When I was a little girl, I used to watch NASCAR with my stepfather. He was a Jimmie Johnson fan so that made me a Jimmie Jonson fan. As I got older (and no longer had that stepdad), I stopped watching NASCAR. I stopped with motorsports and the community altogether. At the beginning of the 2024 season, I seriously got into Formula 1. I had heard of Max Verstappen (from his fans arguing with Taylor Swift fans over their private jet usage). I had heard of Charles Leclerc (from a Niall Horan Tik Tok). I had heard of Lewis Hamilton (from simply being Lewis Hamilton).
What I hadn’t heard of was how interesting Formula 1 was.
Formula 1 was supposed to be a hobby. A fun way to pass the time and enjoy racing again. What I didn’t expect was for Formula 1 to feel like coming home. I didn’t realise how much I had missed and craved motorsports. I recently moved to England and with that move, I have been able to get into motorsports at all levels. I have been able to see the finale for both the British Racing Sports Club Championship and the British Touring Car Championship. The racing Sundays were truly surreal.
In July, I went to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. It was extraordinary and hectic and wild. The BTCC finale was busy and calm, Brands Hatch now holds a special place in my heart. I truly love that circuit. It doesn’t hurt that I was there with Girls Across the Grid as guests of Tom Ingram. I got to see inside the garages, watch from behind the fences and get photos of the cars. The energy there was addictive. I had never been to a BTCC race before but I will be going back.
A few of the differences mainly lie within the set-up of the race. I was able to watch several different series on one circuit on the same day. I was able to watch British Formula 4, Porsche Sprints and the BTCC. Another activity being held at Brands Hatch was go-karting (but I didn’t get to do that). The merch stands are quite literally the best stands I have EVER been to. They are so affordable and provide a mix of vintage and recent pieces.
As an American, I still haven't gotten into drinking tea. It’s everywhere. Every food stand has tea at it. Or at least something overwhelmingly British. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find hot dogs there. Between the multiple races, I was able to eat two. With the race only being 18 laps, I was able to pay complete attention because it goes by so fast. The way the races are run brings supreme energy in because they reverse the grid when going off the last race results. I had never seen anything like that while I was living in America.
Every day Girls Across the Grid allows me to experience moments that I know will turn into cherished moments. The BTCC Finale was one of those moments.
Sunday, October 6th, you’ll always be famous.
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