Thruxton fired up for race thrills on two wheels and four

HAMPSHIRE’S family-friendly Thruxton circuit, the fastest in Britain, is fired up for a sensational month with a spectacular double bill of high octane action on two wheels and four.

First comes the two-wheel aces of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli setting the rubber-burning scene at the track near Andover this weekend (2nd-5th August), organised by the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC).

Then comes the circuit’s second visit this year by the stars of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) – currently led by BMW’s Colin Turkington - the country’s biggest motorsport series, on 16th-18th August, for an action replay of their first visit of the season back in May.

That delivered motoring thrills and spills aplenty, doorhandle-to-doorhandle duels and seven different podium-finishers, underscoring its famously close-fought and unpredictable nature.

With the title battle reaching fever pitch, the racing looks set to be even more on-the-edge with 30 of the world’s pre-eminent tin-top protagonists all disputing the same piece of tarmac, guaranteeing fireworks.

This weekend’s British Superbike Championship running from today (Friday) until Sunday is Thruxton’s busiest race meeting of the year, with a capacity field of beefed-up production bikes tackling the track’s legendary curves at speeds approaching 200mph – mere inches apart.

Piloted by some of the world’s most talented riders – including former MotoGP podium-finisher Scott Redding and local favourite Tommy Bridewell from Devizes – the spectacle of almost 30 Superbikes slipstreaming one another through the Hampshire circuit’s flat-out sweepers is always an awe-inspiring sight.

Indeed, more than anywhere else, Thruxton truly showcases the BSB heroes’ supreme skill, pinpoint precision and razor-sharp reactions.

Thruxton operations manager Pat Blakeney says: “August certainly promises to be a busy and tremendously exciting month for all of us here. There’s no question that BSB and the BTCC are the UK’s two major motor racing series, so fans are in for a real treat with both of them dropping by in the next few weeks – a double bill of fast-paced entertainment.

“As a track, Thruxton always brings the best out of competitors, demanding maximum commitment and favouring the brave. To succeed here, you need to be smooth, consistent and precise, with absolute focus and nerves of steel and be willing to push the limits without overstepping them – and the ultimate winners are always the fans.”

Advance tickets for the BSB race meeting are available from just £5 for Friday (free practice), £13 for Saturday (qualifying) and £29 for Sunday (race day).

All those purchasing (or who have already purchased) advance race day, advance weekend or advance family tickets will be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a unique and exclusive pillion ride around the track on race day.

Advance tickets for the BTCC event are on sale from £13 for Saturday (qualifying) and £29 for Sunday (race day). All those purchasing (or who have already purchased) advance race day, advance weekend or advance family tickets will be in with a chance of waving the chequered flag at the end of the first race.

Accompanied children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge on both occasions. Camping costs £6 per person per night.