Motorsport takes place all over the United Kingdom across England, Scotland and Wales. Whilst Silverstone and Brands Hatch are household names thanks to their hosting of the British Grand Prix over the years, there are some classic race circuits that host the British Touring Car Championship, the British Rallycross Championship, British Superbikes, British Truck Racing, British GT and more. Here is our complete guide to where you can go to watch motorsport in the United Kingdom, complete with links to their various websites:
AINTREE
Melling Road
Liverpool
L9 5AS
Railway Station: Aintree/Old Roan/Fazakerley (all within 2 miles of the circuit)
Nearest City: Liverpool (5.8 miles from circuit)
Aintree Motor Racing Circuit is a 3-mile (4.83 km) motor racing circuit in the village of Aintree, Merseyside, England. The circuit is located within the famous Aintree Racecourse and used the same grandstands as horse racing. Built in 1954 as the “Goodwood of the North”, hence the fact the two venues had so many things in common. The track is well surfaced and relatively flat – ranging from 15 to about 30 metres in elevation.
The full Grand Prix circuit was last raced on in 1964, but part of it (the 1.535-mile (2.47 km) Club Circuit) is still open and was used for racing until the early 1980s, having been operated by the Aintree Circuit Club from the mid-1960s to the late 1990s. In the 1980s the 108 Car Club (St. Helens) brought rallying back to Aintree Circuit revitalising the circuits use with new and innovative ideas. A limited amount of motor sport continues today in the form of car sprints, track days and motorcycle racing on the Club Circuit.
The Motorcycle events are organised by Aintree Motor Cycle Racing Club, who run 6 events at Aintree each year. The Car events are organised by Liverpool Motor Club in the form of three sprints, in April, June and September and two trackdays in May and October on the club circuit. Nick Algar, the 2010 British Sprint Champion, set a new course record of 35.82 seconds on the 1847-metre sprint course on 26 June 2010 in a Gould GR55 3500cc. The record was previously set by Roy Dawson on 8 September 2007 in the same car, in a time of 36.03 seconds. Nick Algar’s speed through the finish line speed trap was 172 mph, although he did manage a speed of 176 mph on an earlier timed run that day.
In addition, the Club Circuit sees occasional use by visiting events such as the Greenpower Electric Car Races for Schools, Sporting Bears Motor Club giving Dream Rides for Charity, and also bicycle racing.
ANGLESEY CIRCUIT
Ty Croes
Anglesey
Wales
LL63 5TF
Railway Station: Ty Croes (2.7 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Rhosneigr (3.9 miles from circuit)
The Anglesey Circuit (Welsh: Trac Môn) is a motor racing circuit located in Ty Croes, Anglesey, Wales. It plays host to a variety of motorsport events, including rallycross. It opened as a fully licensed MSA and ACU championship racing circuit in 1997.
In 2006, the motorsports venue saw a major overhaul, with the majority of its 1.067 miles (1.72 km) circuit being scrapped in favour of a radical new development that includes four different track layouts: a 2.1 miles (3.4 km) International GP circuit, a 1.55 miles (2.5 km) Coastal Circuit, a slightly shorter National circuit and a Club Circuit that will cover under a mile. One of the straights on the circuit is named after Wales’s only F1 driver, Tom Pryce, who was killed in an accident during the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1977 when a track marshal carrying a fire extinguisher ran across the track in front of him. The extinguisher hit Pryce in the head, and both he and the marshal died.
The TV motoring programme Fifth Gear regularly used the Anglesey circuit for the ‘Shoot Out’ segment of the show. Since the new track configuration, Fifth Gear has opted to use the Coastal layout. The Coastal layout appears to be the most popular among track day enthusiasts because of the difficult downhill corkscrew segment.
BEDFORD AUTODROME
Thurleigh Airfield Business Park
Thurleigh
Bedford
MK44 2YP
Railway Station: Bedford (7.7 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Bedford (8 miles from circuit)
Bedford Autodrome is an autodrome based on the former site of RAE Bedford, in the village of Thurleigh, Bedfordshire. It is owned by former Formula One driver Jonathan Palmer.
The venue has been purpose built for speed and space, containing four entirely distinct circuits and over 5 miles of track laid out across a 384 acre site, with vast run-off areas that provide optimum safety.
Whilst there are several track configurations, with every kind or corner, there’s no motor racing at the Autodrome, so there’s no crowd-protecting safety barriers or concrete walls. Guests can drive to the limits safe in the knowledge that pushing too hard will result in a harmless spin across endless flat grass.
Whether you’re a guest as part of the world-renowned PalmerSport event or you’re enjoying a trackday, Bedford Autodrome is the best place on Earth to drive fast cars to the limit.
BLYTON PARK
Old Blyton Airfield
Kirton Road
Blyton
Gainsborough
DN21 3PE
If using Sat Nav use these coordinates:
North 53° 26′ 49″ – West 0° 40′ 49″
Railway Station: Gainsborough (6.7 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Gainsborough (6.3 miles from circuit)
Blyton Park offers a fun and challenging 1.6 mile track day circuit and the new Eastern Circuit.
The new high grip surface has excellent run off and is therefore ideal for beginners where as the more technical layout of the Eastern Circuit is more suited to an experienced driver or rider. The circuit is often used for shakedown runs, junior driver tests, driving experiences, ARDS licence tests and even rallycross events with the BTRDA Clubman’s Rallycross Championship.
The circuit is currently run by Richard Usher, having acquired the lease for the former RAF Airfield base in 2011.
BRANDS HATCH
Fawkham
Longfield
Kent
DA3 8NG
Railway Station: Eynsford (3.4 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Swanley (5.3 miles from circuit)
One of the world’s most iconic sporting venues, Brands Hatch plays host to a multitude of prestigious motorsport events on both two and four wheels.
Brands Hatch is visited by a multitude of top class national championships including the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship and Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, both of which hold their closing rounds here. Other big events include British GT/F4, the British Truck Racing Championship and there are many club car and bike meetings. The circuit also hosts historic racing with the HSCC Superprix and Masters Festivals, which often includes classic Formula 1 and Touring Car racing.
The Blancpain GT Series brings top-line sports car racing to the venue, and there’s further international action at the NASCAR-headlined American SpeedFest. Brands Hatch also hosts festivals for the Mini and Lotus marques.
A natural amphitheatre offering unrivalled views of the action from various vantage points, Brands Hatch is known as Britain’s best loved motor racing circuit. And you can also experience it for yourself with a renowned programme of driving experiences and trackdays on offer.
CADWELL PARK
Louth
Lincolnshire
LN11 9SE
Railway Station: Market Rasen (16.3 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Louth (6.6 miles from circuit)
Fondly nicknamed the ‘mini-Nürburgring’, Cadwell Park celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2014. It remains as closely-held in the hearts of many motorsport fans as it ever has. Located 10 miles north of Horncastle and five miles south of Louth, the Lincolnshire circuit is especially popular with bikers nationwide.
Cadwell Park’s twisty and undulating nature, winding through open park and woodland, has marked it out as one of the best circuits in the country. Once discovered, it is often a firm favourite amongst many who visit, whether as a spectator or participant.
