BTCC Brands Hatch

[adstubbs]

A long weekend, especially for those there on the Saturday. I'd just like to say well done to those who were out on the GP loop, especially on post 17, who seemed to have attracted cars in nearly ever session on Saturday. The number of red flags bordered on unbeliveable, and the fact that the day finished nearly two hours behind schedule (as the hour for lunch disappeared, and we were still there till very close to curfew) shows what a disjointed day we all had.

Sunday was better, but it wasn't hard to tell it was the final round of all the championships. I was on Post 4 with a fine group of orange people, and am still thinking about the Clio incident on the first lap of Sunday's race. I can remember seeing a big clump of cars coming into Paddock and thinking that it was never going to end well. Sure enough That's the second weekend in a row I've had cars heading for my bit of Kent at high speed (Two Formula Palmer's at Clark Curve the weekend before), but actually seeing one of them landing on all 4 wheels on the wrong side of the tyre barrier was a new experience. Finding gravel in my bag (which was leaning against the side of the hut) and bits of window glass scattered up the hill as far as the base of the hut drove home how close we had been - a very strong reminder that we need to look after ourselves when we're on the bank.

Can't believe the season's nearly over, this is the first year I've properly planned my weekends trackside and I've enjoyed pretty much all of them, as much for the camaraderie and fun on post as for the racing. I take a lot of pride in being part of this community and knowing that I'm helping the sport I love to continue, and we can all feel proud of our contribution.