Ah, Castle Combe! The very name evokes images of speed, precision, and the thrill of motorsports. Well, folks, strap in because the 2024 season launch at Castle Combe Racing Club (CCRC) was nothing short of spectacular. On the 16th of March, they rolled out the red carpet, not for celebrities, but for the true stars of the show – the cars and the drivers – with a Media/Showcase day that was open to everyone, free of charge. Let's dive into the highlights and get a taste of the excitement that unfolded.
A Showcase Like No Other
First off, the lineup was jaw-dropping. From the get-go, CCRC didn't hold back, featuring demonstration runs across their time-honored Formula Ford, GT, and Saloon car championships. But wait, there's more! They also introduced the spanking new SAMCO hot hatch race, adding a fresh layer of adrenaline to the already electrifying mix.
Prepping for a Milestone
With the 500th race meeting looming on the horizon – scheduled for 'Howards Day' on April 1st – the showcase also doubled as a sneak peek into the off-season upgrades. The main entrance got a facelift, and Quarry corner's catch fencing got a stretch, among other tweaks. Clearly, CCRC is all in, ensuring that the historic 500th meeting will be as grand as it gets.
Big Names, Big Games
In a thrilling twist, CCRC announced that Red Bull is coming on board as the official events partner for the year. If that wasn't enough to rev your engines, there were hints dropped about celebrity appearances and car displays at future events. And joining the high-octane party, Gulf Racing Fuels has partnered up as the official sponsor for both the Formula Ford 1600 and the CCRC GT Car championship. Talk about fueling the excitement!
Racing Galore
The commitment to diversity in racing is clear, with the return of the 'mighty minis' championship for its fifth year. But the buzz doesn't stop there; the SAMCO hot hatch championship is stepping up from a series to a full-blown championship race in 2024. It's a first for the event and adds a thrilling new chapter to Castle Combe's racing legacy.
The Countdown to Howards Day
With Howards Day right around the corner on April 1st, the anticipation is palpable. This day isn't just a milestone for the club with its 500th race meeting; it's a celebration of motorsport, featuring the 500 Motor Club and CMMC grids at the picturesque Wiltshire circuit. If the showcase day was any indication, we're in for a season packed with speed, excitement, and maybe just a dash of Red Bull-fueled adrenaline.
So, gear up, racing fans. Castle Combe is on track to deliver a 2024 season filled with high-speed thrills, groundbreaking partnerships, and, of course, a generous dose of motorsport magic. Rev those engines, because this is one race season you won't want to miss!
Images provided by Kieren Bicknell
Written Alice Ingram
SPONSORED By Sponsors4Racing
