Forget Formula One. Touring Cars is where the action’s at, says Ben Barry
Just back from Brands Hatch after watching the British Touring Car Championship. What a day – three races packed with some of the closest tin-top racing I’ve seen since the BTCC glory days of the late ’80s to mid ’90s. Jason Plato stormed to victory in the Seat during the first two rounds, Matt Neal took his all-new Civic to the chequered flag for the third bout. With a view of nearly all the track from Paddock Hill Bend, I hardly knew where to look.
It made for a startling contrast with watching F1 at Silverstone last year. The carnival pre-race atmosphere was incredible, but the racing was almost bewildering and I soon lost track of driver positions and, well, just lost interest. Formula One is best left to a lazy Sunday in front of the TV, I reckon.
Not so the BTCC. After a few years in the doldrums, it appears to be back to its door-banging best – even if some drivers do appear to be making up the numbers. If you can, get along to see it.