Wednesday 28th March 2012

Knockhill gets into reverse gear

Scottish circuit heads in a new direction with new anti-clockwise running

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Best not to run clockwise and anti-clockwise at the same time, guys...

Ever looked at a racing track and wondered what it would be like to drive in the opposite direction? The people at Knockhill obviously have, because for this season the Fife circuit has been granted a licence to run events in an anti-clockwise direction.

You're going the wrong way...

That doesn't mean an end to racing on the traditional Knockhill layout - the circuit says we can expect around a quarter of their on-track activity to be on the reverse layout over the next few years.

"We have had very occasional use of the circuit in this format in the 70s and 80s, but this is the biggest single change of use in the 28 years that I have owned it," explains circuit owner Derek Butcher. "Building a new track from scratch is no longer a viable option due to the financial implications, so this is being creative with our existing resources. It's a cost-effective option to give Scotland a new track".

The track's MD Jillian Shedden adds: "Whilst we have had to invest a six-figure sum to change the safety infrastructure, this is a fantastic development for Knockhill and motorsport enthusiasts across the UK as it effectively means there is a completely new track available.

...oh, wait...

"Everyone at the circuit has worked incredibly hard to ensure we had the licence ready in time for the season launch," she adds. "It is an exciting time for the circuit and we look forward to peoples' reactions - both professionals and amateurs - after they have experienced the new track."

The new licence makes it the only major circuit in the UK with the ability to run events in either direction, with action on the 'new' layout from May onwards.

BTCC ace Gordon Shedden has described driving the chicane backwards as being a lot like Laguna Seca's infamous Corkscrew corner. Sounds like fun...

[Mork of Ork]

It's like real life Gran Turismo, the Knockhill reverse circuit.

[MagicalTrevor]

Eau Rouge in reverse

[CBR JGWRR]

MagicalTrevor said:

Eau Rouge in reverse

That would be interesting...

[S2000Etype]

Now I would like to see the BTCC do one race clockwise and one race anyiclockwise on the same day. I bet that would shake them up.

[srob]

Don't the armco barriers usually overlap 'directionally' to allow safety vehicles access between?

[eps]

srob said:

Don't the armco barriers usually overlap 'directionally' to allow safety vehicles access between?

I take it you didn't read the article??

"The track's MD Jillian Shedden adds: "Whilst we have had to invest a six-figure sum to change the safety infrastructure, this is a fantastic development for Knockhill and motorsport enthusiasts across the UK as it effectively means there is a completely new track available"

[srob]

eps said:

srob said:

Don't the armco barriers usually overlap 'directionally' to allow safety vehicles access between?

I take it you didn't read the article??

"The track's MD Jillian Shedden adds: "Whilst we have had to invest a six-figure sum to change the safety infrastructure, this is a fantastic development for Knockhill and motorsport enthusiasts across the UK as it effectively means there is a completely new track available"

Just wondered how they'd do it, that's all.

Every track I've ever been to has used the overlapping system; I assume they've got something different. If they're gates they'd have to be very heavy duty, and able to be opened very quickly!

[chris7676]

Sounds fun, it's a great circuit anyway.
I'm awaiting trackdays with clockwise mornings and anticlockwise afternoons

[mike325112]

S2000Etype said:

Now I would like to see the BTCC do one race clockwise and one race anyiclockwise on the same day. I bet that would shake them up.

Now that sounds like a great idea! A PITA to organise but great fun all the same.

[EDLT]

Mork of Ork said:

It's like real life Gran Turismo, the Knockhill reverse circuit.

I always thought it was a bit of a rip-off in Gran Turismo. "OVER 20 TRACKS!" meant 10 tracks that you can run in reverse and the Nurburgring.

[Terzo123]

The gravel trap at the end of straight will be getting a few more visitors with this set up.

It will make for exciting veiwing, a long down hill straight into a tight left hand hairpin bend.

[monthefish]

What's the point in investing a 6-figure sum for "around a quarter of their on-track activity to be on the reverse layout over the next few years"

[telecat]

The thought of somebody going off then having to "look" and remember which way to rejoin the track.......

[kaliber]

Very smart thinking! Anyone know if there is a video doing the rounds showing what its like?

[binnerboy]

great idea as it is considerably cheaper than creating a new track. Lets hope other circuits do this and effectively double the amount of tracks to drive in the UK. for those that do track days they could alternate direction for each consecutive trackday.

[woof]

I'd thought it always had, had a licence to run in either direction.

[Don Veloci]

mike325112 said:

S2000Etype said:

Now I would like to see the BTCC do one race clockwise and one race anyiclockwise on the same day. I bet that would shake them up.

Now that sounds like a great idea! A PITA to organise but great fun all the same.

Could be a great gimmick for selected rounds of a championship (BTCC for example) for those tracks that can accommodate it.

Aside from modified crash structure and run offs it's no more a pain than extra grid lines and lights. There are no traditional pits there for track entry and exit to be much different. I don't think the likes of marshall posts and camera mounts would need to change per direction of race.

I guess track days will get the first go and one of more of the Scottish championships will get encouraged to try it.

[Frimley111R]

Why would you need a license to drive the other round?

[Prancing Hippo]

srob said:

eps said:

srob said:

Don't the armco barriers usually overlap 'directionally' to allow safety vehicles access between?

I take it you didn't read the article??

"The track's MD Jillian Shedden adds: "Whilst we have had to invest a six-figure sum to change the safety infrastructure, this is a fantastic development for Knockhill and motorsport enthusiasts across the UK as it effectively means there is a completely new track available"

Just wondered how they'd do it, that's all.

Every track I've ever been to has used the overlapping system; I assume they've got something different. If they're gates they'd have to be very heavy duty, and able to be opened very quickly!

Got me wondering now as well.... Anyone know?

[DanDC5]

CBR JGWRR said:

MagicalTrevor said:

Eau Rouge in reverse

That would be interesting...

More fun going the right way, I tried it on GT5