An historic season of major events at Brands Hatch ended quite literally with a bang yesterday (Sunday 4 November).
A spectacular firework display that followed a weekend of motorsport headlined by the Delphi British Truck Racing Championship.
A bumper crowd defied the worst of the autumn weather on Sunday morning and were treated to close racing action from the trucks, with champion Mat Summerfield scoring a victory double. Several local drivers took part, including Division 2 title winner David Smith from Tonbridge, who won his class race; Oscar Clark from West Kingsdown and also the Powell brothers, racing in tribute to their father, who died recently.
In addition to the racing, there were many family activities on offer and the event climaxed with a grand fireworks finale whilst nearly a hundred show trucks paraded the track. An amazing show lit up the night sky, ending with glittering stars that illuminated the whole Indy circuit.
The event was a huge hit with racegoers of all ages, despite the dreadful weather during the morning. Fan Tracey Dray said: “My family and I had a great day! Fantastic racing and marshalling, and the lorries driving around the track with the fireworks overhead was a sight to behold!” Fellow spectator Anne-Marie Abbott agreed: “Had a really great day, this was our first visit. Highly recommend this raceday event, what a variety of races and a spectacular end – not only the fireworks but the 91 trucks procession.”
Local man Shaun Clark was especially glad to see truck racer John Powell in action: “It was such a fantastic day, a bit of rain never hurt anyone, it just makes the day even better. The fireworks and truck display where fantastic and it’s nice to see a man from my own town of Herne Bay racing today.”
Even the racers were impressed by the display. Pickup Truck driver Danny Brosnan said: “Firework display was awesome. Glad we stopped and watched from the garages. We love coming to Brands Hatch.”
Finally Phillip Dann summed up the experience for many: “Just got home from a great weekend with you. A big thank you to all the Brands Hatch team and organisers, thank you to the marshals for all their help, without them the racing would never happen. Big thank you to the Kentagon Restaurant team who did a brilliant job serving so many people breakfast this morning, I have been a few times and never seen it so busy, well done to all!”
There are still three events remaining at Brands Hatch this year. Next weekend the circuit will be holding the Lotus 6 Hours on Saturday 10 November and the Vee Festival on Sunday 11 November, whilst the season-ending Britcar ‘Into the Night’ race takes place on Saturday 24 November. Tickets for all three events are available from £10 each, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk
Image courtesy of AE-Photography.co.uk