Tragedy at Brands Hatch - Henry Surtees Killed in "Freak" Accident

On Sunday (19th July) I went with the family to the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) event at Brands Hatch, Kent.

We had a very enjoyable day at the circuit with good weather interspersed with the odd shower, lots of close racing on track and plenty for little man to do off track (face painting, big slide, merry go round to name but a few).

As an added bonus former BBC F1 presenter Murray Walker was at Brands Hatch doing some promotional work on behalf of BMW who are one of the leading teams in the WTCC.

Despite his advancing years he is still extremely sprightly and kept both the large crowd and the BMW works team drivers he was interviewing entertained.

Unbeknown to Murray Walker or the crowd, a short time beforehand in the supporting Formula Two race, Henry Surtees the eighteen year old son of Formula 1 legend John Surtees had suffered fatal injuries in a "freak" high speed accident.

The news that Surtees had died of his injuries did not become public until Monday. An investigation is being held into the causes of the accident.

In the meantime I would like to proffer my condolences to John Surtees and his family.

Kent Event - World Touring Car Championship Brands Hatch

The 2009 World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) blasts into the world famous Brands Hatch circuit in Fawkham, Kent this weekend 17th - 19th July.

The WTCC dates back to 1987 and is contested by many top rate drivers including former Formula 1 stars such as Alex Zanardi and Tiago Monteiro. The series is supported by car manufacturers such as SEAT (current Champions), BMW, Volvo and Lada.

Brands Hatch was the traditional home of the British Formula 1 Grand Prix for many years before it switched to Silverstone (and next year to Donington).

In a future post I am hoping to write about the history of the Brands Hatch Circuit, so please keep watching this space!

I have been attending the WTCC and other events at Brands Hatch for many years together with my wife and young son. The racing is very close due to the layout of the circuit and you always get a good view of the the action regardless of where you decide to stand (or sit) around the circuit.



The current circuit owners, Motor Sports Vision, have made a very conscious effort to make their younger guests welcome.

Kids twelve and under get in free and apart from the action on track there are fair ground rides, race simulators, go karts, face painting, bouncy castles etc to keep them amused.

For a visitors guide to Brands Hatch including travel directions please click here.




















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