THE Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship heads to Rockingham this weekend (September 22/23) and the Northamptonshire circuit will play a crucial part in the outcome of this seasons title race.Honda Yuasa Racing Team drivers Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden lead the points table with just three rounds of the championship remaining. Jason Plato, who always performs well at Rockingham, occupies the third place spot
Reigning champion Neal will be hoping for a solid performance at Rockingham, to stretch his lead over team-mate Shedden and defend his crown. If Neal is successful he will match Andy Rouses record of four BTCC titles.Neal is not going to have it all his own way, as Shedden will be keen to secure his maiden BTCC title and become the first Scottish driver to win the championship for 17 years, while double-winner Plato is looking to claim his third BTCC crown.Wellingborough racer Jeff Smith is guaranteed to get a warm reception at Rockingham and the Pirtek Racing driver will be out to impress the home crowd by claiming another podium spot following his success at Knockhill last month.Who will win the 2012 title is still anyones guess with a dozen drivers still mathematically in with a shout of becoming BTCC champion, but the atmosphere at Rockingham is guaranteed to be tense as the push for silverware continues.In addition to the BTCC showdown, there will also be races from the Renault Clio Cup, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Ginetta Junior and Ginetta GT Supercup championships, all of feature drivers from the local area.BTCC fans 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 as there will be plenty of off-track entertainment.Away from the racing, pro-stunt driver Craig Jones will be performing his Dunlop Stunt Show on Saturday and Sunday, and there will be a chance to learn from Craig at his bike academy located in the trade stand area.There will also be lots of fun things to do for younger member of the family, including the amazing bungee trampoline, Top Gear Experience race simulator, water zorbing, face painting and bouncy castles.Rockingham lets you get closer to the action than any other circuit with free access to the touring car paddock and pit roof together with a free pit lane walkabout. With the best trackside views of the season, fans wont miss a minute of the action from one of the free grandstand seats which overlook the whole track.
Fans can save up to 20 per cent on adult admission prices by booking in advance before midday on Friday (September 21). Advance tickets cost 30 (weekend); 26 (Sunday race day) and 11 (Saturday qualifying). Tickets can be booked on-line at www.rockingham.co.uk or via the ticket hotline on 01536 500500 and select Option 1.
Rockingham prides itself on providing access to all motorsport fans, children aged 16 and under get in free while those who are registered disabled can apply for a complimentary admission ticket for their carer. Written proof is required.
