Journalists and media will have the pleasure of one of the best vantage points at any UK circuit following the announcement of a new £40,000 Media Centre being constructed at the Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire.
The centre, situated next to the Race Control building parallel to the start and finish line, will overlook Camp Corner, with views across to 'Quarry' and 'Bobbies'. As well as giving the media an unparalleled grandstand view of the action, the centre will provide all the latest facilities to enable them to do their job.
Castle Combe Circuit chairman Howard Strawford said: "Events such as the British Formula 3 championship and the new Superbike Grand National have raised our profile and brought us to the attention of an international audience. We now attract media from all five continents and countries as diverse as Australia and Japan. One of our prime considerations was to site the centre at a point where the media has the best possible views, something that isn't always the case at other circuits."
He continued, "The major championships we now attract have a minimum requirement for media facilities which includes telephones, internet access, fax machines and TV monitors. We believe this new facility will greatly enhance our prestige as one of the premier motorsport venues in the UK."
With planning permission having been granted, the circuit's regular building contractors are now pulling out all the stops to have the building finished in time for the John Guest Speedfit F3 and GT Festival on June 19 and 20.
The new Media Centre heads a further £100,000 + range of improvements being undertaken at the circuit to benefit drivers, spectators and track users.
A further 400 metres of three layer armco has been installed along Farm Straight and into Old Paddock Bend as part of the MSA's (the sport's governing body) three year plan to see the whole circuit upgraded to a three layer system.
In addition, contractors have put the finishing touches to additional debris fence at Tower Corner giving additional protection to spectators.Spectator facilities are also improved at Quarry Corner with additional concrete based terracing. Land recently purchased adjacent to Quarry will be transformed from an overgrown woodland into a picturesque nature reserve and picnic area.
Drivers will be experiencing Grand Prix style starts for 2004 and beyond. The circuit, working closely with its sponsors, Lux Traffic Controls of Malmesbury, will be one of the first in the UK to install Grand Prix style start lights, following a change in MSA Regulations regarding start procedures.
Competitors will be also be able to enjoy additional showers with the opening of three more units in the paddock.
Strawford said "As well as the new press centre, we have concentrated this winter on many detailed improvements to enhance the Castle Combe experience, whether you are a driver, spectator or a track user. The considerable investment we are making in bringing events such as the British GT's and F3 plus our new Superbike initiative to the West Country will, we hope, generate additional revenue we can plough back into further improvements. We therefore go into 2004 in an optimistic mood".
Click here for the Castle Combe Circuit web site - designed and built by Racecar
