British Touring Car Championship returns to Croft, North Yorkshire
The 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) race weekend takes place on Saturday, September 18, and Sunday, September 19.
And advance tickets are now on sale for fans eager to get back to watching their favourite sport beside the track.
Last year government restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the BTCC event had to be held behind closed doors at the North Yorkshire track near Darlington.
But for 2021, they are gearing up to host spectators once again – with restrictions easing, fans are expected back in their thousands when rounds 19, 20 and 21 take place.
After the previous round at Brands Hatch at the end of June, it is former champion Ash Sutton who leads the standings in his Laser Tools-backed Infinity whereby he has scored points in every race this season.
The season is now enjoying a break before battle resumes at Oulton Park later this month.
Local heroes
Irrespective of championship positions arriving at Croft, there is plenty of local interest including Senna Proctor, whose father Tony was a leading light at Croft Rallycross in the 1980s in his mighty Ford Capri, who was quickest at the recent official tyre tests at Oulton Park. The Yorkshireman from Driffield will be hoping he can challenge for a podium at Croft in his BTC Racing Honda Civic.
Newcastle-born Jason Plato is always assured of a warm welcome at Croft and will be hoping for a happy homecoming in the Adrian Flux with Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra, whilst a trio of Scots in the shape of Gordon Shedden, Rory Butcher and Aiden Moffat will be hoping for success as they hop over the border.
In the supporting classes, there are some very good chances of success with local drivers and teams expected to be at the fore.
Scorton driver Max Coates and Northallerton’s Ethan Hammerton will fancy their chances in the Quaife Mini Challenge whilst Teesside-based Redline Racing are front-runners with various drivers in the Porsche classes so should have some silverware to take home.
Advance ticket sales
Tickets to the BTCC’s only north-eastern event of the year can be purchased in advance for a limited period priced at just £12 for Saturday entry (BTCC Qualifying), £28 for Sunday (BTCC Race Day) or £38 for the full weekend.
Accompanied children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge, with tickets for 13-to-15-year-olds beginning at £3. All prices are subject to a booking fee.
Advance ticket sales are available for all meetings - book online at www.croftcircuit.co.uk or for further information, please contact Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 or [email protected].
But before the BTCC comes to town, there are three important club meetings taking place in August and September, including the unique Darlington & DMC-organised Battle of Britain meeting on August 21 and 22 which has been a staple of the Croft calendar since the 1960s.
Advance tickets are available at www.croftcircuit.co.uk
2021 race meeting calendar:
August 7/8 - BARC Car Meeting
August 21/22 - D&DMC Battle of Britain Meeting
September 4/5 - BRSCC Car Meeting
September 18/19 - Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Weekend
October 2/3 - CMRC Bike Meeting