision, whilst second position went to emerging star Mat Jackson after another great drive in his BMW 320si, while third was Plato’s SEAT team-mate Darren Turner.
Plato leaves Rockingham leading the championship on 72 points, 16 ahead of Giovanardi on 56 points. Third is Chilton on 48.
The entertainment continued off the track with a free crèche sponsored by Making Places, children’s entertainers, Guinot Wing-Walkers, Terry Grant’s track display, and a demonstration from Adrenalin Alley.
Spectators were able to soak up the good weather and atmosphere during the paddock walkabout and autograph sessions, providing fans of all ages the opportunity to meet their favourite BTCC drivers and teams.