The circuit is also one of the most popular destinations on the MCE Insurance British Superbike calendar, with the infamous ‘Mountain’ section, which riders usually tackle airborne, providing a particular challenge.
As the circuit’s reputation continues to build, there are an increasing number of club car events taking place at the circuit including the Historic Sports Car Club’s Wolds Trophy and the popular Vintage Sports Car Club Festival, along with two vintage and classic motorcycle events.
CASTLE COMBE CIRCUIT
Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN14 7EY
Railway Station: Chippenham (5.6 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Chippenham (5.6 miles from circuit)
Castle Combe Circuit is a motor racing circuit in Wiltshire, England, approximately 20 miles (32 km) from Bristol. The circuit is based on the perimeter track of a former World War II airfield, and was opened for racing in 1950, and the first meeting was staged on 8 July by the Bristol Motorcycle & Light Car Club. Over the next few years, the circuit attracted star names such as Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Roy Salvadori and John Surtees.
Castle Combe has staged many different motorsport disciplines over the years. In 1997, Nigel Greensall established a new lap record. His Tyrrell 022 lapped the circuit at 130.93 mph (210.71 km/h). However, this was the last year that the circuit would remain unaltered. A tragic accident involving the death of a spectator forced the owners into installing two new chicanes in order to slow the cars down. The new layout was slightly longer at 1.85 miles (2.98 km), and was completed over the winter of 1998-1999.
Races include a home-circuit championship with classes catering for Saloon cars, Sports & GTs, and Formula Ford are active and well-supported. Racing clubs from around the UK include the track in the events for their championships, including the 750 Motor Club, and BRSCC. Once a year motorcycle racing takes place over two days during the summer. The weekend proves popular, holding various classes of racing including a sidecar championship and an historic race, as well as the more modern supersport races.
CROFT CIRCUIT
West Lane
Dalton On Tees
North Yorkshire
DL2 2PL
Railway Station: Darlington (6.9 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Darlington (6.8 miles from circuit)
Croft Circuit is a motor racing circuit located near Dalton-on-Tees in North Yorkshire, England. The tarmac circuit is just over 2 miles (3 km) long and is based on the lands of an airfield, but has long since moved on from being a basic airfield circuit. The circuit holds meetings of the British Touring Car Championship, British Rallycross, Pickup Truck Racing race series, the Croft Nostalgia Festival in August and many more race meetings in between.
With over 20 years experience and the latest supercars and single seater racing cars, a driving experience at Croft is a unique and memorable present for any petrol head.
DARLEY MOOR CIRCUIT
Nr Cockshead Lane
Darley Moor
Derbyshire
DE6 2ET
Railway Station: Uttoxeter (10.1 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Ashbourne (3.9 miles from circuit)
Darley Moor Airfield and Road Race Circuit is situated on a high plateau adjacent to the A515, two miles south of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England. The airfield is operated by Airways Airsports providing training in almost every type of leisure flying. The Second World War runway was transformed into Darley Moor Racetrack holding regular events since 1965 for motorbike and more recently cycle racing.
Darley Moor is situated on the A515 road from Ashbourne to Sudbury 2 miles south of Ashbourne. The circuit is signed from the A515/ A50 junction at Sudbury and from the A52/ A515 junction in Ashbourne. Just follow the brown tourist signs straight to the door.
The Superkarting UK club holds its superkart race meetings as part of the motorcyle race meetings at this well known circuit. All MSA licenced gearbox superkart drivers are welcome to join including novices and newcomers to long circuit racing.
DONINGTON PARK
Castle Donington
Derby
DE74 2RP
Railway Station: East Midlands Parkway (6.6 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Derby (12.5 miles from circuit)
Donington Park is a motorsport circuit located near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, England. The circuit business is now owned by MotorSport Vision, and the surrounding Donington Park Estate is currently under lease by MotorSport Vision until 2038.
Originally part of the Donington Hall estate, it was created as a racing circuit during the pre-war period when the German Silver Arrows were battling for the European Championship. Used as a military vehicle storage depot during World War II, it fell into disrepair until bought by local construction entrepreneur Tom Wheatcroft. Revived under his ownership in the 1970s, it hosted a single Formula One race, but became the favoured home of the British round of the MotoGP motorcycling championship.
60 race days are held each year, including events from the British Touring Car Championship, British Superbikes, World Superbikes, British GT, rallying and historic festivals for both cars and motorcycles. Racing takes place on most weekends between March and October, with visits from most British racing clubs. Donington has also been host to the annual Season Launch for the BTCC since 2013, while the British Superbike Championship also holds major test days at the circuit.
The FIA Formula E Championship and its teams have also constructed its headquarters at the main entrance to the circuit. All teams competing in the electric series are based at the venue.
EAST FORTUNE
East Lothian
EH39 5LF
Railway Station: Drem (3.6 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: North Berwick (5.9 miles from circuit)
At the eastern side of the airfield the old runways and link roads of East Fortune airfield are now used as a motorcycle race track run by the Melville Motorcycle Club. There are around seven race weekends every year with racing on both Saturdays and Sundays, continually attracting over 200 competitors over the several classes available. Riders travel from the local area, Northumberland and as far as Ireland on occasions for most weekends. Melville Motorcycle Club run the track on a not-for-profit basis and have reinvested heavily in resurfacing and upgrading facilities. From 2014, the track also hosts a Greenpower race.
The circuit is also used by Experience Limits for driving experiences, a company that also runs operations at Llandow, Blyton Park, North Weald, Fife Airport, Lochgelly, Kirkbride and RAF Leuchars. Corners of varying difficulty and tightness will allow you to assess the handling of the cars while the back-straight allows you to relax and enjoy the power of some truly awesome vehicles, in a very safe environment. Please try not to look at the old RAF bombers and other aeroplanes in the background while concentrating on driving the cars! It truly is a beautiful part of the country.
GOODWOOD CIRCUIT
Claypit Lane
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 0PH
Railway Station: Chichester (2.8 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Chichester (2.6 miles from circuit)
Goodwood Circuit is a historic venue for both two- and four-wheeled motorsport in the United Kingdom. The 3.8 kilometres (2.4 mi) circuit is situated near Chichester, West Sussex, close to the south coast of England, on the estate of Goodwood House, and completely encircles Chichester/Goodwood Airport. This is the racing circuit dating from 1948, not to be confused with the separate hillclimb course located at Goodwood House and first used in 1936.
Following the success of the Festival of Speed hill climb, racing returned to the Goodwood circuit in 1998. The Goodwood Revival is a three-day festival held each September for the types of cars and motorcycles that would have competed during the circuit’s original period, 1948–1966. Historic aircraft help to complete the vintage feel. In 2008, a crowd of 68,000 people attended the event on the main Sunday – 9,000 more than in 2007. The track is now used for classic races, track days, and try-out days. Nearly everyone dresses up in vintage outfit from mods and rockers to racing drivers and just smart period clothes.
n 2009, the Mongol Rally, a charity fundraising car rally to Mongolia, moved its starting point from Hyde Park, London to Goodwood. Entrants are on show to the public in the paddock before beginning the rally with a parade lap of the circuit. The National Finals of the Greenpower schools electric car racing challenge takes place at Goodwood each year. The ‘Breakfast Club’ was introduced in March 2006. This is a semi regular free to enter, and open-to-all monthly gathering of drivers and riders who come to view each other’s cars, bikes etc. Each meeting is themed with striking examples of the days theme paraded on the start finish straight.
