BTCC - Brands Hatch (Kent), Rounds 1-3, 1-Apr-07

[Sodemo]

I seem to recall the TVR's were part of the support package in 2000, that is if memory serves...

By the way, does anyone have crowd figures from last weekend vs last year's opener and or brands 2006 event?

[touringlegend]

Just back from my first visit to Brands Hatch (and London) and I must say I'm impressed, I wish all circuits were turned out to the same standard as MSV do to Brands. A lot of security and other workers, such as litter pickers walking about which definitely makes a difference to the experience. All we need now is fully seated, and covered in from that terrible chill of a wind!


Plato didn't dissapoint me this weekend, 2 races is probably the best anyone can manage to win usually these days, and that's a good solid start to his season. It's a pity Darren Turner wasn't up there with him to help the Seat points tally.

But then that shows I guess that the championship is more competitive this year, whereas last year Seat had a big advantage at Brands, this year it didn't seem that much. Which might not bode well for other circuits.

BMW's, now I didn't expect them to do so well and Mat Jackson, well done to him, what a debut in the "proper" BTCC. I think he could well be a thorn in the 4 big teams sides this season. I smell a porky that he didn't see the flag in R1, I was at Paddock for that and every time the car hit the bottom of the track it was always letting out a puff of smoke, what it was I don't know.

From the trackside there does seem to be a group of drivers who don't seem 100% on it all the time, most of them being the BTC spec cars. For them, such as Blanckley, Pocklington I presume they haven't really had much time in the car so far. I did expect the Alfa's to have a better showing, then again a new team learning a new car.

And I couldn't not mention Rick Kerry's BMW 120d. That is an eery sound from a car, a simple whistle. Who said diesels were dirty and noisy ?

[Sodemo]

The grandstand (Desrie Wilson?) stewards seem to have some obession with making people sit down in their seats, even the guys sitting/standing at the back, which gets rather tiresome after a while.

[Chris Y]

As well as the action 'up front', there was some good midfield battles too. Blanckley, Marsh, Pocklington, George and Leason were having some great battles, which was a nice change from recent years where it's been a scrap for the leading places and everyone else just following the car in front..

[kipper]

Originally Posted by The Monster

I seem to recall the TVR's were part of the support package in 2000, that is if memory serves..

I don't think that the Tuscans were ever a permanent BTCC support, for at the time they mainly featured on the Powertour bill. That said, a number of championships did make occasional appearances with the BTCC to bolster the timetable, with one example being Pick Ups.

[Kidzer]

Originally Posted by touringlegend

Just back from my first visit to Brands Hatch (and London) and I must say I'm impressed, I wish all circuits were turned out to the same standard as MSV do to Brands.

Far better than Knockhill then I guess?

[touringlegend]

Spectator areas, getting around the circuit etc is far better. Atmosphere is no different, but then BH have reason to invest in their facilities, you only need to look at the world/ large championships that visit!

[Knowlesy]

MSV have worked wonders at Brands, it looks fabulous. And that's just on TV!

[Rockmunky]

Definitely, every time i go there it looks better and better. This is in comparison to 2003 when i believe Octagon were in ownership of the circuit. Although, that isnt hard to beat!

Haha, Knowlesy - That avatar us excellent