KNOCKHILL Racing Circuit bosses are set to welcome 10,000 motorsport fans to one of their showpiece events of the year this weekend.

Following the Scottish Government's announcement last week that COVID-19 restrictions would move to "beyond level zero", the green light was given for increased numbers of spectators at sports venues and stadia.

A minimum of 5,000 can be accommodated in an outdoor setting but, if an agreement is struck with the local authority, a greater capacity can be granted.

With backing from Fife Council, Knockhill have been given the go-ahead to host 10,000 on both Saturday and Sunday for rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, which is one of the circuit's biggest annual events.

In 2020, they held the event without spectators while the second of its major occasions, the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, didn't visit Scotland's motorsport centre as part of a revised calendar due to COVID-19.

Last month, the superbikes did take place at Knockhill in front of a limited crowd of 1,000, despite venue bosses – with support from the council – hoping for more.

The news, though, that a five-figure crowd can attend next weekend has been welcomed by managing director Jillian Shedden, who said the business' turnover last year was less than 50 per cent, and would be hit again in 2021.

"It's good for us and good for Fife I think," she said of the confirmed crowd numbers.

"It wasn't totally unexpected because we've been analysing the strategic plan that the Scottish Government have had, and we really, really hoped that.

"It is below 50 per cent capacity but we're still happy we'll have an excellent crowd number there and it'll be an excellent number to support the racing. There will be a great buzz around the event.

"It's been hard work. It's obviously impacted us massively, financially. In 2020, our turnover was less than 50 per cent, so it shows you the impact it's had, and obviously we've had an impact again in 2021.

"We're just really looking to build the business back up and get the rest of what's left of the summer and look forward to 2022.

"We do believe we're a safe environment for the customers to come to and we're still allowing for social-distancing with the numbers we've been approved.

"We're confident that everyone will have a great, safe day out here."

Stuart Gray, director of events at the circuit, commented: "We've got the crowd because we've been working closely with Fife Council now for the last six weeks in anticipation of Tuesday's announcement. It ratifies all our hopes and expectations.

"The challenge now is is to actually try and get a good enough crowd. We've got the potential of it, and the approval for it, so we're working hard now to let everyone know that the event is on, they can come, and that the measures are in place.

"We've just had to bide our time. All the same plans were in place four weeks ago (for the superbikes) but we just had to be patient and respect the requirements and guidelines, so we're looking forward rather than looking back, and try to make the most of the opportunity."

Knockhill say that ticket sales are going well – with campsite tickets almost sold out – and have urged fans to buy in advance online or by phone.

Fife Council's Lorna Starkey, lead officer environmental health, confirmed that discussions had been ongoing with the organisers at Knockhill, adding: "Following their formal application, Fife Council have agreed the increased capacity for this upcoming event."