New viewing bank a hit at Snetterton

TOCA racing teams the first to use spectating area

09/09/2004 - A new spectator bank at Snetterton was given the thumbs-up by teams competing in last weekend's British Touring Car Championship meeting (September 4/5).

The bank, situated overlooking the entrance to the pit lane between the assembly area and the pit garage building, gives a good view of the last corner on the track, Russell chicane.

The new area has been designed to cater for team personnel based in the paddock and will allow them to keep tabs on the on-track action without having to stray too far from their garages or awnings. Otherwise, the nearest spectator area is at Russell.

One support race team boss said: "The new bank made things a lot easier for us. We have to get the cars to the assembly area and then, for those team members who aren't in the pit lane, there's usually quite a hike to get anywhere to watch from. The bank was just a short walk from our awning last weekend, which was perfect."

The bank makes use of an area previously not used for anything, and was created by laying a sloped mound of earth in a strip adjacent to the pit lane entrance. It was turfed over in time for the BTCC meeting but will also feature some steps for future events.

Snetterton circuit manager Jamie Hopper said: "The bank was mainly created so that team personnel who would be in the paddock anyway do not have a long walk in order to see anything. Now they can get a good view of Russell from the paddock. The bank needed some drainage work but nothing too hefty and should be finished soon."