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| Family Day Out - Motor Sports |
At first glance, and subject to your experience of Motor Racing, the thought of taking your brood to a racing circuit could seem utter madness. Most people's perception of Motor Racing is what we see on the TV, this being either Formula 1 or Touring Cars. Both these events attract significant crowds and, in the case of F1 particularly, equally significant ticket prices. The concept, and reality, of taking a young family to such an event could be a nightmare.
In truth, the majority of motor racing events held in this country are nothing like what you see on the TV. Most events are run by clubs for club members and are far more low key, though potentially much more entertaining. A meeting could easily include 10 or more races of 10 to 15 laps. With separate races for single seat cars with wings (like F1 cars), without wings (like old F1 cars), sports cars (Lotus, Porsche & the like) and saloon cars. Grids can be very full with 25+ brightly coloured cars to each race and include close and exciting racing throughout the field with plenty of overtaking and the occasional “off”. Even what might appear a most mundane formula, Mini racing for example, can provide some of the most exciting racing going. So far all of this bears little comparison to what we see on the TV, and it gets better!
 Due to the nature of club events, you don't tend to get hoards of people. Most of the people you will see are either associated with drivers, or are enthusiasts, so you don't encounter drunken yob behaviour - unless little Jimmy has been at the gripe water. You can walk freely around the track, pick a point to watch the racing and then move to another location when you want to. Many of the viewing areas feature large grass areas which are great for picnics and for playing on. These areas are completely free of dogs mess (dogs aren't allowed into racing events - but teddy bears are). At some circuits you can even watch the racing from your car. You can generally get into the paddock to look at the cars close up, see work being carried out, and even talk to the drivers. Many will let children sit in the cars, if asked nicely, although caution should be exercised as adrenaline effects different people in different ways.
Because comparatively few people attend club events there aren't generally the numbers of stalls as present at larger meetings, so the potential for "...can I have" tantrums are much reduced. Whilst such tantrums can be quite embarrassing (particularly when it is Daddy who is complaining), with so few people about, if a tantrum develops this can be left to run to "melt down" without bothering anybody, if you so wish. Fewer people also mean you don’t queue for hours trying to get out of the car park at the end of the event.
 In years gone by racing cars used to be quite noisy. Now, due to stricter regulations, noise levels have been greatly reduced. Such events as V8 Thunder Saloons, F1 and World GT Prototypes remain some of the loudest races still aloud (pun) but you would be unlikely to encounter these at a club level event. That said, if you do intend to get “up close and personal” in the paddock, it would still be advisable to provide some level of hearing protection as cars starting up can still be very loud for little ones. The best advice is – don’t stand behind the cars and keep at a distance when people are working on the cars or wearing crash helmets.
Now having convinced you that motor racing can be a great family day out it must be noted that some venues offer better viewing, and therefore more enjoyment, than others. In the next edition we will give a run down of some of the best circuits, some of the best viewing spots and what you should take with you to ensure all the family have a great day out.
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