Crowds of up to 25,000 motor fans packed into Rockingham Motor Speedway for the British Touring Car Championship at the weekend. The two-day event is part of Britain’s biggest motor racing championship and was Rockingham’s flagship event during its 10th anniversary year.
British motor racing star Lewis Hamilton was among the spectators at the track on Saturday and yesterday to watch his brother Nicolas take part in the racing.
Among the several thousand fans was Mark Barber, 28, of Northampton. He said: “I go to see the touring cars quite regularly and it’s good to have it so close to home at this event.”
Kevin Clarke, 51, of Finedon, attended the event with his father, who was celebrating his birthday. He said, “It’s the first time I’ve been to Rockingham and the first time that I’ve seen the touring cars. My father has always been interested in motor sports so the tickets were a birthday present for him, but I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Aside from the racing there was also plenty of entertainment, including a performance by the RAF Falcons parachute display team and a visit from children’s television favourite Roary the Racing Car.
Sarah Neal, 32, travelled from Bourne, in Lincolnshire, with her 11-year-old son, Tyler, and his two young cousins to watch the touring cars. She said, “It’s the first time I’ve been to Rockingham. We came because one of my friends works with Nicolas Hamilton. There is a nice family atmosphere and there is plenty for children, and all the family to enjoy.”