Shaun Hollamby will be going all out this weekend as the British Touring Car Championship circus roles in to his local circuit – Brands Hatch.
The Orpington based driver made his BTCC debut at Thruxton driving a VW Golf and is hoping for plenty of local support this weekend.
“More and more big sports seem to be pushing people further and further away, whereas the BTCC is actually bringing fans closer and closer. This Sunday is a huge draw for hardened and even casual motor sport fans but also anyone looking for a great day out. Show me another sport at this level which actually sets time aside for the people paying to come through the gate to meet the stars of the show.
“Motor sport is always exciting and the BTCC always ticks every box when it comes to close and competitive action. And what you have at Brands as well is a fantastic backdrop for all that. The natural amphitheatre at Brands makes it quite gladiatorial – for the spectators it's a bit like the Romans going to watch at the Coliseum as they are lined around a natural bowl, pretty close to the action and able to see across to the other side.
“This weekend we're on the longer Grand Prix circuit with the added run out into the forest section which always adds a bit more intrigue for the spectators watching back near the start-finish line. Brands also always puts on a fine show for its crowds and the giant TV screens in place this weekend will add to the atmosphere.”
Looking ahead to the weekend Hollamby admits he has been visiting Brands Hatch since he was very young and taking part in the BTCC has been a lifelong dream. “I've been going to Brands since I was a toddler. I watched the Formula 1 Grands Prix there but the BTCC was always just as popular. So it's a very big deal for me to be racing in the BTCC at Brands. It's massive and I want to put on a good show for all those people watching.”
Tickets are still available for this weekend and are priced at £12 of the Saturday and £29 on Sunday for adults, free entry for children aged 12 and under. Visit www.brandshatch.co.uk or call 0870 950 9000 for information and tickets.
Photo credit: Vince Pettit Photography
