THE HUNT GOES ON IN AMERICA
There was the predictable fanfare as Formula 1 bosses presented their plans to return grand prix racing to Las Vegas. Last week’s announcement of a threeyear deal, they proudly told those who were listening, simply underlined the increased interest in Formula 1 in the States. The race – which will, quite unusually, take place on a Saturday night (meaning an 0600hrs broadcast time on Sunday in Europe) – will take place on what sounds like an epic 3.8-mile track where speeds in excess of 210mph are predicted.
It is yet another grand prix vying for a slot on the schedule, which seems ever more likely to hit 24 grands prix next season. And it is yet another production from well-heeled organisers that will take place on a temporary track designed to make the maximum impact from its floodlit backdrop.
It will swell the F1 coffers quite handsomely too. While the expansion of races in the USA isn’t necessarily damaging the sport because these are extra races and have not taken away any of the classic venues. However, it is just a shame that it is yet another race on what is likely to be an identikit circuit when there are road courses in the
USA that would provide a real challenge – but without underpinning the finances, of course.
In this issue, we speak to British Touring Car Championship legend Jason Plato, who has announced that he will taking part in his final BTCC season in 2022. He wants to go out with a bang too, and his desire to click past the 100 wins benchmark is something he could very well achieve in a well-run BTC Racing Honda Civic Type R.
Also in tin-tops, Speedworks Motorsport team boss Christian Dick tackles the readers’ questions. He is a racer at heart but has put his own ambitions on the backburner to turn his team – which also operates in the British GT Championship – into a title winner. He has been knocking hard on the door for several seasons and is desperate to make the breakthrough in 2022.
Paul Lawrence looks at a burgeoning initiative aimed at getting younger drivers involved in hillclimbing, while Nick Garton urges you to get involved in a government consultation on the use of ‘green lanes’ for motorsport. It is a piece worth reading, and make sure you take action.