‘Special’ events give Knockhill ‘wow factor’
HOSTING two of the UK’s showpiece events brings the “wow factor” to West Fife and benefits the wider area.
That’s the view of Knockhill Racing Circuit’s Stuart Gray, who has said that being able to bring the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, and Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, north of the border ensures the track and area are known worldwide.
Earlier this month, we reported that Scotland’s national motorsport centre had been put forward for an accolade at the Scottish Thistle Awards, which will be decided in February.
The circuit, which is the only FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and Motorsport UK-approved venue in Scotland, has been feted in the ‘Outstanding Sporting Event’ category for hosting the BTCC – for the 30th successive year – and the superbikes.
They are the biggest events on Knockhill’s annual calendar of events, which this year has also included the McRae Rally Challenge in July, and Scottish Ford Live, one of the largest Ford events in the UK, which was run for a 12th time on Sunday.
Stuart, who is director of events at the circuit, said: “It helps recognise their importance for the country as well, in terms of the scale, and the economic benefit for the area as well.
“Not only just the event and how it was delivered, but it’s the bigger picture in terms of the benefit for Dunfermline, for Fife, for Scotland, and the exposure it gives around the world.
“When we got the first one through (nomination), it was pleasing, and then to get both events nominated – wow. It’s fantastic news.
“It is that team effort because people’s experience is getting here, parking, the catering that’s here. It’s the toilets, the viewing opportunities, the trade stands – it’s everything.
“That’s what makes a special event. Any event can be spoiled if there’s problems with toilets, if there’s problems with the catering, if there’s problems with the parking. Any of those could spoil the visitor experience.
“To have delivered all of those aspects, which only comes through teamwork, and a big one at that, we’re delighted. We’ve already got our dates for next year and, even more so with the TV packages both championships have got, they are now genuinely seen worldwide, so the exposure for our wee track in Fife is worldwide.
“People know the name Knockhill. They know it’s the Scottish round, so it’s that halo effect for us that reflects for the whole year.
“They are the best two national racing championships in the world; there is no better saloon car championship of its type in the world than touring cars, there’s no better national bike racing championship in the world so it gives racing at Knockhill, that much more kudos, credibility and wow factor.
“It’s not just 1.3 miles of tarmac that could be anywhere; it’s a superbike track and it’s a touring car track that’s been recognised around the world.”