JURBY CIRCUIT
Ballavarran Road
Isle of Man
IM7 3AW
Railway Station: N/A
Nearest Town: Ramsey (7.5 miles from circuit)
Jurby was originally a WW2 airfield and still retained to day as an emergency landing strip. The various Jurby tracks are a combination of surfaces employing the old runway in places, perimeter roadway and new tarmac, thereby providing variable grip. The new section in front of the hangers, is 7m wide and its addition now provides three permutations offering sections from high speed swervery to technical.
It is the only short circuit in the Isle of Man and situated in the North of the Island, most simply accessed by travelling half way round the TT course to Sulby Hotel and turning left. Jurby is just a couple of miles up the road, entered from the Coast Road gate. It can be found on Google Maps as the “Jurburgring”. Racing at the circuit is run by the Andreas Racing Association.
Weather is frequently a determining factor on Jurby’s wide open spaces as winds can force a change of gearing, though with its own microclimate, the weather can often be reasonable here while the rest of the Island gets a soaking. The ARA run their own race school as an integral part of their meetings, plus pre-licence application courses.
KIRKISTOWN CIRCUIT
130 Rubane Road
Kircubbin
Co. Down
BT22 1AU
Railway Station: Botanic (24.7 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Portavogie (1.5 miles from circuit)
Kirkistown Motor Racing Circuit is a permanent motorsport circuit located between the villages of Kirkistown and Portavogie, on the Ards Peninsula of County Down in Northern Ireland.
The circuit is owned and operated by the 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland (500 MRCI), who opened the circuit in 1953 on the site of the former RAF Kirkistown air force base. Kirkistown’s main circuit was laid out using portions of the aerodrome’s major east–west runway and northern perimeter roadways. In its present configuration, Kirkistown’s track length is 1.53 mi (2.46 km) and it is Northern Ireland’s only MSA-licensed permanent race track. In addition to the 500 MRCI’s own events and other automobile circuit racing series, Kirkistown also hosts races for karting, rallying, rallycross, motorcycle and supermoto classes.
KNOCKHILL
by Dunfermline
Fife
KY12 9TF
Railway Station: Dunfermline Town (6.7 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Dunfermline (6.1 miles from circuit)
Over 40 years as Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre and host to the UK’s top televised motorsport car and bike events, Knockhill is situated just 30 mins from Edinburgh, 40 miles from Glasgow and 2 hours from Aberdeen. Knockhill is a truly versatile venue and the perfect choice for all events including Corporate Days, Team Building, Karting, Trackdays and exciting Driving Experiences.
Knockhill is Scotland’s only accredited FIA and MSA approved venue! With extensive and ongoing investment in our facilities the circuit provides experiences and racing events on its famous 1.27 mile long circuit, hillside rally stage, 4×4 off road track, 500m outdoor karting circuiting skid pan.
LLANDOW CIRCUIT
Cowbridge
CF71 7PB
Railway Station: Llantwit Major (2.2 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Llantwit Major (2 miles from circuit)
Llandow Circuit is a small motorsport circuit at Llandow, Vale of Glamorgan, 15 miles (24 km) south west of Cardiff, Wales, used mainly for testing, track-days and events. Llandow Kart Circuit, run by South Wales Karting Centre, is adjacent to the main circuit.
The Circuit is available for private and club hire, testing and MSA Sprints, or anything else that you think you might want to do! Track days for motorbikes and cars are becoming very popular and MSA licence holders can book half or full test days on most weekdays, with instructor’s days also periodically organised.
LYDDEN HILL
Wootton
Canterbury
Kent
CT4 6ET
Railway Station:
Nearest Town:
Lydden Hill Race Circuit (formerly known as Lydden Circuit) is the UK’s shortest road racing circuit. The track, previously owned by the McLaren Group, has undergone massive changes to make it the hub of Kentish motorsport. The mile-long circuit is located at Wootton, about half-way between Canterbury and Dover in Kent. The track is mainly used for Rallycross, Drift, Saloon and Sports car racing as well as Motorcycle racing. The track is one of two motor racing circuits in the county of Kent, along with Brands Hatch.
Lydden Hill circuit is situated on the main A2 between Canterbury and Dover. Access to the Circuit is from the A2 only and not via the villages that surround the circuit.
MALLORY PARK
Church Rd
Kirkby Mallory
LE9 7QE
Railway Station: Hinckley (8.5 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Hinckley (6.5 miles from circuit)
Mallory Park is a motor racing circuit situated in the village of Kirkby Mallory, just off the A47, between Leicester and Hinckley, in central England. Originally used for grass-track until 1955, a new, basically oval hard-surfaced course was constructed for 1956, with a later extension forming a loop with a hairpin bend. With the car circuit measuring only 1.35 miles (2.173 km) it is amongst the shortest permanent race circuits in the UK. However, chicanes introduced to reduce speeds in motorcycle events mean that the Superbike Circuit is now slightly longer, at 1.41 miles (2.269 km).
An iconic motor sport venue nestled in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, Mallory Park has a rich racing heritage and an adrenalin-fuelled future, with plans to revive motorsport memories spanning half a century with the return of big-time events. Set among tranquil lakes and rolling hills, Mallory Park’s location also makes it a unique event venue, where delegates can arrive at their company conference as a sales rep and depart as a racing driver with a motorsport competition licence. From adrenaline fuelled racing to high-speed passenger rides to triathlons and cycling – the friendly circuit puts its visitors in the driving seat, inviting you to participate, not just spectate.
OLIVER’S MOUNT
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 2YW
Railway Station: Scarborough (2.2 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Scarborough (2.8 miles from circuit)
Oliver’s Mount first held a motorcycle race in 1946, and continues to hold motorcycle circuit racing today, and also holds car rally and car hill-climb events.
The Oliver’s Mount track is a street circuit composed of twisty public roads and has played host to domestic motorcycling and rallying events for many years. Noted motorcycle racers who have raced at Oliver’s Mount include Barry Sheene. The crowds for race events are known to have reached 58,000. Oliver’s Mount racing circuit is the only street circuit in England. Throughout the year it hosts four weekends of motorcycle road racing and numerous hill climb challenges. With the Ian Watson Spring Road Races, Barry Sheene Classic Road Races, Cock o’ the North Road Races and The Gold Cup drawing Riders and spectators from all over the British Isles. The races are organised by the Auto 66 club who attract many big name riders from the current road racing scene including Ian Hutchinson, Guy Martin, Ryan Farquhar, Ian Lougher, John McGuinness, Chris Palmer, William Dunlop and sidecar ace Nick Crowe amongst many other lesser-known, but very skilled riders. The circuit itself is 2.43 miles (3.91 km) in length and is not much more than a service road around Oliver’s Mount. It is known as a technical and twisty track that requires a great deal of skill and bravery to tackle.
