BTCC at Donington - A Fan's Point of View of the Weekend
Stuart Dean shares his views about the third BTCC weekend of 2008 at Donington.
12-05-2008
The boss at Motorbase, David Bartrum asked if I would like to write a bit about my recent trip to Donington as, it seems I am a 'well-travelled touring car spectator'!
I must admit I have been to a few race meetings, mainly in the southern part of the country. Not been to Croft or Knockhill yet.
Donington usually puts on some good touring car races, and this year I think was now exception. The top teams seem to have most of it their own way with Vauxhall, Seat and team Halfords dominating most of the races. Steven Kane in the Motorbase BMW has started to show what a good driver he can be, as he did when raced in F3 a couple of years ago.
In some way the weather played a major role in the outcome of the races at the weekend, light showers are not the best conditions to race in, but it does make for entertaining racing for the spectator.
I watched the first race at the bottom of the Craner Curves, and witnessed the Chilton and Jackson 'accident'. And that is what it was! A racing accident! It was a shame that Jackson showed his immaturity when he started having a go at Chilton. Mind you it was entertaining for us watching it!
As I say I have been to Donington before and every time something seems to change. I even remember the trees that used to be in the centre. Ideal for sheltering against the wind that now blows through the circuit.
Anyway, this year I didn't understand the 'Grandstands' along the main straight! Why couldn't we sit in them? Must have made a terrific site on the TV.
All those empty stands! What a good advert for the popularity of the championship?
Which I must add is showing a great up-turn considering it's feeble re-birth in 2001!
Even tempted to visit the next round at Thruxton.
Is that okay Mr Bartrum? Can I have a free ticket now?
