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Castle Combe

Castle Combe Track with 6th Gear Experience

Castle Combe Track Layout & Length

Castle Combe Circuit, located near Chippenham in Wiltshire, UK, is a well-regarded motorsport facility known for its fast and technical layout. The track, which has been operational since 1950, measures 1.85 miles (2.97 kilometers) in length and features a mix of fast straights and challenging corners, providing a thrilling experience for drivers and an exciting spectacle for fans.

Upcoming events

Friday, 18th Oct 2024
Saturday, 2nd Nov 2024
only juniors  ★  Sunday, 3rd Nov 2024

Castle Combe Track Location

Castle Combe Circuit is located near the village of Castle Combe in Wiltshire, United Kingdom. Nestled in the picturesque countryside of the West Country, the circuit is easily accessible from both junctions 17 and 18 of the M4 motorway. This convenient location makes it an ideal destination for motorsport enthusiasts from the South West and beyond.

The circuit is set amidst scenic rural landscapes, providing a beautiful backdrop for racing events. Its proximity to Chippenham adds to its accessibility, offering visitors various accommodation and dining options nearby. The area around the circuit combines natural beauty with the thrill of motorsport, making it a unique and attractive venue for both drivers and spectators​.

Castle Combe - Google Maps

Skill Requirements for Castle Combe Circuit

Driving at Castle Combe Circuit requires a diverse set of skills due to its fast and technical layout. Here are the key skill requirements:

Precision and Control:

  • Avon Rise and Quarry Corner: This section is one of the trickiest combinations in UK motorsport. Precision in braking and control is crucial as drivers approach Avon Rise at high speed and must navigate the sharp turn at Quarry Corner without losing momentum​​.

Braking Technique:

  • Tower Corner and Bobbies: These corners require strong and precise braking due to their downhill approach and tight configuration. Effective braking techniques are essential to maintain control and speed through these sections​.

Smoothness and Consistency:

  • The Esses and Old Paddock: Maintaining a smooth entry and exit through The Esses is vital for carrying speed into the fast Old Paddock section. Consistency in driving lines and throttle application helps in achieving optimal lap times​.

Adaptability:

  • Bumpy Surface: The slightly undulating and bumpy surface of the circuit requires drivers to adapt their driving style to maintain stability and grip, especially during high-speed sections​.

Cornering Skills:

  • Camp Corner: The final corner before the start/finish straight is crucial for achieving a good lap time. Drivers must balance their entry to ensure a strong exit, maximizing speed down the straight​.

Overall, mastering Castle Combe Circuit demands a combination of precise braking, smooth handling, and adaptability to its unique challenges, making it a rewarding experience for drivers​

Spectator Facilities At Castle Combe Circuit

Castle Combe Circuit offers a variety of facilities to ensure spectators have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some key highlights:

Viewing Areas:

  • Unobstructed Views: The circuit features grass banks that are higher than the track, providing unobstructed views of the racing action. Popular viewing spots include Quarry, Tower, The Esses, and Bobbies​​.

Food and Drink:

  • Multiple Food Stands: There are several food stands located around the circuit, particularly at Quarry, Tower, and within the paddock area. Options include hot meals, snacks, beverages, and ice cream, ensuring a variety of choices for all tastes​.
  • Café and Bar: The paddock area houses an indoor café/bar with both indoor and outdoor seating, providing a comfortable place to relax and enjoy refreshments.

Amenities:

  • Restroom Facilities: The circuit is equipped with well-maintained, permanent restroom facilities that are conveniently located around the venue, ensuring you are never far from one.
  • Parking: Multiple entrances and parking areas around the circuit help manage traffic flow efficiently, making it easy for visitors to enter and exit the venue​.

Accessibility:

  • Shaded Areas: There are several shaded areas, particularly between Tower and Camp corners, providing relief on sunny days​.

Additional Features:

  • Live Timing and Event Timetables: Live timing and event timetables are available to keep spectators informed about the day’s schedule and ongoing events.
  • Accommodation: While there are no on-site accommodations, the circuit is located near towns like Swindon and Bristol, which offer a variety of hotels and B&Bs for visitors who need to stay overnight​.

These comprehensive facilities ensure that spectators at Castle Combe Circuit can enjoy a thrilling day of motorsport in comfort.

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The History Of Castle Combe

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History of Castle Combe Circuit

Castle Combe Circuit, located near Chippenham in Wiltshire, England, has a rich and storied history. Originally an RAF airfield during World War II, the perimeter track was laid out in 1943. After the war, the airfield was decommissioned in 1948, and by 1950, the Bristol Motorcycle and Light Car Club had converted it into a race circuit, holding its first race meeting on July 8, 1950.

In its early years, the circuit hosted a mix of motorcycle races, sprints, and tests. It wasn’t until 1962, after some development including the construction of spectator banks, that car racing became a regular feature. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Castle Combe became known for its fast and thrilling races, including events in the Formula 5000 and European Championships.

The track layout remained largely unchanged until 1999, maintaining its original high-speed characteristics. However, following a tragic accident in 1998, significant safety modifications were made. Chicanes were added, and spectator areas were redesigned to improve safety. Despite these changes, the circuit continued to attract major events, including the British GT and Formula Three Championships, although noise restrictions later limited these higher-profile races​.

Today, Castle Combe Circuit is celebrated for its club racing events, local championships, and various motorsport activities. It remains a beloved venue for both drivers and spectators, known for its challenging layout and beautiful rural setting.

Characteristics of Castle Combe Circuit

Castle Combe Circuit, renowned for its thrilling layout, offers several distinctive features that challenge drivers and captivate spectators. Here are some of the key characteristics:

Track Design:

  • Fast and Technical: The circuit combines high-speed straights with complex technical corners, demanding precision and control from drivers.
  • Modified Layout: Originally a high-speed track, it has been updated with chicanes to improve safety while retaining its exciting nature​.

Key Sections:

  1. Folly and Avon Rise:
    • Known for its flat-out approach leading into a tricky gradient change, requiring precise braking to navigate safely​​.
  2. Quarry Corner:
    • Infamous for its challenging entry, where drivers must carefully manage speed and handling to avoid errors​.
  3. The Esses and Old Paddock:
    • A combination of chicanes and fast bends that test drivers’ ability to maintain speed and control​​.
  4. Tower Corner and Bobbies Chicane:
    • Requires strong braking and smooth manoeuvring through these tight sections.
  5. Camp Corner:
    • The critical final corner leading onto the start/finish straight, essential for achieving competitive lap times​.

Surface and Conditions:

  • Bumpy Terrain: The slightly uneven surface adds complexity, requiring drivers to adapt their technique to maintain stability.
  • Variable Weather: The circuit’s location subjects it to unpredictable weather, testing drivers’ adaptability.

Event Atmosphere:

  • Local Championships and Special Events: The track hosts various local races and special events, such as the Autumn Classic and Rally Day, drawing motorsport enthusiasts from all over​.

Castle Combe Circuit’s unique combination of speed, technical complexity, and rich event schedule makes it a standout venue in UK motorsport.