OULTON PARK
Little Budworth,
Tarporley
Cheshire
CW6 9BW
Railway Station: Delamere (4.4 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Winsford (5.2 miles from circuit)
Built into the natural contours of the Cheshire countryside, Oulton Park’s combination of stunning scenery and spectacular racing make it one of the most picturesque and best-loved circuits for spectators and competitors alike. Over more than 60 years it has gathered a reputation as the country’s toughest test for both car and driver.
The venue remains just as popular as ever with fans thanks to the superb views of the circuit available from the spectator banking. Crowds of up to 35,000 regularly visit the circuit for the annual round of the British Touring Car Championship. As well as the BTCC, the Cheshire track hosts two rounds of the British Superbike Championship and the ever popular British GT/F4 event.
The circuit also holds the Gold Cup meeting, which is now run as a historic event by the HSCC and where some of the finest racing cars from the past 70 years of the sport roll back time and take to the track over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Oulton Park is situated next to Little Budworth and is best accessed from the A54 and the A59.
PEMBREY
Llanelli
Carmarthenshire
SA16 0HZ
Railway Station: Pembrey & Burry Port (5 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Burry Port (4.5 miles from circuit)
Pembrey Circuit is a motor racing circuit near Pembrey village, Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is the home of Welsh motorsport, providing racing for cars, motorcycles, karts and trucks. The circuit’s facilities have also been used for a single venue rally.
The circuit has two different sections, an all tarmac race circuit and a rally cross circuit utilizing some of the race circuit with an addition off-road surface. The circuit is operated by the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) under the terms of a 50-year lease from Carmarthenshire County Council. The circuit is being refurbished for the 2017 motorsport season.
SANTA POD RACEWAY
Airfield Rd
Wellingborough
NN29 7XA
Railway Station: Wellingborough (7.8 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Wellingborough (7 miles from circuit)
Santa Pod Raceway, located in Podington, Bedfordshire, England, is Europe’s first permanent drag racing venue. It was built on a disused Second World War air base, (RAF Podington), once used by the 92nd Bomber Group. The drag racing venue opened at Easter in 1966, and it is now the home of European drag racing and has grown substantially over its 40-year existence. It hosts both the first and last round of the FIA and FIM/UEM European Drag Racing Championship, along with the British National Drag Racing Championships. It is leased and operated by Trakbak Racing which is based in London. Santa Pod regularly takes its promotional units to major events in motor sport.
Santa Pod is the venue in which the current world drag racing record, a time of 3.58 seconds at 386.26 mph (621.61 km/h) was set by Sammy Miller in his Vanishing Point rocket-propelled funny car in July 1984. Another record has also been set at Santa Pod, the world’s fastest jet car (notably Santa Pod’s “resident”) Fireforce 3 piloted by Martin Hill broke the record in Easter 2005 with a terminal speed of 336.10 mph (540.88 km/h). Several other European drag racing records have been set along with records unsurpassed outside the United States. In May 2010 Top Fuel dragster driver Urs Erbacher set a class speed record with a terminal speed of 314.87 mph reached in less than 5 seconds. At the same race meeting Eric Teboul set a time of 5.23 seconds at 249 mph on his Hydrogen Peroxide Rocket Bike, which he further improved to 5.19 seconds at the European championships in September 2010.
Santa Pod remains the fastest all-asphalt dragstrip in the world since most North American tracks are partially or entirely concrete in construction.
SILVERSTONE
Towcester
Northamptonshire
NN12 8TN
Railway Station: Wolverton (16.4 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Brackley (7.7 miles from circuit)
Silverstone Circuit is a motor racing circuit in England next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. Silverstone is the current home of the British Grand Prix, which it first hosted in 1948. The 1950 British Grand Prix at Silverstone was the first race in the newly created World Championship of Drivers. The race rotated between Silverstone, Aintree and Brands Hatch from 1955 to 1986, but relocated permanently to Silverstone in 1987. The circuit also hosts the British round of the MotoGP series.
Silverstone also hosts many club racing series and the world’s largest historic race meeting, the Silverstone Classic. It is also host to one of the UK’s only 24-hour car races, the Britcar 24, which is gaining in popularity, having run between 2005 and 2012.
It has in the past hosted exhibition rounds of the D1 Grand Prix both in 2005 and 2006. The course, starting from the main straight used in club races, makes use of both Brooklands and Luffield corners to form an S-bend – a requirement in drifting – and is regarded by its judge, Keiichi Tsuchiya, as one of the most technical drifting courses of all.[71] The section, used in drifting events since 2002, is currently used to host a European Drift Championship round. The Course also hosts the Formula Student Competition by the iMechE yearly.
SNETTERTON
Norwich
Norfolk
NR16 2JU
Railway Station: Harling Road (4.6 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Thetford (11.8 miles from circuit)
Snetterton has undergone somewhat of a renaissance during the recent years following a multi-million pound redevelopment project at the start of 2011, which was met with rave reviews from both spectators and competitors alike. Its combination of long straights and a wide variety of turns challenges both power and handling.
Drawing inspiration from iconic motorsport corners such as Monza’s Parabolica and the Montreal Hairpin, the Snetterton 300 circuit hosts the British Touring Car Championship, British Superbike Championship, British Truck Racing Championship and British GT and F4 Championships.
A packed racing programme includes historic racing, including the Autosport Three Hour meeting and an eclectic range of club car and bike action on the three circuit configurations. In addition to the 300, the 200’s layout retains the old circuit’s character and can be run simultaneously with the short 100 loop, which is popular with Sprint competitors.
In addition to racing, Snetterton is a popular test track and has been used to develop a host of vehicles including the Williams F1-designed Formula Two car and various Le Mans machinery including the Bentley Speed 8, and the futuristic Nissan Deltawing and ZEOD cars.
THRUXTON
Andover
Hampshire
SP11 8PW
Railway Station: Grateley (5 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Andover (6.1 miles from circuit)
Thruxton Circuit is a motor racing circuit located near the village of Thruxton in Hampshire, England which hosts motorsport events including British Touring Cars and Formula 3 racing.
The circuit houses the headquarters of the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC). Owing to planning restrictions, the circuit can only run 12 days of motorsport each year. Currently, three are devoted to motorbike racing, with a weekend dedicated to the British Superbike Championship, Britain’s premier motorcycle racing category; with the third day being used for club racing. The remaining days are devoted to car racing with weekends being used for the TOCA British Touring Car Championship, the British Formula 3 and British GT package and the new for 2006 Dunlop Great and British Festival, which features rounds of the British Truck Racing Championship, the International Truck Racing Challenge as well as the staples of the festival, including the Radical endurance races. Two separate one day meetings are run for amateur championships of the BARC, one of which is entitled the ‘Thruxton Classic’, which features races for Classic Touring Cars, Classic Formula Ford 1600 and Formula Ford 2000. The remaining day is allocated to other organising clubs, such as the 750 Motor Club and Historic Sports Car Club. Owing to the relative infrequency of race meetings, Thruxton continues to be a popular part of the motorsport calendar.
