The Castle Combe Circuit's first entire race meeting to be televised live has been declared a success by spectators and drivers alike.
The Motors TV Live Race Day on Bank Holiday Monday May 2 saw the return of live television coverage to the circuit after a 50 year gap, the last live broadcast being at a motorcycle meeting in May 1961, with Motors commenting 'Motors TV is proud to support the Live Raceday initiative.The high production values of Hayfisher and the quality of the racing at Castle Combe delivered us an excellent live programme we were delighted to broadcast to our UK and European networks. Viewer feedback has been excellent and the viewing figures are expected to be even higher than predicted, Congratulations to all concerned'.
The meeting was beamed live to the TV screens of viewers in 39 countries and was the first time an entire event had been broadcast from the circuit.
Spectators at the Wiltshire track witnessed some of the best racing possible, with two brand new winners in the circuit's own championships and closely fought dices in the pair of mini races which left the results in doubt till the very end, filmed by leading motor sport production company Hay Fisher, the company's Managing Director Richard Hay added to the praised by saying 'I would like to thank all at Castle Combe for all their help. It was a very enjoyable meeting which ran like clock work'.
Contributors to the circuit's online forum were particularly enthusiastic about the giant TV screens at Camp and Quarry provided as part of the TV package. 'Goose' a long standing fan who bases himself at Quarry corner said," It was brilliant at Quarry the screen once the contrast was sorted everything clicked today. Back to the old times, so thanks to Combe, Motors TV and all the drivers for providing such quality races."
Those watching at home were similarly enthusiastic, "Big Big thumbs up!Great camera coverage, fantastic commentary and brilliant races. Got to be the best racing I've ever watched on Motors TV. Well done all involved, hoping for more of that in the future if possible. Worked very well" said 'Dixon'.
All three of the circuit's home grown championships for saloons, Sports & GT cars and Formula Fords saw double winners for each pair of races.
The Castle Combe Formula Ford 1600 race saw Steven Jensen from Saltford near Bath defeat reigning champion Marcus Allen in his first victories in his long standing championship campaign. His victories surpassed the achievements of his supportive father, Erling, who whilst winning the Special GT championship in 1993, never won a race outright.
The circuit's Saloon Car championship saw Southampton's Adam Prebble take his first two victories in the Rover previously campaigned by his brother, Gary, who previously took 26 outright wins with the car. Adam was given the 'Driver of the Day' award for his performances.
The Sports and GT races were a walkover for Trowbridge driver Andrew Shanley in his Radical Prosport.
The next meeting is on Bank Holiday Monday May 30, and hopefully after such a great start, the event will be back next year.
Series creator Magnus Laird added 'The tremendous success of the five hour Live Broadcast from Castle Combe was a direct consequence of the co-ordinated effort, enthusiasm and professionalism, and the heroic efforts of the trackside marshals are definitely worth a mention!.Special mention must be made of the competitors themselves, as they produced some spectacular racing. In short, Club racing at it's very best.
For further information, visit the Castle Combe Circuit online at www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk, built by Racecar
