Can you tell me where to start watching?
Discussion
My children have finally got to an age where they would be interested to taste "motorsport" with me but I don't know what is on offer and what might be fun.
We live in Central London and a 2-3 hour drive would be fine.
What is action packed, not to expensive for 3-5 people and not to far away?
Which circuits are in my part of the world (Brands Hatch obviously)?
What series or type of racing is worth starting with?
All thoughts gratefully received?
LAW
We live in Central London and a 2-3 hour drive would be fine.
What is action packed, not to expensive for 3-5 people and not to far away?
Which circuits are in my part of the world (Brands Hatch obviously)?
What series or type of racing is worth starting with?
All thoughts gratefully received?
LAW
pablo said:
try to find out when either the caterhams are at brands because its always close racing and thats probably going to hold their interest. either that or something else that is one make like minis?!?
+1Just noticed LAW, 31 posts in 81 months, that's some championship winning lurking!
From my experience of taking my kids motor racing, I'd suggest short races where the cars can easily be told apart by more than just the number. My lot found the BTTC (equivalent) boring but the support races great fun.
Perhaps Ginetta? The Tuscan Challenge (of course).
Brands Indy circuit is good for them as they can see the whole of the circuit mostly. You can get quite close at Druids infield as well.
Take them into the paddock (but keep them close) to see the cars and drivers. I found some of the teams extremely helpful and pleasant to kids.
And don't try to stop them if they want to go on the swings. The noise soon drags them back.
Silvestone is a bit less spectator friendly but chose your race carefully and you can wander through the pits.
Going a bit further afield means that the kids can sleep on the way back home. I used to live in Hextable, five minutes drive from Brands, and my kids were always buzzing when we got home. Silverstone gave them time to sleep off all the bouncy bits.
Perhaps Ginetta? The Tuscan Challenge (of course).
Brands Indy circuit is good for them as they can see the whole of the circuit mostly. You can get quite close at Druids infield as well.
Take them into the paddock (but keep them close) to see the cars and drivers. I found some of the teams extremely helpful and pleasant to kids.
And don't try to stop them if they want to go on the swings. The noise soon drags them back.
Silvestone is a bit less spectator friendly but chose your race carefully and you can wander through the pits.
Going a bit further afield means that the kids can sleep on the way back home. I used to live in Hextable, five minutes drive from Brands, and my kids were always buzzing when we got home. Silverstone gave them time to sleep off all the bouncy bits.
Up in the stands at Rockingham you can see 'all' (only missing a very small section behind the scrutineering garages) of the track, or on top of the pitlane garages... ooh, and there will be three classes of Caterham racing there this weekend 
- as well as Pickup Truck Racing (on the oval)
- Formula Renault
- BMW saloons
- Sports saloons
- Sports 1600's
- Legends (always worth watching & second only to Caterhams
)
(not sure who is on which days above is from the Rockingham website)
Rockingham generally produces some excellent slipstreaming battles across the line and looks like there will be plenty of different cars & speeds.
If you wanted to get closer to the action (without kids) then I understand that there is a possible shortage of marshalls... so don the orange and watch from trackside!)
- as well as Pickup Truck Racing (on the oval)
- Formula Renault
- BMW saloons
- Sports saloons
- Sports 1600's
- Legends (always worth watching & second only to Caterhams
)(not sure who is on which days above is from the Rockingham website)
Rockingham generally produces some excellent slipstreaming battles across the line and looks like there will be plenty of different cars & speeds.
If you wanted to get closer to the action (without kids) then I understand that there is a possible shortage of marshalls... so don the orange and watch from trackside!)
I know is a bit in advance but bring them along to Brands Hatch on 12/13th July.
Pistonheads very own Racingpete will be there - racing a Ginetta G20 - and I'm sure would welcome any help.
Get the kids involved, even if it's just cleaning a little bit of the car, they will love it.
When they watch the race they will have 'their' car to cheer on.
Word of warning thou' - if they get hooked it will cost you a fortune in the long run!
Pistonheads very own Racingpete will be there - racing a Ginetta G20 - and I'm sure would welcome any help.
Get the kids involved, even if it's just cleaning a little bit of the car, they will love it.
When they watch the race they will have 'their' car to cheer on.
Word of warning thou' - if they get hooked it will cost you a fortune in the long run!