AINTREE
Melling Road
Liverpool
L9 5AS
Railway Station: Aintree/Old Roan/Fazakerley (all within 2 miles of the circuit)
Nearest City: Liverpool (5.8 miles from circuit)
Aintree Motor Racing Circuit is a 3-mile (4.83 km) motor racing circuit in the village of Aintree, Merseyside, England. The circuit is located within the famous Aintree Racecourse and used the same grandstands as horse racing. Built in 1954 as the “Goodwood of the North”, hence the fact the two venues had so many things in common. The track is well surfaced and relatively flat – ranging from 15 to about 30 metres in elevation.
The full Grand Prix circuit was last raced on in 1964, but part of it (the 1.535-mile (2.47 km) Club Circuit) is still open and was used for racing until the early 1980s, having been operated by the Aintree Circuit Club from the mid-1960s to the late 1990s. In the 1980s the 108 Car Club (St. Helens) brought rallying back to Aintree Circuit revitalising the circuits use with new and innovative ideas. A limited amount of motor sport continues today in the form of car sprints, track days and motorcycle racing on the Club Circuit.
The Motorcycle events are organised by Aintree Motor Cycle Racing Club, who run 6 events at Aintree each year. The Car events are organised by Liverpool Motor Club in the form of three sprints, in April, June and September and two trackdays in May and October on the club circuit. Nick Algar, the 2010 British Sprint Champion, set a new course record of 35.82 seconds on the 1847-metre sprint course on 26 June 2010 in a Gould GR55 3500cc. The record was previously set by Roy Dawson on 8 September 2007 in the same car, in a time of 36.03 seconds. Nick Algar’s speed through the finish line speed trap was 172 mph, although he did manage a speed of 176 mph on an earlier timed run that day.
In addition, the Club Circuit sees occasional use by visiting events such as the Greenpower Electric Car Races for Schools, Sporting Bears Motor Club giving Dream Rides for Charity, and also bicycle racing.
ANGLESEY CIRCUIT
Ty Croes
Anglesey
Wales
LL63 5TF
Railway Station: Ty Croes (2.7 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Rhosneigr (3.9 miles from circuit)
The Anglesey Circuit (Welsh: Trac Môn) is a motor racing circuit located in Ty Croes, Anglesey, Wales. It plays host to a variety of motorsport events, including rallycross. It opened as a fully licensed MSA and ACU championship racing circuit in 1997.
In 2006, the motorsports venue saw a major overhaul, with the majority of its 1.067 miles (1.72 km) circuit being scrapped in favour of a radical new development that includes four different track layouts: a 2.1 miles (3.4 km) International GP circuit, a 1.55 miles (2.5 km) Coastal Circuit, a slightly shorter National circuit and a Club Circuit that will cover under a mile. One of the straights on the circuit is named after Wales’s only F1 driver, Tom Pryce, who was killed in an accident during the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1977 when a track marshal carrying a fire extinguisher ran across the track in front of him. The extinguisher hit Pryce in the head, and both he and the marshal died.
The TV motoring programme Fifth Gear regularly used the Anglesey circuit for the ‘Shoot Out’ segment of the show. Since the new track configuration, Fifth Gear has opted to use the Coastal layout. The Coastal layout appears to be the most popular among track day enthusiasts because of the difficult downhill corkscrew segment.
BEDFORD AUTODROME
Thurleigh Airfield Business Park
Thurleigh
Bedford
MK44 2YP
Railway Station: Bedford (7.7 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Bedford (8 miles from circuit)
Bedford Autodrome is an autodrome based on the former site of RAE Bedford, in the village of Thurleigh, Bedfordshire. It is owned by former Formula One driver Jonathan Palmer.
The venue has been purpose built for speed and space, containing four entirely distinct circuits and over 5 miles of track laid out across a 384 acre site, with vast run-off areas that provide optimum safety.
Whilst there are several track configurations, with every kind or corner, there’s no motor racing at the Autodrome, so there’s no crowd-protecting safety barriers or concrete walls. Guests can drive to the limits safe in the knowledge that pushing too hard will result in a harmless spin across endless flat grass.
Whether you’re a guest as part of the world-renowned PalmerSport event or you’re enjoying a trackday, Bedford Autodrome is the best place on Earth to drive fast cars to the limit.
BLYTON PARK
Old Blyton Airfield
Kirton Road
Blyton
Gainsborough
DN21 3PE
If using Sat Nav use these coordinates:
North 53° 26′ 49″ – West 0° 40′ 49″
Railway Station: Gainsborough (6.7 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Gainsborough (6.3 miles from circuit)
Blyton Park offers a fun and challenging 1.6 mile track day circuit and the new Eastern Circuit.
The new high grip surface has excellent run off and is therefore ideal for beginners where as the more technical layout of the Eastern Circuit is more suited to an experienced driver or rider. The circuit is often used for shakedown runs, junior driver tests, driving experiences, ARDS licence tests and even rallycross events with the BTRDA Clubman’s Rallycross Championship.
The circuit is currently run by Richard Usher, having acquired the lease for the former RAF Airfield base in 2011.
BRANDS HATCH
Fawkham
Longfield
Kent
DA3 8NG
Railway Station: Eynsford (3.4 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Swanley (5.3 miles from circuit)
One of the world’s most iconic sporting venues, Brands Hatch plays host to a multitude of prestigious motorsport events on both two and four wheels.
Brands Hatch is visited by a multitude of top class national championships including the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship and Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, both of which hold their closing rounds here. Other big events include British GT/F4, the British Truck Racing Championship and there are many club car and bike meetings. The circuit also hosts historic racing with the HSCC Superprix and Masters Festivals, which often includes classic Formula 1 and Touring Car racing.
The Blancpain GT Series brings top-line sports car racing to the venue, and there’s further international action at the NASCAR-headlined American SpeedFest. Brands Hatch also hosts festivals for the Mini and Lotus marques.
A natural amphitheatre offering unrivalled views of the action from various vantage points, Brands Hatch is known as Britain’s best loved motor racing circuit. And you can also experience it for yourself with a renowned programme of driving experiences and trackdays on offer.
CADWELL PARK
Louth
Lincolnshire
LN11 9SE
Railway Station: Market Rasen (16.3 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Louth (6.6 miles from circuit)
Fondly nicknamed the ‘mini-Nürburgring’, Cadwell Park celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2014. It remains as closely-held in the hearts of many motorsport fans as it ever has. Located 10 miles north of Horncastle and five miles south of Louth, the Lincolnshire circuit is especially popular with bikers nationwide.
Cadwell Park’s twisty and undulating nature, winding through open park and woodland, has marked it out as one of the best circuits in the country. Once discovered, it is often a firm favourite amongst many who visit, whether as a spectator or participant.
The circuit is also one of the most popular destinations on the MCE Insurance British Superbike calendar, with the infamous ‘Mountain’ section, which riders usually tackle airborne, providing a particular challenge.
