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12-13 June
The BTCC has been visiting Snetterton in Norfolk for over 50 years, and in that time the track has undergone a number of layout changes. Most recently, a significant investment saw the circuit extended into the ‘300’ layout used by the championship today, which includes two of the longest straights in the country.
Drawing inspiration from iconic motor sport corners such as Monza’s Parabolica and the Montreal Hairpin, it certainly offers some fantastic viewing for spectators – all of whom enjoy the mid-summer carnival atmosphere, with its July date and first-class camping making for a popular family weekend.
26-27 June
A natural amphitheatre offering unrivalled views of the action from various vantage points, Brands Hatch is known as one of Britain’s best-loved motor racing circuits. Its unique combination of dips, cambers, fearsome corners and hills means it is still one of the world’s most renowned racing venues. The BTCC has been going to Brands Hatch since the series began back in 1958.
31 Jul - 01 Aug
One of the most popular events on the BTCC calendar, Oulton Park in Cheshire is as picturesque as it is action-packed. The track was first developed over 60 years ago – built into the natural contours of the landscape – and the BTCC has been visiting for the vast majority of that time.
Occupying an ideal summer spot in June, the circuit regularly attracts huge crowds of more than 40,000 over the course of the race meeting. Oulton Park undoubtedly provides one of the best ‘family atmospheres’ of any BTCC weekend, and in 2013 drivers and team members enjoyed an informal campsite walkabout to meet the fans and soak up the excitement.
14-15 Aug
The BTCC wouldn’t be the same without its annual visit to Scotland. Knockhill is located in Fife, just north of Edinburgh, and BTCC cars first raced there back in 1992. The track is one of the shortest on the calendar at just 1.27 miles, narrow and undulating, and its unique character is loved by fans and racers alike.
Amongst Knockhill’s defining features are the high kerbs that launch the BTCC cars onto two wheels as they try to find passing opportunities and faster lap times. This makes for some fantastic chances for keen photographers as well as a tough challenge for the engineers, who have to set up the cars to deal with the undulations Knockhill presents.
28-29 Aug
With the highest average speed of any circuit visited by the BTCC, Thruxton in Hampshire undoubtedly provides some of the biggest thrills and spills in motor sport.
Thruxton was originally a wartime airfield. Commissioned in 1941, the airfield was host to both the RAF and USAF and played a major part in the D-Day landings as a base for troop-carrying aircraft and gliders.
18-19 Sep
Close to the urban centres of Darlington, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and York, Croft Circuit brings the BTCC to the northeast of England and thousands of passionate race fans. Though a relatively recent returnee to the BTCC calendar in the late nineties, the 2.1-mile circuit has been developed for over 50 years into a top-flight racing venue.
Coming just before the ‘summer break’, Croft is always a pivotal round as teams seek to pull out an advantage over their rivals before mid-season testing commences. Traditionally a track that favours rear-wheel drive machinery, the North Yorkshire venue is renowned for its challenging, technical nature. Indeed, it is often regarded as the truest all-round test on the BTCC calendar.
25-26 Sep
Silverstone is one of the most famous racing circuits in the world, and the BTCC utilises the short National Circuit layout to maximise the action for fans, all of whom can enjoy grandstand seating at some of the world’s most famous corners included in their entry ticket price.
Long straights and tight corners make for several overtaking opportunities on every lap, so action is guaranteed throughout the race. Silverstone regularly plays host to some memorable touring car battles as the drivers try to eke out every last second and set themselves up in the strongest possible position going into the unpredictable season finale a few weeks later.
09-10 Oct
The sweeping corners and fast back section always produce great racing, as the Leicestershire venue continues to build on its long and illustrious history. With picturesque views and huge spectator areas, Donington is undoubtedly one of the fans’ favourite places to watch the BTCC. Within striking distance from Birmingham, Derby, Leicester, Nottingham and beyond via easy access to the M1, Donington reaches a huge fan base in the heart of England.
First visited by the BTCC back in 1977, Donington has been the scene of a host of memorable touring car moments – 2013 saw two incredible milestones for Jason Plato and Matt Neal, who surpassed 400 and 500 races respectively.
23-24 Oct
A natural amphitheatre offering unrivalled views of the action from various vantage points, Brands Hatch is known as one of Britain’s best-loved motor racing circuits. Its unique combination of dips, cambers, fearsome corners and hills means it is still one of the world’s most renowned racing venues. The BTCC has been going to Brands Hatch since the series began back in 1958.
The historic Kent race track has seen some spectacular BTCC entertainment over the many years the championship has been visiting, and has been the scene of many a nail-biting finale.