Thousands of spectators are set to descend on a North East race circuit as the UK’s biggest car racing series returns this weekend.
Croft Circuit, near Darlington, will host Rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26 - and a huge crowd is expected to enjoy a family-friendly weekend of sideways action at the circuit.
Seven different drivers have had victory in the dozen races so far this season with five others finishing on the podium, meaning over half of the 29-driver grid has already won silverware so far this season, highlighting the competitiveness of this year’s line-up.
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Newcastle-born Jason Plato makes his final appearance at his home track following his announcement that he’s set to retire at the end of the season.
On returning to Croft he said: “I have fond memories of my mis-spent youth in the North East, it's where it all started for me at a karting track so it's a nostalgic return this weekend.”
The support series adds to the appeal of the weekend. The superstars of the future will go wheel-to-wheel in the ROKiT F4 British Championship, with the next generation of BTCC heroes earning their spurs in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship.
Competing in the Quaife MINI Challenge Trophy are Scorton’s Max Coates, Stockton’s Lauren Tayla and Durham’s Sophie Wright.
York ace Matt Greenwood will be hoping for a good run at Croft in the Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge.
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And organisers have stressed that race fans don't need to have a pre-paid ticket to attend.
You can pay on the gate from 8.30am Saturday and 8am on Sunday.
Adult admission prices are £17 for Saturday, £35 for Sunday and £43 for a weekend ticket.
Prices for 13 to 15-year-olds are £7, £10, and £12 respectively and all accompanied children aged 12 and under, go free.
Pit Lane Walkabout for autographs on Sunday 26 from 10:30 to 11:05.
Parking and paddock access is free too, and limited-edition souvenir programmes are on sale at £5. For further details, please visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk
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