As the circuit’s reputation continues to build, there are an increasing number of club car events taking place at the circuit including the Historic Sports Car Club’s Wolds Trophy and the popular Vintage Sports Car Club Festival, along with two vintage and classic motorcycle events.
CASTLE COMBE CIRCUIT
Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN14 7EY
Railway Station: Chippenham (5.6 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Chippenham (5.6 miles from circuit)
Castle Combe Circuit is a motor racing circuit in Wiltshire, England, approximately 20 miles (32 km) from Bristol. The circuit is based on the perimeter track of a former World War II airfield, and was opened for racing in 1950, and the first meeting was staged on 8 July by the Bristol Motorcycle & Light Car Club. Over the next few years, the circuit attracted star names such as Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Roy Salvadori and John Surtees.
Castle Combe has staged many different motorsport disciplines over the years. In 1997, Nigel Greensall established a new lap record. His Tyrrell 022 lapped the circuit at 130.93 mph (210.71 km/h). However, this was the last year that the circuit would remain unaltered. A tragic accident involving the death of a spectator forced the owners into installing two new chicanes in order to slow the cars down. The new layout was slightly longer at 1.85 miles (2.98 km), and was completed over the winter of 1998-1999.
Races include a home-circuit championship with classes catering for Saloon cars, Sports & GTs, and Formula Ford are active and well-supported. Racing clubs from around the UK include the track in the events for their championships, including the 750 Motor Club, and BRSCC. Once a year motorcycle racing takes place over two days during the summer. The weekend proves popular, holding various classes of racing including a sidecar championship and an historic race, as well as the more modern supersport races.
CROFT CIRCUIT
West Lane
Dalton On Tees
North Yorkshire
DL2 2PL
Railway Station: Darlington (6.9 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Darlington (6.8 miles from circuit)
Croft Circuit is a motor racing circuit located near Dalton-on-Tees in North Yorkshire, England. The tarmac circuit is just over 2 miles (3 km) long and is based on the lands of an airfield, but has long since moved on from being a basic airfield circuit. The circuit holds meetings of the British Touring Car Championship, British Rallycross, Pickup Truck Racing race series, the Croft Nostalgia Festival in August and many more race meetings in between.
With over 20 years experience and the latest supercars and single seater racing cars, a driving experience at Croft is a unique and memorable present for any petrol head.
DARLEY MOOR CIRCUIT
Nr Cockshead Lane
Darley Moor
Derbyshire
DE6 2ET
Railway Station: Uttoxeter (10.1 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Ashbourne (3.9 miles from circuit)
Darley Moor Airfield and Road Race Circuit is situated on a high plateau adjacent to the A515, two miles south of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England. The airfield is operated by Airways Airsports providing training in almost every type of leisure flying. The Second World War runway was transformed into Darley Moor Racetrack holding regular events since 1965 for motorbike and more recently cycle racing.
Darley Moor is situated on the A515 road from Ashbourne to Sudbury 2 miles south of Ashbourne. The circuit is signed from the A515/ A50 junction at Sudbury and from the A52/ A515 junction in Ashbourne. Just follow the brown tourist signs straight to the door.
The Superkarting UK club holds its superkart race meetings as part of the motorcyle race meetings at this well known circuit. All MSA licenced gearbox superkart drivers are welcome to join including novices and newcomers to long circuit racing.
DONINGTON PARK
Castle Donington
Derby
DE74 2RP
Railway Station: East Midlands Parkway (6.6 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Derby (12.5 miles from circuit)
Donington Park is a motorsport circuit located near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, England. The circuit business is now owned by MotorSport Vision, and the surrounding Donington Park Estate is currently under lease by MotorSport Vision until 2038.
Originally part of the Donington Hall estate, it was created as a racing circuit during the pre-war period when the German Silver Arrows were battling for the European Championship. Used as a military vehicle storage depot during World War II, it fell into disrepair until bought by local construction entrepreneur Tom Wheatcroft. Revived under his ownership in the 1970s, it hosted a single Formula One race, but became the favoured home of the British round of the MotoGP motorcycling championship.
60 race days are held each year, including events from the British Touring Car Championship, British Superbikes, World Superbikes, British GT, rallying and historic festivals for both cars and motorcycles. Racing takes place on most weekends between March and October, with visits from most British racing clubs. Donington has also been host to the annual Season Launch for the BTCC since 2013, while the British Superbike Championship also holds major test days at the circuit.
The FIA Formula E Championship and its teams have also constructed its headquarters at the main entrance to the circuit. All teams competing in the electric series are based at the venue.
EAST FORTUNE
East Lothian
EH39 5LF
Railway Station: Drem (3.6 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: North Berwick (5.9 miles from circuit)
At the eastern side of the airfield the old runways and link roads of East Fortune airfield are now used as a motorcycle race track run by the Melville Motorcycle Club. There are around seven race weekends every year with racing on both Saturdays and Sundays, continually attracting over 200 competitors over the several classes available. Riders travel from the local area, Northumberland and as far as Ireland on occasions for most weekends. Melville Motorcycle Club run the track on a not-for-profit basis and have reinvested heavily in resurfacing and upgrading facilities. From 2014, the track also hosts a Greenpower race.
The circuit is also used by Experience Limits for driving experiences, a company that also runs operations at Llandow, Blyton Park, North Weald, Fife Airport, Lochgelly, Kirkbride and RAF Leuchars. Corners of varying difficulty and tightness will allow you to assess the handling of the cars while the back-straight allows you to relax and enjoy the power of some truly awesome vehicles, in a very safe environment. Please try not to look at the old RAF bombers and other aeroplanes in the background while concentrating on driving the cars! It truly is a beautiful part of the country.
GOODWOOD CIRCUIT
Claypit Lane
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 0PH
Railway Station: Chichester (2.8 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Chichester (2.6 miles from circuit)
Goodwood Circuit is a historic venue for both two- and four-wheeled motorsport in the United Kingdom. The 3.8 kilometres (2.4 mi) circuit is situated near Chichester, West Sussex, close to the south coast of England, on the estate of Goodwood House, and completely encircles Chichester/Goodwood Airport. This is the racing circuit dating from 1948, not to be confused with the separate hillclimb course located at Goodwood House and first used in 1936.
Following the success of the Festival of Speed hill climb, racing returned to the Goodwood circuit in 1998. The Goodwood Revival is a three-day festival held each September for the types of cars and motorcycles that would have competed during the circuit’s original period, 1948–1966. Historic aircraft help to complete the vintage feel. In 2008, a crowd of 68,000 people attended the event on the main Sunday – 9,000 more than in 2007. The track is now used for classic races, track days, and try-out days. Nearly everyone dresses up in vintage outfit from mods and rockers to racing drivers and just smart period clothes.
n 2009, the Mongol Rally, a charity fundraising car rally to Mongolia, moved its starting point from Hyde Park, London to Goodwood. Entrants are on show to the public in the paddock before beginning the rally with a parade lap of the circuit. The National Finals of the Greenpower schools electric car racing challenge takes place at Goodwood each year. The ‘Breakfast Club’ was introduced in March 2006. This is a semi regular free to enter, and open-to-all monthly gathering of drivers and riders who come to view each other’s cars, bikes etc. Each meeting is themed with striking examples of the days theme paraded on the start finish straight.
