Students got the chance to look behind the scenes at Rockingham Speedway as the circuit prepared to host the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

A group of Year 12 students toured the BTCC garages on Friday, September 21, ahead of the races on Sunday, September 23.

During the visit the students met some of the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes, as well as some of the drivers who were busy preparing, including Pirtek Racing’s Wellingborough-based driver Jeff Smith.

They also learned about tyre technology at the Dunlop truck.

The students were invited for the VIP visit as part of the championship’s successful school visit programme.

Rockingham Chief Executive Charlotte Orton said: “This is probably the first time many of them have visited Rockingham, and hopefully we provided them with a memorable visit and the chance to see the hard work which takes place behind the scenes.”

The lucky students were each given a pair of tickets to watch the British Touring Car Championships that weekend.

Corby Business Academy’s Key Stage 3 Student Care and Progress Co-ordinator John Atkinson said: “We are very proud of our close relationship with Rockingham Speedway. Our visit and tour of the BTCC garages was yet another great learning experience for our students. It really helped give them a great insight into the hard work that goes into running a successful team.

“We are very grateful to everyone involved in sparing us some time at this busy period before such an important race. During the visit the students chose their favourite teams and drivers who they cheered on at the race. Thanks again to Rockingham for letting us offer such a great learning experience to our students.”

When they returned that weekend for the British Touring Car Championships the students saw Jason Plato win race one and Gordon Shedden triumph in races two and three in wet conditions, moving him into the lead of the championship.

Year 12 student Stefan Malesevic said: “I really enjoyed the day out at Rockingham Speedway, I learned a lot about the cars. I got to sit in one of the cars and learn how the car works on the inside, which is what I enjoyed the most.

“Also we got to meet some of the racers and talk to them about their experiences.” 

Year 12 student Paul Erwin said: “It was a good day out, I enjoyed seeing the cars. The racing was good and I would go again.”

Pictured: Year 12 students with BTCC driver Jeff Smith