Ill second Santa Pod, I have taken up my 8 year old nephew and 6 year old neices and they all enjoyed it. Definitely head for the Main Event (23rd - 26th May) or Euro Finals (4th - 7th September) that is the when it all happens. 8000bhp, 300+ mph, 0 - 100 mph is nothing to be taken lightly !!
I'd also recommend Brands, at most of the big meetings WTCC, A1GP, DTM etc there is a childrens area with some fairground rides and stuff. The food is good and not badly priced and mainly the toilets aren't too bad.
The Indi circuit is also not too bad a walk and if you pay the extra and park on the bank opposite the back of the pit lane you can be next to your car so less distance to drag food, toys etc., shelter if the weather is nasty and somewhere for (you?!) the kids to have a kip in the afternoon!
Make sure you get decent ear protection for the kids though and make sure they understand why they have to wear it.
I hate seeing kids in obvious distress because of the noise and it's very easy to damage a child's hearing.
If you do A1GP (beginning of May), these cars were very very loud and quite high pitched last year.
The Indi circuit is also not too bad a walk and if you pay the extra and park on the bank opposite the back of the pit lane you can be next to your car so less distance to drag food, toys etc., shelter if the weather is nasty and somewhere for (you?!) the kids to have a kip in the afternoon!
Make sure you get decent ear protection for the kids though and make sure they understand why they have to wear it.
I hate seeing kids in obvious distress because of the noise and it's very easy to damage a child's hearing.
If you do A1GP (beginning of May), these cars were very very loud and quite high pitched last year.
Brands is the obvious one as you'll have plenty of choice plus some other things (shops, stands etc) to keep the kids entertained between races.
But also check out Lydden in Kent. Racing there will be at least as good as at Brands and whilst you won't have the big championships there it's cheap to enter and very accessible - you can wander the paddock, poke around the cars and chat to the drivers, and walk the entire circumference of the circuit (which offers pretty much 100% viewing all round).
http://www.lyddenhill.co.uk/
It's an hour and a half from central London (plus you won't have to sit in traffic like you would for Touring Cars at Brands!).
But also check out Lydden in Kent. Racing there will be at least as good as at Brands and whilst you won't have the big championships there it's cheap to enter and very accessible - you can wander the paddock, poke around the cars and chat to the drivers, and walk the entire circumference of the circuit (which offers pretty much 100% viewing all round).
http://www.lyddenhill.co.uk/
It's an hour and a half from central London (plus you won't have to sit in traffic like you would for Touring Cars at Brands!).
something to bear in mind - Brands tends to be adults pay (cost varies depending on the meeting - club meeting like the 750mc is £10-£12 - the British F3/GT is £16-20) but kids under 12 go free
and its cheaper to book your tickets in advance
Rockingham seems to be the same - but its kids under 15 go free.
and its cheaper to book your tickets in advance
Rockingham seems to be the same - but its kids under 15 go free.
Law_kenuk said:
My children have finally got to an age where they would be interested to taste "motorsport" with me but I don't know what is on offer and what might be fun.
We live in Central London and a 2-3 hour drive would be fine.
What is action packed, not to expensive for 3-5 people and not to far away?
Which circuits are in my part of the world (Brands Hatch obviously)?
What series or type of racing is worth starting with?
All thoughts gratefully received?
LAW
The 750 motor clob are racing at brands hatch this weekend. (19-20th April)We live in Central London and a 2-3 hour drive would be fine.
What is action packed, not to expensive for 3-5 people and not to far away?
Which circuits are in my part of the world (Brands Hatch obviously)?
What series or type of racing is worth starting with?
All thoughts gratefully received?
LAW
£12/£10advance to get in
about 9 different series racing from RGB to stock hatch to MGB V8s
You can wander round the paddock and talk to the racers, getting up close and personal with all the machinery too.
I'll be racing there on the sat and sun, pop over and say Hi.
You can mail me throuh PH if you want any more info.
Dan
Blatant plug for my still not updated blog: www.racing-dan.blogspot.com
pablo said:
try to find out when either the caterhams are at brands because its always close racing and thats probably going to hold their interest. either that or something else that is one make like minis?!?
Graduates (3 classes of Caterhams) are racing there on the weekend of the 7th and 8th of June along with Formula Fords, MX5s, BMWs, MGs, Clubmans and Healeys.Gassing Station | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff