Silverstone BTCC

[joey1]

very much looking forward to Silverstone. the championship has got of to a great start and is poised nicely. the introduction of a new car is always good to see and i think it'll be a good weekend with what looks to be a bumper crowd with special ticket offers??

[CatchMeIfYouCan]

Yeah, can't for Silverstone! Just picked up my free ticket from my local Halfords today. There was a nice big envelope waiting for me with my name on it. Thought it would be a con, but hey presto a free ticket for absolutely nothing - Thanks Halfords! Roll on Silverstone...Prolly a bit early, but does anyone know the weather predictions for the weekend?

[bella]

keep an eye on www.bbc.co.uk/weather and the northampton or buckingham 5 day forecast for a vague idea. not perfectly accurate but pretty good nonetheless.

[Maisie]

For a pinpoint forecast on any circuit use http://www.onlineweather.com/v4/uk/m...ort/index.html

but be prepared for any weather - for the last 2 races both Onlineweather and the BBC have said "cloudy" and it's been scorching!

[axc]

Picking up on this thread (and as a newbie forgive me if I am breaking any rules or conventions) I am hoping to take my boys (4,6 and 9) to Silverstone, we've never been to a BTCC meet before, and I am looking for hints on where to view from and generally what to lookout for when there.

Any clues gratefully appreciated.

TIA

[touringcarnut]

Silverstone's a bit of a bugger for views, lots and lots of fencing. I don't think the fact that it's so flat helps. look at:

http://www.redshoes-racing.com/Track...verstone.shtml

[joey1]

well, silverstone isn't exactley the best for spectating. first of all for the kids get into the pitlane walkabout. this happens in the pitlane before racing. here they can meet the drivers and get posters and goodies etc. then viewing er, maybe the outside of the first corner,(copse) or take a walk to Abbey there will be a map in the programme, or bridge.

[Suzy]

Welcome to the forum axc:

Nice places to view from are Abbey (the chicane often sees overtaking attempts), the Luffield/Woodcote complex (you see Bridge, Brooklands, Luffield and Woodcote and the entrance to the pitlane) or you can go down to Copse (the first corner) where you will see the cars hurtling down the main straight and also the pitlane exit. If you position yourself correctly at Copse you will also see the pitstops themselves.

My preferences are Abbey and the Luffield Complex.

There will be plenty to keep your youngsters occupied during the day - if you go into the paddock there are always people walking around. If they get hungry, there are places to eat indoors - such as the Paddock Restaurant (be warned though: you'll probably need a second mortgage to fund your lunch), as well as the traditional burger vans around the circuit. There will be merchandise stands too if they want mementoes of their day out). I'm sure they'll love it though.

Make sure they take a warm fleece though - Silverstone has a climate all of its own. A t-shirt and a warm fleece should account for most possibilities (and take a raincoat too).

[spanner]

What new car is this?

[joey1]

well new car this season. (Gareth Howell)

[Sim_Da_BTCC_Man]

Originally posted by joey1
first of all for the kids get into the pitlane walkabout. this happens in the pitlane before racing.

Have not checked this year but there may be restrictions to the first few numbers of tickets??

Occasionally if your nice to someone in one of the teams they might let you through one of the garages but I never told you to ask

There is plenty out of the pit complex to get freebie wise with the return of Team Dynamics and Comma, but we are yet to find out.

[Carrie]

Originally posted by Suzy

My preferences are Abbey and the Luffield Complex.

I'll agree with Suzy here, I think she's just named the best viewing places at Silverstone, even if it can be somewhat flat and uninspiring.

[chezza]

I have to say that the complex is probably the best place to see the cars from, plenty of track and they're not going that quickly so the youngsters can see them better!

I'll be there, don't know which post yet though, hope its a good one, near the pits or one that gets some action!

[bella]

wear lots of layers. and bring a brolly. also bring your own drinks such as coke, water etc because it'll save you a bomb especially with the kids.

and go for lunch during the porsche cup races

[chrisgr31]

Anyone know what the programme is for the Sunday? Come to that what about Grandstand availability? Not sure I will bother with a grandstand but it does mean that your seat is guaranteed to be there when you get back.

Although I do tend to abandon my chair on the concrete at the Complex I am always concerned it might not be there when I get back!

I wish Silverstone had an area like South Bank. Its so much easier when you can park the car within sight of the circuit. You know it will be there, there are comfy seats for a snooze in any break, its got a roof if it rains, and of course carries all the provisions nicely, which saves having to lug lunch around all day.

Mind you with the two of s getting entry for £10 suppose I can't complain about Silverstone too much! All I need to do now is persuade the other half of the merits arriving at Silverstne by about 8am to get a good vantage point! Fact we'll have to leave home about 6 perhaps I ought to skim over!

[JR Ewing]

This is the BTCC, not the GP!

[chrisgr31]

Originally posted by JR Ewing
This is the BTCC, not the GP!

True but if Halfords are giving away 50,000 tickets it could be quite busy, especially if the forecast is good! I know a lot of people will have got free tickets but won't bother to go on the day, but even so there should be quite a big turnout.

I hate sitting in traffic queues and can't trust Octagon to open more than one gate! It would be a benefit to know what time the on-track action starts at!

[CatchMeIfYouCan]

I hate sitting in traffic queues and can't trust Octagon to open more than one gate! It would be a benefit to know what time the on-track action starts at! [/B][/QUOTE]

http://www.mst-group.co.uk/timetables/2003/32303.pdf

Hope that works!

[chrisgr31]

Originally posted by CatchMeIfYouCan
I hate sitting in traffic queues and can't trust Octagon to open more than one gate! It would be a benefit to know what time the on-track action starts at!

http://www.mst-group.co.uk/timetables/2003/32303.pdf

Hope that works! [/B][/QUOTE]

It does thanks. A late start so perhaps I'll revise my estimated time of arrival!

[bella]

don't get there too early, you'll die of boredom. and what harm's a small traffic jam...

[ATF]

Will the Luffield grandstand/platform be open to the public like at the BSB rounds earlier this year?

[chezza]

Its open all the time as far as I know!

Its ok for those of you that are going to be able to have late starts, i've gotta sign on from half 7!

[brickkicker]

Its ok for those of you that are going to be able to have late starts, i've gotta sign on from half 7!

Yeah but you havent got to sign on till 9 on the Sunday (but that seems a bit early as you aint got to be on post till 11)

[chezza]

dunno why, I can't find my timetable to work it out either!

Ahh that'll be why, they wanna get us all signed on before the pit walk.

[Quadrifoglio]

Are the free Halfords tickets valid for Saturday? I cant make Sunday but was going to go on Saturday.
For a different perspective I like to view from the outside of Becketts, you dont see the cars for long but they are quick entering Becketts and a lot of people make mistakes and it is the closest physically you can get to the track at Silverstone.