JURBY CIRCUIT
Ballavarran Road
Isle of Man
IM7 3AW
Railway Station: N/A
Nearest Town: Ramsey (7.5 miles from circuit)
Jurby was originally a WW2 airfield and still retained to day as an emergency landing strip. The various Jurby tracks are a combination of surfaces employing the old runway in places, perimeter roadway and new tarmac, thereby providing variable grip. The new section in front of the hangers, is 7m wide and its addition now provides three permutations offering sections from high speed swervery to technical.
It is the only short circuit in the Isle of Man and situated in the North of the Island, most simply accessed by travelling half way round the TT course to Sulby Hotel and turning left. Jurby is just a couple of miles up the road, entered from the Coast Road gate. It can be found on Google Maps as the “Jurburgring”. Racing at the circuit is run by the Andreas Racing Association.
Weather is frequently a determining factor on Jurby’s wide open spaces as winds can force a change of gearing, though with its own microclimate, the weather can often be reasonable here while the rest of the Island gets a soaking. The ARA run their own race school as an integral part of their meetings, plus pre-licence application courses.
KIRKISTOWN CIRCUIT
130 Rubane Road
Kircubbin
Co. Down
BT22 1AU
Railway Station: Botanic (24.7 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Portavogie (1.5 miles from circuit)
Kirkistown Motor Racing Circuit is a permanent motorsport circuit located between the villages of Kirkistown and Portavogie, on the Ards Peninsula of County Down in Northern Ireland.
The circuit is owned and operated by the 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland (500 MRCI), who opened the circuit in 1953 on the site of the former RAF Kirkistown air force base. Kirkistown’s main circuit was laid out using portions of the aerodrome’s major east–west runway and northern perimeter roadways. In its present configuration, Kirkistown’s track length is 1.53 mi (2.46 km) and it is Northern Ireland’s only MSA-licensed permanent race track. In addition to the 500 MRCI’s own events and other automobile circuit racing series, Kirkistown also hosts races for karting, rallying, rallycross, motorcycle and supermoto classes.
KNOCKHILL
by Dunfermline
Fife
KY12 9TF
Railway Station: Dunfermline Town (6.7 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Dunfermline (6.1 miles from circuit)
Over 40 years as Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre and host to the UK’s top televised motorsport car and bike events, Knockhill is situated just 30 mins from Edinburgh, 40 miles from Glasgow and 2 hours from Aberdeen. Knockhill is a truly versatile venue and the perfect choice for all events including Corporate Days, Team Building, Karting, Trackdays and exciting Driving Experiences.
Knockhill is Scotland’s only accredited FIA and MSA approved venue! With extensive and ongoing investment in our facilities the circuit provides experiences and racing events on its famous 1.27 mile long circuit, hillside rally stage, 4×4 off road track, 500m outdoor karting circuiting skid pan.
LLANDOW CIRCUIT
Cowbridge
CF71 7PB
Railway Station: Llantwit Major (2.2 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Llantwit Major (2 miles from circuit)
Llandow Circuit is a small motorsport circuit at Llandow, Vale of Glamorgan, 15 miles (24 km) south west of Cardiff, Wales, used mainly for testing, track-days and events. Llandow Kart Circuit, run by South Wales Karting Centre, is adjacent to the main circuit.
The Circuit is available for private and club hire, testing and MSA Sprints, or anything else that you think you might want to do! Track days for motorbikes and cars are becoming very popular and MSA licence holders can book half or full test days on most weekdays, with instructor’s days also periodically organised.
LYDDEN HILL
Wootton
Canterbury
Kent
CT4 6ET
Railway Station:
Nearest Town:
Lydden Hill Race Circuit (formerly known as Lydden Circuit) is the UK’s shortest road racing circuit. The track, previously owned by the McLaren Group, has undergone massive changes to make it the hub of Kentish motorsport. The mile-long circuit is located at Wootton, about half-way between Canterbury and Dover in Kent. The track is mainly used for Rallycross, Drift, Saloon and Sports car racing as well as Motorcycle racing. The track is one of two motor racing circuits in the county of Kent, along with Brands Hatch.
Lydden Hill circuit is situated on the main A2 between Canterbury and Dover. Access to the Circuit is from the A2 only and not via the villages that surround the circuit.
MALLORY PARK
Church Rd
Kirkby Mallory
LE9 7QE
Railway Station: Hinckley (8.5 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Hinckley (6.5 miles from circuit)
Mallory Park is a motor racing circuit situated in the village of Kirkby Mallory, just off the A47, between Leicester and Hinckley, in central England. Originally used for grass-track until 1955, a new, basically oval hard-surfaced course was constructed for 1956, with a later extension forming a loop with a hairpin bend. With the car circuit measuring only 1.35 miles (2.173 km) it is amongst the shortest permanent race circuits in the UK. However, chicanes introduced to reduce speeds in motorcycle events mean that the Superbike Circuit is now slightly longer, at 1.41 miles (2.269 km).
An iconic motor sport venue nestled in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, Mallory Park has a rich racing heritage and an adrenalin-fuelled future, with plans to revive motorsport memories spanning half a century with the return of big-time events. Set among tranquil lakes and rolling hills, Mallory Park’s location also makes it a unique event venue, where delegates can arrive at their company conference as a sales rep and depart as a racing driver with a motorsport competition licence. From adrenaline fuelled racing to high-speed passenger rides to triathlons and cycling – the friendly circuit puts its visitors in the driving seat, inviting you to participate, not just spectate.
OLIVER’S MOUNT
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 2YW
Railway Station: Scarborough (2.2 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Scarborough (2.8 miles from circuit)
Oliver’s Mount first held a motorcycle race in 1946, and continues to hold motorcycle circuit racing today, and also holds car rally and car hill-climb events.
The Oliver’s Mount track is a street circuit composed of twisty public roads and has played host to domestic motorcycling and rallying events for many years. Noted motorcycle racers who have raced at Oliver’s Mount include Barry Sheene. The crowds for race events are known to have reached 58,000. Oliver’s Mount racing circuit is the only street circuit in England. Throughout the year it hosts four weekends of motorcycle road racing and numerous hill climb challenges. With the Ian Watson Spring Road Races, Barry Sheene Classic Road Races, Cock o’ the North Road Races and The Gold Cup drawing Riders and spectators from all over the British Isles. The races are organised by the Auto 66 club who attract many big name riders from the current road racing scene including Ian Hutchinson, Guy Martin, Ryan Farquhar, Ian Lougher, John McGuinness, Chris Palmer, William Dunlop and sidecar ace Nick Crowe amongst many other lesser-known, but very skilled riders. The circuit itself is 2.43 miles (3.91 km) in length and is not much more than a service road around Oliver’s Mount. It is known as a technical and twisty track that requires a great deal of skill and bravery to tackle.
