This week, we’re heading to England for a double-sprint weekend at Brands Hatch. I first became familiar with Brands Hatch back in the 1990s watching delayed broadcasts of British Touring Car races. I even bought VHS tapes of the races and highlights of past seasons. I loved that series. It was the most exciting racing I had ever seen. It’s not quite as good now as it used to be, but I still love tuning in on the rare occasion it’s on TV in the United States.
Having run several practice sessions at Brands Hatch, I can tell you that, to be successful, you have to be super aggressive. Passing is at a premium because the track is made up primarily of high-speed corners. You can’t afford to be too patient, which can lead to some hero passes or unfortunate crashes. Grid position will also be key. It’s not quite as bad as Suzuka, but if you don’t start in the top half of the field, a points-paying finish will be very difficult to achieve.
Here’s how Forza Motorsports 7 describes Brands Hatch:
“Originally a dirt track in 1926, the historic Brands Hatch is one of the few British circuits to stage Grand Prix, IndyCar, and NASCAR races. Nearly every famous race driver from the last 50 years has raced the unique combination of dips, cambers, fearsome corners, and hills. Turn 1, Paddock Hill Bend, is a fine example; a tricky right-hander running downhill that can quickly go from bad to worse for the inattentive driver. The entire IndyCar circuit, measuring 1.1 miles long, can be viewed by spectators thanks to the natural amphitheater of the grounds. Only a select group of events are scheduled yearly due to sound restrictions since neighboring residents are in close proximity to the 2.3-mile Grand Prix layout. In its infancy, Brands Hatch was just a gathering place for motorcyclists who had permission from the farm owner to practice and sometimes race in the grassy hollow. It wasn’t until after World War II that cars began racing there. None other than a young Stirling Moss was among the first to race half-liter Formula III cars in a demonstration race before the 7,000 fans who gathered. Since then it has flourished and has even been referred to as “the best circuit in the world” by many drivers.
Located in West Kingsdown, England, the highly acclaimed historic Brands Hatch held its inaugural race in 1926. Since then, incremental changes has been made to the circuit’s format; keeping true to its classic layout and natural contours.
Throughout the years, regular continued up-keeping and upgrades have kept it world class facility; with the permanent course currently categorized as FIA Grade 2, ensuring the iconic venue continues to be visited by many championships of every caliber, local and abroad, two wheeled and four, tarmac and gravel, virtual and real.
I’m excited about racing at such a historic, well-regarded track, but I honestly don’t know what to expect. A lot will depend on my qualifying position. Thankfully, I get two cracks at it this weekend.
Here’s a look at the layout at Brands Hatch:
