SCOTLAND'S KNOCKHILL TRACK GEARS UP FOR BRITAIN'S TOP RACE
CHAMPIONSHIP
The countdown has begun: there are now little more than two
weeks to run before the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship
(BTCC) headlines at Scotland's premier motor racing venue
of Knockhill on Sunday 3 September. It is the only time this
year that Britain's biggest motor racing championship - watched
by millions on ITV1 - will race at the picturesque Fife circuit.
Knockhill is always one of the most popular tracks on the
BTCC calendar, thanks to a combination of its unique setting,
demanding lay-out and spectator viewing - it is located on
the side of a hill with stunning views overlooking the surrounding
countryside and Forth estuary; the circuit's dips, rises,
blind brows and off-camber corners make it a spectacular challenge
for the drivers; spectators not only get closer to the action
than at any other circuit but the excellent viewing areas
mean it is possible to see large sections of the lap.
And Knockhill this year comes at a crucial stage in the BTCC
title race. Matt Neal, the reigning champion, leads the way
and is currently on course to win back-to-back titles. But
chasing him hard are young pretender Colin Turkington and
one of Neal's fellow veterans Jason Plato. Neal and Plato
have both won at Knockhill in the past, while for 24-year-old
Northern Irishman Turkington any trip to Scotland is like
a second home coming - until last year he was a student at
Stirling University. The Scottish crowds will have one of
their own to cheer on - Neal's team-mate Gordon Shedden, from
Dunfermline, who currently lies fifth in the Drivers' championship
thanks to four race wins already this season.
The crowds will also surely give a hero's welcome to arguably
Scotland's most famous motor sporting name - former World
Rally Champion Colin McRae, who will be making guest appearances
in the supporting Porsche Carrera Cup GB series.
Adding to the prestige of race day, Knockhill's BTCC action
will receive live national television coverage on ITV1. The
event's profile this year will be raised even further with
a spectacular BTCC road show in Edinburgh - British Touring
Cars Live: Edinburgh - on Thursday 31 August when the leading
teams and drivers demonstrate their cars to the city centre
crowds along Johnston Terrace next to the city's world-famous
Castle.
BTCC Series Director Alan Gow says: "Nowhere does the
BTCC receive a better welcome than in Scotland. The public
realise this is their only chance of the year to see the BTCC
in action and there is always a huge race day crowd that turns
out to support the teams, drivers and sponsors. Knockhill
might mean a long journey for the majority of those working
in the BTCC paddock, but all value the weekend tremendously.
"The circuit is like no other in terms of lay-out and
location - both are stunning. It is a tremendous challenge
for the drivers and the crowds probably not only get closer
to the cars at Knockhill than any other circuit but also see
the drivers pushing their cars to the absolute limit. At most
race meetings, my role limits me to a position in race control,
but at Knockhill I always make an exception and head out to
take a look.
"The Knockhill paddock on BTCC race weekend is also
an extremely enjoyable place to be - again, the public's knowledge
and enthusiasm is second to none and very much appreciated
by the teams.
"Our open paddock policy and Pit Lane Walkabout sessions
that are included in the ticket price mean the public, including
many families and young children, can meet the drivers for
autographs, photos and give-aways. The BTCC very much looks
forward to meeting the crowds at Knockhill on 3 September."
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