OULTON PARK
Little Budworth,
Tarporley
Cheshire
CW6 9BW
Railway Station: Delamere (4.4 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Winsford (5.2 miles from circuit)
Built into the natural contours of the Cheshire countryside, Oulton Park’s combination of stunning scenery and spectacular racing make it one of the most picturesque and best-loved circuits for spectators and competitors alike. Over more than 60 years it has gathered a reputation as the country’s toughest test for both car and driver.
The venue remains just as popular as ever with fans thanks to the superb views of the circuit available from the spectator banking. Crowds of up to 35,000 regularly visit the circuit for the annual round of the British Touring Car Championship. As well as the BTCC, the Cheshire track hosts two rounds of the British Superbike Championship and the ever popular British GT/F4 event.
The circuit also holds the Gold Cup meeting, which is now run as a historic event by the HSCC and where some of the finest racing cars from the past 70 years of the sport roll back time and take to the track over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Oulton Park is situated next to Little Budworth and is best accessed from the A54 and the A59.
PEMBREY
Llanelli
Carmarthenshire
SA16 0HZ
Railway Station: Pembrey & Burry Port (5 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Burry Port (4.5 miles from circuit)
Pembrey Circuit is a motor racing circuit near Pembrey village, Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is the home of Welsh motorsport, providing racing for cars, motorcycles, karts and trucks. The circuit’s facilities have also been used for a single venue rally.
The circuit has two different sections, an all tarmac race circuit and a rally cross circuit utilizing some of the race circuit with an addition off-road surface. The circuit is operated by the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) under the terms of a 50-year lease from Carmarthenshire County Council. The circuit is being refurbished for the 2017 motorsport season.
SANTA POD RACEWAY
Airfield Rd
Wellingborough
NN29 7XA
Railway Station: Wellingborough (7.8 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Wellingborough (7 miles from circuit)
Santa Pod Raceway, located in Podington, Bedfordshire, England, is Europe’s first permanent drag racing venue. It was built on a disused Second World War air base, (RAF Podington), once used by the 92nd Bomber Group. The drag racing venue opened at Easter in 1966, and it is now the home of European drag racing and has grown substantially over its 40-year existence. It hosts both the first and last round of the FIA and FIM/UEM European Drag Racing Championship, along with the British National Drag Racing Championships. It is leased and operated by Trakbak Racing which is based in London. Santa Pod regularly takes its promotional units to major events in motor sport.
Santa Pod is the venue in which the current world drag racing record, a time of 3.58 seconds at 386.26 mph (621.61 km/h) was set by Sammy Miller in his Vanishing Point rocket-propelled funny car in July 1984. Another record has also been set at Santa Pod, the world’s fastest jet car (notably Santa Pod’s “resident”) Fireforce 3 piloted by Martin Hill broke the record in Easter 2005 with a terminal speed of 336.10 mph (540.88 km/h). Several other European drag racing records have been set along with records unsurpassed outside the United States. In May 2010 Top Fuel dragster driver Urs Erbacher set a class speed record with a terminal speed of 314.87 mph reached in less than 5 seconds. At the same race meeting Eric Teboul set a time of 5.23 seconds at 249 mph on his Hydrogen Peroxide Rocket Bike, which he further improved to 5.19 seconds at the European championships in September 2010.
Santa Pod remains the fastest all-asphalt dragstrip in the world since most North American tracks are partially or entirely concrete in construction.
SILVERSTONE
Towcester
Northamptonshire
NN12 8TN
Railway Station: Wolverton (16.4 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Brackley (7.7 miles from circuit)
Silverstone Circuit is a motor racing circuit in England next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. Silverstone is the current home of the British Grand Prix, which it first hosted in 1948. The 1950 British Grand Prix at Silverstone was the first race in the newly created World Championship of Drivers. The race rotated between Silverstone, Aintree and Brands Hatch from 1955 to 1986, but relocated permanently to Silverstone in 1987. The circuit also hosts the British round of the MotoGP series.
Silverstone also hosts many club racing series and the world’s largest historic race meeting, the Silverstone Classic. It is also host to one of the UK’s only 24-hour car races, the Britcar 24, which is gaining in popularity, having run between 2005 and 2012.
It has in the past hosted exhibition rounds of the D1 Grand Prix both in 2005 and 2006. The course, starting from the main straight used in club races, makes use of both Brooklands and Luffield corners to form an S-bend – a requirement in drifting – and is regarded by its judge, Keiichi Tsuchiya, as one of the most technical drifting courses of all.[71] The section, used in drifting events since 2002, is currently used to host a European Drift Championship round. The Course also hosts the Formula Student Competition by the iMechE yearly.
SNETTERTON
Norwich
Norfolk
NR16 2JU
Railway Station: Harling Road (4.6 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Thetford (11.8 miles from circuit)
Snetterton has undergone somewhat of a renaissance during the recent years following a multi-million pound redevelopment project at the start of 2011, which was met with rave reviews from both spectators and competitors alike. Its combination of long straights and a wide variety of turns challenges both power and handling.
Drawing inspiration from iconic motorsport corners such as Monza’s Parabolica and the Montreal Hairpin, the Snetterton 300 circuit hosts the British Touring Car Championship, British Superbike Championship, British Truck Racing Championship and British GT and F4 Championships.
A packed racing programme includes historic racing, including the Autosport Three Hour meeting and an eclectic range of club car and bike action on the three circuit configurations. In addition to the 300, the 200’s layout retains the old circuit’s character and can be run simultaneously with the short 100 loop, which is popular with Sprint competitors.
In addition to racing, Snetterton is a popular test track and has been used to develop a host of vehicles including the Williams F1-designed Formula Two car and various Le Mans machinery including the Bentley Speed 8, and the futuristic Nissan Deltawing and ZEOD cars.
THRUXTON
Andover
Hampshire
SP11 8PW
Railway Station: Grateley (5 miles from circuit)
Nearest Town: Andover (6.1 miles from circuit)
Thruxton Circuit is a motor racing circuit located near the village of Thruxton in Hampshire, England which hosts motorsport events including British Touring Cars and Formula 3 racing.
The circuit houses the headquarters of the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC). Owing to planning restrictions, the circuit can only run 12 days of motorsport each year. Currently, three are devoted to motorbike racing, with a weekend dedicated to the British Superbike Championship, Britain’s premier motorcycle racing category; with the third day being used for club racing. The remaining days are devoted to car racing with weekends being used for the TOCA British Touring Car Championship, the British Formula 3 and British GT package and the new for 2006 Dunlop Great and British Festival, which features rounds of the British Truck Racing Championship, the International Truck Racing Challenge as well as the staples of the festival, including the Radical endurance races. Two separate one day meetings are run for amateur championships of the BARC, one of which is entitled the ‘Thruxton Classic’, which features races for Classic Touring Cars, Classic Formula Ford 1600 and Formula Ford 2000. The remaining day is allocated to other organising clubs, such as the 750 Motor Club and Historic Sports Car Club. Owing to the relative infrequency of race meetings, Thruxton continues to be a popular part of the motorsport calendar.