Ex Top Gear presenter and racing legend helps mark Castle Combe TV’s first birthday

TV’s motor racing expert Tiff Needell has made a guest appearance to mark the first anniversary of Castle Combe Circuit’s own online programme.

Broadcast on YouTube and Facebook, Castle Combe TV was launched during the first lockdown to help keep the passion alive for lovers of motorsports.

The brains behind the show were Chris Dawes, lead commentator and a Board member with Castle Combe Racing Club, the Circuit’s Sales and Marketing Director, Tom Davis, and their digital marketing expert, Sam Preston.

A year on and nearly 50 episodes in, Tiff came on to talk about his colourful motorsport and media careers. A former driver, Tiff is probably best known for his stints as presenter on Top Gear and Fifth Gear. 2021 is a particularly poignant time for him to be interviewed by Castle Combe TV, as it marks the 50th anniversary of his first competitive appearance at the track in the 1971 Formula Ford championship.

Chris, who runs public speaking and presentation training company Open Dawes Training Ltd, said Tiff was the ideal guest for the anniversary edition. Indeed, he is one of many stars from the racing world who have come on to the show, which is broadcast on average once a week.

“We set up initially to reach out and provide something for fans and people connected with motor racing at what was a really scary and confusing time for us all,” said Chris. “Castle Combe TV has proved incredibly popular and every show has thousands of views – many live, and many who tune in to watch later. Even when we are back to racing in front of spectators, we plan for Castle Combe TV to continue.”

Tiff said: “It is a real pleasure to be on the anniversary show. Combe is always a lovely place to be and I am looking forward to when racing starts there again.”

Anyone who missed the anniversary show can watch below: For more information about CCTV’s sponsor, Open Dawes Training Ltd, visit https://www.opendawestraining.co.uk/ and for Castle Combe Circuit visit https://castlecombecircuit.co.uk/.