Thruxton

[Stuart]

One of my lads has recently moved to Hampshire, so we're gonna attend the BTCC meet at Thruxton on 4th June.  Never been to Thruxton before so a question for those who know it; is it vital to get a grandstand seat or are there good places to watch around the circuit?  Thanks, S

[jonjh1964]

10 minutes ago, Stuart said:

One of my lads has recently moved to Hampshire, so we're gonna attend the BTCC meet at Thruxton on 4th June.  Never been to Thruxton before so a question for those who know it; is it vital to get a grandstand seat or are there good places to watch around the circuit?  Thanks, S

There are grass banks around North/West of the circuit, we normally watch from close to Campbell/Cobb, it's a 5-10 mins walk to the paddock and for BTCC there's usually a large screen on the inside of the circuit there on race days.

[Blatman]

Went once for a BTCC meet back in the early noughties and haven't been back since despite it being my closest track! Unless they have changed it, the only place worth watching is the final chicane. Everywhere else you're quite a long from the track and at those speeds, your view looks more like a Jackson Pollock smear than cars going past. Spend the ticket money on getting a Now TV sports pass, some beer and burgers then watch the TV from the end of the garden whilst bbq-ing... 

Sorry  

[Glen_I]

@Blatmanpretty much summed it up!!!

 

It's a circuit very close to me and in fact you can hear the action from my brothers garden but we hardly go.

 

I do believe they have opened a new area for viewing so by all means take a look but I'm certain you still won't be walking the entire perimeter. 

 

 

[Mark Stanton]

I would concur with the venerable Blatman ................ been once, never again.   Possibly one of the worst circuits for spectating 

[Stuart]

Hmmm. Didn't expect that. No good even in grandstand? 

[Glen_I]

I've always sat on the bank to view the right then left hand (Campbell and Cobbs).

 

To be honest we've all painted a terrible picture in your head so it can't get no worse and to be fair I've not been for years.

When something is on your doorstep you tend not to go often......at least that's how it is for me.

 

You lad lives locally now so go make a day off it.

[Alan Cutler (Adge) - Dorset AO]

Living in the SW it’s our nearest circuit for BTCC. Each to his own, but as Jon say’s we find the banking at Campbell/Cobb provides a good vantage point. Goes without saying you can’t get the atmosphere particularly the true sound of the cars on TV IMHO.

Looking forward to a weekend visit for the Classic Sports Car Club meeting beginning of May.

My respectful suggestion would be to go and see for yourself, just be aware it will be very busy BTCC weekend!

[Stuart]

Thanks for the comments all. Much appreciated. We will indeed go have a look for ourselves and now have a good idea where to head for. 

[jonjh1964]

A picture paints 1,000 words

[Blatman]

12 hours ago, Alan Cutler (Adge) - Dorset AO said:

Goes without saying you can’t get the atmosphere particularly the true sound of the cars on TV IMHO.

 

Fair point, although quality of the sound depends on so much else these days with HD/4K broadcasts, along with the tolerance levels of the neighbours if the 5.1 gets cranked up...

And my comments were definitely focused on the live viewing quality, completely ignoring the atmosphere/sounds/smells of being there. BUT, compared to a regular club racing day sat at Quarry at Castle Combe, I don't think Thruxton can match that. But paddock walks, concessions and the general "event" would definitely be a factor for the BTCC, especially if one has never been to a BTCC event before.

[Jim RS]

I quite like Thruxton but should think it struggles with high public attendance. 

My favourite viewing point is the grandstands at Club, although I can see these being expensive and oversubscribed for BTCC, door handle stuff should be great there.

[Stuart]

@Jim RS extra 15 quid for a grandstand seat and will doubtless be rammed as you say......