BTCC @ Thruxton this Sunday..

[Strugs]

Bit of a boring question this, so apologies in advance but thanks for any help!

Going to the BTCC race at Thruxton on Sunday - anyone know what the traffic will be like on the A303 (westbound, from the M3)? First race is at 1100 and we'd like to be there by 10 or so. Thanks!

[jimmyjam]

I'm going on Sunday, first time to Thruxton. Any good spots to head for/avoid?

[Don]

When the BTCC comes to Thruxton it does get busy. Traffic coming *off* the A303 will be fairly humoungous. The 303 itself should move fairly well. You *will* queue to get out but what the hell.

If you aren't in a grandstand seat the best viewing area is at the top of the spectator banking near the Cobb/Segrave complex. Basically turn left from where you get in.

Take binoculars if you have them. From that vantage point you can pretty much see 80-90% of the circuit and can follow the lead cars most of the way round. The Complex is also the scene of many an overtake and racing incident. Its where to be.

For this reason it will be packed out with people. Many of whom will have those little two man tent/shelters making it ferkin' difficult to see around them. Arrive EARLY to bagsie a decent spot right at the top.

Thruxton catering is usually OK. But gourmet it is not. If you don't like eating out of chuckwagons bring a picnic. If you hate queueing - bring a picnic.

Thruxton is a brilliant circuit to drive and not bad to spectate either.

HTH

[mat205125]

Don said:

For this reason it will be packed out with people. Many of whom will have those little two man tent/shelters making it ferkin' difficult to see around them. Arrive EARLY to bagsie a decent spot right at the top.

These are really annoying if you are trying to sit on the grass and spectate ... Luckily the weather will most probably mean that sitting on the grass will be a bit foolish.

[Dancin]

It's a shame that Vauxhall have felt the need to bring in third car with Menu driving!

I know Seat have had do the same but like Plato has said in MSN it's a real shame Vauxhall have caused Seat to follow suit!

[clarkee200]

Maybe its just that the 3rd Vauxhall got leaked earlier than the 3rd Seat?

Neither team are stupid and both want to and know how to win. It was always going to happen.

[Chocmonster]

Vauxhall have used up all of their engine allowance for this season, bringing in another car means that they get to have 4 more just incase.

[Marc W]

I'd definitely recommend arrive as early as possible, as well as finding a good spot, the pit walk takes place at around 9:30am (although they have been known to let people in early.) Worthwhile if you've not been before, the top teams can get rather crowded but the teams lower down the grid will have more space and are often friendlier anyway!

With Binoculars you can see a large amount of the circuit from the spectator banks near the pit straight, but most of the action takes place at the final Club chicane or up at the complex (Cobb, Seagrave.)

For the first time ever, I've managed to get myself a job as an official photographer for this weekend, really looking forward to it