| BRANDS HATCH is one of the best known British circuits and a past
holder of the Formula One Grand Prix. Brands has undergone a variety of small, but significant changes over the past few years
both in terms of the way in which it operates and the track layout. There is little chance of Formula One returning but this has a bonus
in the retention of narrower track, closer spectator viewing and broader variety of racing.
There are two layouts, the Grand Prix at 2.6 miles and the Indy at 1.2 miles. Grand Prix uses the full extent of Brands with Indy ignoring the drive into the woods at McClaren. Indy is excellent of less powerful machinery or closer racing with the likes of Touring Cars. The Grand Prix circuit is better known to World Superbike enthusiasts with its 2.6 miles of tree lined straight and high speed chicanes. |
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CIRCUIT LOCATION : MotorSport Vision Fawkham Longfield Kent DA3 8NG |
CIRCUIT CONTACT : tel : 01474 872331 fax : 01474 874766 ticket hotline: 0843 453 9000 email : web: www.motorsportvision.co.uk |
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HOW TO GET THERE from the North M25(clockwise to J3) then South East on A20. from the South M25(anti-clockwise to J3) then South East on A20. from the East M26(West to J3) then M20(North West to J2) then North West on A20. from the West A2 South East (from Greenwich) then A20. |
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| BRANDS HATCH - track length | ||
| Grand Prix circuit 2.6228 miles 4.2211 km |
Indy circuit 1.2262 miles 1.9735 km |
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| VIEWING - A visit to Brands Hatch is a must for any fan of racing, whether it's cars, bikes, trucks etc. The history of the track justifies its position as an equal to Silverstone if not bettered by the fact that as a non aerodrome derived circuit the inclines and declines increase the thrill. Corners are both off and on camber with a natural bowl allowing excellent viewing for Indy circuit racing. BRABHAM STRAIGHT Brabham straight holds the start/finish line with grandstands opposite. Cars and bikes scream up to the most dramatic corner of the circuit Viewing from outfield grandstands sighting Clark Curve to Paddock PADDOCK HILL BEND An incredibly fast and difficult right hander as the track then drops away down to the dip before Hailwood Hill. One bad element in a driver/riders racing dynamics at Paddock sees them flying off into the kittie litter. If Paddock is your thing get there early as fighting for position is as bad on track as off. There is also the outfield paddock with toilets and cafe. HAILWOOD HILL The weight shift from light at the apex to heavy at the dip has just been dealt with when full bore power up Hailwood Hill is immediately followed by heavy breaking for a very slow Druids Bend. Viewing from outfield although vehicles will be travelling very fast DRUIDS BEND As the slowest section on track it's ideal for off track viewing. Slow doesn't mean lack of action. The Touring Cars bump and weave to out brake each other resulting in more gravel track visits. Excellent outfield viewing but gets very busy for spectators GRAHAM HILL and GRAHAM HILL BEND Rounding Druids it's down hill again to the tightened Graham Hill Bend with more opportunity for lengthy viewing before Surtees and where the Indy and GP circuits split. Outfield banking COOPER STRAIGHT Short straight at rear of the paddock where drivers take very different lines depending upon the track being used. Outfield banking SURTEES, McLAREN and CLARK CURVE Here Surtees becomes adjoined to McLarens in a fast left right before positioning for the Clark Curve. Viewing at that point is limited to distant observation due to the GP tracks adjoinment. For that it's no less spectacular as Clark Curve is spectator friendly with more nudging and grinding. Drivers/riders getting it wrong here can screw up their entire entry to the Brabham Straight ready for the next lap and Paddock again. The fight through Clark can see the ultimate power dash for victory. Little near McLaren but can be seen from outfield of Clark Curve SURTEES Surtees is a moderate speed left hander which needs exact road position as the track rises into a high speed straight and trees closing in on drivers. Best positioned on banking at Cooper Straight PILGRIMS DROP and HAWTHORN HILL The straight undulates through Pilgrims Drop and Hawthorn Hill. Good viewing, although good eyesight is needed to catch 150mph plus action. HAWTHORN BEND and DEREK MINTER STRAIGHT There's little slowing for Hawthorn Bend and the inevitable chances of flying towards the outer barrier. With momentum being kept for the high speed Westfield Bend. Poor viewing from Hawthorn Hill along Straight WESTFIELD BEND Very fast right hander. Although double apex it can be taken as a flat right. That said many a car and particularly rider has been caught out. Poor viewing due to old circuit and run-off DINGLE DELL, SHEENE CURVE and STIRLING'S BEND Negotiating the Westfield correctly means an advantage in the overtaking area of Dingle Dell and Sheene Curve which sees cars braking for the chicane and bikes riding through with the minimum of slowing. Sheene Curve is a cracker for bike fans with fast right, left meaning riders getting out of the seats as quick as possible to transfer their weight. Spectator points are all good, although slower sections make camera work easier particularly at Stirlings Bend. CLEARWAYS and CLARK CURVE Clearways is a full bore straight rejoining the Indy circuit and taking Clark Curve as fast as possible for the finish line. Clark Curve can even affect how Paddock is taken next lap, but on final laps sees real wheel to wheel action. Large gravel trap, but fair views over Clark to Brabham Straight ACCESS - Most races you'll get into the infield and infield paddock which is accessed primarily through the tunnel from Paddock Hill Bend so named as there is an outer paddock there too. Here you'll find a cafeteria and toilets. More toilets are sited in the infield paddock and around the track. |
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Please ensure you check with event websites and organisers before travelling.
