British GT Champsionship at Donnington

[MikeGTi]

I'm heading to the British GT at Donnington this weekend, it's my first time at a BGT race and first trip to Donnington: Does anyone have any tips for a first timer regarding good places to watch or places to avoid, is grandstand worth it, etc?

[FredericRobinson]

I wouldn’t pay extra for the grandstand, take a deckchair and wander about a bit, the bank in front of the grandstand is a good place to start though

[WonkeyDonkey]

Last time I went the grandstand tickets were available on the day for £10.

Don't usually bother with grandstand but it was a nice day and I was with my 6 year old son so he appreciated not being forced to walk round constantly!

[Truckosaurus]

The BGT race should be long enough that you can wander around and watch from several different corners.

Make sure to visit the paddock and look at the cars close up.

[Sebring440]

MikeGTi said:

I'm heading to the British GT at Donnington this weekend, it's my first time at a BGT race and first trip to Donnington: Does anyone have any tips for a first timer regarding good places to watch or places to avoid, is grandstand worth it, etc?

Don't type "Donnington" into your sat-nav though, 'cos you'll end up down near Newbury!

[MikeGTi]

Sebring440 said:

Don't type "Donnington" into your sat-nav though, 'cos you'll end up down near Newbury!

Had a former colleague make that mistake... she was 'somewhat late' to her meeting

Thanks for the tips so far all!

[bergclimber34]

Dont be too stuck in the pits etc, take the time and walk the track, the McLeans area is superb for views and the airport!!

[VladD]

Take warm clothing. It's on the top of a hill and there can be a cold wind.

[FredericRobinson]

Long queues to get into Donington this morning, looks like the weather is encouraging a big crowd

[bergclimber34]

Was warm yesterday, but cold aswell, ridiculous money on show, the money these teams spend on tyres is astonishing!! nice and dry and cars were quick. Hate queuing, glad I went yest!!

[FredericRobinson]

Queues more down to car parking being badly managed than the number of people, still a decent turn out though

Edited by FredericRobinson on Sunday 6th April 11:03

[bergclimber34]

To be fair anything more than a couple of thousand seems to cause an issue there, it does not help having a very popular bike stop where the old entrance was. And obviously a sodding great airport which is basically a cargo port too.

Quite honestly how they ever ran big events there in the past is beyond me, I used to do the biker GP there, and used to be charging for the car on the last lap!! I also recall being kept in the car park for hours during the RAC rally in about 94/5,. peak Colin while they let ALL the competitoirs out and very few spec cars, utterly ridiculous

[FredericRobinson]

My peak Donington parking experience was an early 2000s MotoGP when I got back to my car at about 4.30 and left the circuit at nearly 11, after, eventually, the police had stepped in, taken over the traffic management, and got them to open up the track, so at least I got to do half a lap.

[bergclimber34]

How on earth they cope with Download I have no idea, 80k people, it must be horrific.