by David Champ

No, we are not talking cricket here, but American style oval racing at this new-ish stadium in darkest Northamptonshire. Although this event clashed with the Goodwood Revival seven '40s' attended and, being a Midlands event, it gave an opportunity to meet with a few different folk. Those of us travelling from the south met at J15 on the M1 and swiftly made our way to the outskirts of Corby where this new venue is situated. Having booked rather late I had to pick tickets up at the gate, but the sight of our 40s was enough for the gate personnel just to wave us into the outer paddock - ticket not required.

To the right is a shot taken from the top rear of the rather tall grandstand. There was quite a variety of machinery in the paddock, the main stipulation was that power had to be from an American built V8, apparently the many TVR guys were a bit miffed but of course they in the main run the British built 'Rover' V8s. Fortunately for some attending there were no scrutineers to be seen! ACs, Tigers and Marcos(es) on steroids were in evidence and also a Bitter and Ultima CanAm - not to mention a very tired looking US police car last featuring in Smokey in the Bandit no doubt.

Having found our bearings we headed to see what this oval racing was all about. A race was already in progress but like the Indianapolis F1 event, it was using only part of the banked circuit and then a lot of in-field track to give a few trickier turns for the formula 3 style cars. What was astounding was the speed the chicane was being taken at, it looked as though they hardly slowed - in fact a guy called Senna (true) who is the nephew of Ayrton, didn't often slow up and proceeded to consistently drive between the bollards and over the grass! Unfortunately I think he was trying too hard to emulate his uncle, but as I know nothing about him I could be wide of the mark.

Actually you have to hand it to the designers, the grandstand (BMW sponsored) is really magnificent (left). The view from the uppermost tier is great, in fact the whole circuit is visible - though binoculars are recommended, as is a head for heights. In truth I was happier closer to the circuit as you do feel rather remote in the gods. Even so we watched the pickups and then the main event - the NASCAR type race. The sound of about 25 of these monsters roaring past on the rolling start should be added to your must-do list - better than any heavy metal rock music (IMHO).

Compared to the pickups, who had several coming togethers and pace car periods, the NASCARs were well behaved but this did not make for a boring spectatle. They run so close to each other and duck and dive up the banking that although not easy, overtaking is possible on each 'turn' (getting the terminology right). Pit stops were also entertaining and maybe F1 should take a leaf from this book, there is a maximum number of three service crew who have to work like strong men to get the job done quickly.

At lunchtime came our turn to try the oval. We had been led to expect just one of our club was to be given a lap or two but in this case anyone from the outer paddock who fancied the tour could go - terrific! Typically we had to queue for a while but this was no hardship given the company, then under the tunnel to the track. Of course the enclosed space brought out the juvenile in us all and we had to gun our motors for maximum sound effect :)

We only toured slowly around the circuit except for the main straight as the leading 40s had hung back to create space for a quick blast. I think I did get to about 70/80 no idea really - slight disappointment we couldn't go faster on the banking, which felt steeper than it looked from the grandstand, but an experience none the less.

After cruising back to our paddock Ian and I took a tour of the pits/main paddock to take in all the sights. It was interesting to see the CocaCola sponsored team using stretched string along the side of the car, presumably to set up the toe in etc. I was surprised they weren't using lasers technology but I expect funding in the UK is not up to F1 or US NASCAR levels.

As a postscript, who should come wheeling past us towards the end of the day but Sir Frank Williams, no doubt there to support his sponsors BMW.

I was pleased I made the effort to try this type of motor event, its so different from the Goodwood Revival and typical European racing, I would recommend everyone at least one day out at the Rockingham Oval.