Castle Combe Circuit

Castle Combe Circuit lies in the rolling countryside of Wiltshire, about 32 kilometres from Bristol. It sits on the old perimeter track of a Second World War airfield opened in May 1941 for pilot training. After the war the land returned to the Gorst family, who with the Bristol Motorcycle & Light Car Club organised the first race in July 1950. By the mid-1950s the estate was divided and sold, yet racing continued and later switched from bikes to cars. In 1997 Nigel Greensall set a lap record of 210.71 km/h in a Tyrrell 022, but after a fatal accident two chicanes were added to slow the cars. The revised 2.977-kilometre layout was completed over the winter of 1998–1999. The circuit now hosts a home-circuit championship with saloons, sports cars and GT classes, plus Formula Ford and motorcycle events. Clubs such as the 750 Motor Club and BRSCC bring national championships to the track each season. Once a year a summer motorcycle weekend features sidecar races, historic cars and modern supersport machines. Rallyday, started in 2001, gives rally cars a chance to demonstrate on the tarmac. Television programmes like Top Gear and Fifth Gear have used the circuit for car tests and races. The Under 17 Car Club has trained young drivers here since 1976, turning the track into miniature roads with roundabouts and motorway sections. Visitors find a 2.977-kilometre ribbon of tarmac winding through open farmland. On race days the grandstands fill with spectators watching saloons and GT cars battle through the two chicanes. Car shows fill the infield with market stalls, stunt displays and classic-car displays, while track sessions let enthusiasts drive their own machines. A large car boot sale runs regularly, and in May a steam rally brings vintage engines and traction engines to the circuit. The Greenpower event lets school teams race electric cars, and Magic Day each year raises money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.