THE Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship heads to Rockingham in just under two weeks when the Northamptonshire circuit hosts rounds four, five and six of the new 2010 campaign.
With more than 20 cars expected to line-up on the grid, fans are in for a treat on Sunday, April 25, as a number of old favourites go head-to-head against the next generation of touring car drivers.
With 2009 BTCC winner Colin Turkington not defending his crown this season, it was double champion Fabrizio Giovanardi who set the pace in the season opener at Thruxton thanks to two victories in his Vauxhall Vectra for the new Uniq Racing with Triple Eight team.
Just behind the Italian in the drivers’ championship is last season’s runner-up Jason Plato, who once again will be sporting the colours of Racing Silverline as he represents the Wellingborough-based RML Chevrolet team for a second consecutive year.
Plato is one of three drivers who will be guaranteed a great reception from the Rockingham crowd, as the Northamptonshire circuit is also home territory for Brixworth’s Steven Kane and Mawsley’s Paul O’Neill.
Airwaves BMW newcomer Kane is on a massive high after achieving the first win of his BTCC career in race three at the Hampshire circuit. O’Neill was another to star at Thruxton with three top six finishes, including a podium, in his Sunshine.co.uk/Tech-Speed Honda.
O’Neill arrives at his home circuit fourth in the drivers’ points’ standings behind Giovanardi, Plato and Kane’s team-mate Mat Jackson. Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden, who are both past winners at Rockingham, are sure to be in the thick of the action with the Honda Racing Team’s Civics.
After the opening round the 2010 season looks like being one of the most exciting yet. Who will win this year’s BTCC title is far too early to call but the atmosphere at Rockingham is guaranteed to be electric as the drivers and teams aim to stamp their authority on the title race.
In addition to the three BTCC races, there will also be plenty more racing action throughout the weekend with a further seven races from Ginetta G50, Ginetta Junior, Porsche Carrera, Renault Clio and Formula Renault, the very best in one-make sportscar, saloon and single-seater racing in the UK.
Fans of the race series will know that the track action is non-stop and visitors to the Northamptonshire circuit can expect a great day out for the family. In addition to the bumper-to-bumper racing there will be plenty of off-track entertainment.
On Sunday in between the races there will be entertainment for the whole family with monster truck rides and the traditional Pit Lane Walkabout where fans can meet their BTCC heroes and collect autographs.
There will be lots of fun things to do for youngsters, from the amazing bungee trampoline to the UK’s only Rockingham slot car track as well as racing simulators, face painting, climbing wall, bouncy castles and Bucking Bronco.
Rockingham Director, Charlotte Orton, said: “We love the British Touring Car Championship as it gives us the perfect chance to showcase our family-friendly facilities. This event offers great value for money and a fantastic family day out.
“We pride ourselves as being one of the most family-oriented motor racing venues on the BTCC calendar and the circuit is delighted to once again offer free admission for all children aged 15-years-old and under*.
“In addition to this, we have kept adult admission tickets at last year’s prices as Rockingham continues to make motorsport accessible to everyone, in particular families looking for an affordable day out which doesn’t break the budget.”
Fans have until midday next Wednesday (April 21) to book tickets and save up to 20 per cent on all adult admission prices. Advance tickets cost £28 for the weekend, £23 for Sunday or £11 for Saturday.
Advance bookings can be made on-line at .rockingham.co.uk or via the ticket hotline on 01536 500500 and choose option one. Motorsport fans who are registered disabled can apply for a free event ticket for their carer. Written proof is required.
Top of the range hospitality packages are also available for just £135 per person plus VAT, which includes full catering throughout the day, complimentary bar, VIP parking and your entrance ticket.
For more information or to book a hospitality suite contact Charlotte Allen on 01536 271551 or email charlotte.allen@rockingham.co.uk.
Rockingham is the only venue on the BTCC calendar where you can see the entire track and all tickets include free access to the Rockingham grandstands and the touring car paddock.
*Maximum two child tickets per one paying adult
