Castle Combe Circuit is a motor racing circuit in Wiltshire, England, approximately 20-mile (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.
History
The Castle Combe airfield opened in May 1941 on land of the Castle Combe estate, owned by the Gorst family, and operated as RAF Castle Combe for seven years before being decommissioned in 1948. During the war, the airfield was a training ground for pilots. From 1946 to 1948 the buildings served as a resettlement camp for Polish ex-service personnel.[1] The property was returned to the Gorst family in 1948; with the Bristol Motorcycle & Light Car Club, they organized the first race in July 1950. By 1955 the property was divided and sold. Between 1956 and 1961, the circuit was used for motorcycle racing. Some years later, the circuit was converted to motor racing.[2]
British Formula Three cars in 2003
Castle Combe has staged many different motorsport disciplines over the years. In 1997, Nigel Greensall established a 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. An 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 1.850 mi (2.977 km), and was completed over the winter of 1998–1999.
Formula Three returned to Castle Combe in 2001. However, in 2005, the circuit was issued with a noise nuisance order. The British Formula Three Championship and the British GT Championship were both louder than permitted, and so were prevented from returning.[citation needed]
Present
Races include a home-circuit championship with classes for saloon cars, sports cars and GTs, and Formula Ford. Racing clubs from around the UK include the track in the events for their championships, including the 750 Motor Club and BRSCC.[3][4] Once a year, motorcycle racing takes place over two days during the summer. The weekend includes a sidecar championship and an historic race, as well as the more modern supersport races.
As well as holding trackdays for both cars and motorcycles, Castle Combe Circuit holds a large number of car shows. These shows follow a general motorsport theme and exhibit show stands, market stalls, stunt demonstrations, classic displays and on certain days the circuit is able to hold track sessions. Since 2001, Rallyday, an annual demonstration event for rally cars, has also been held. Motoring shows Top Gear and Fifth Gear have used the circuit to race or test cars on.[citation needed]
The Under 17 Car Club have been using the track since 1976 to host events where members of the club learn to drive from the age of 11. The club transform the track into driving circuits with roundabouts and motorway sections. The club also hold their annual Magic Day at Combe to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.[citation needed]
The circuit hosts a Greenpower event, one round in a series held at various racetrack-type venues.[5] When not in use for racing, the circuit is the venue for a regular car boot sale that has become one of the biggest in the South West.[6] In May it also hosts an annual steam rally.
Track layout
Wet race in 2004
Lap Records
The McMurtry Spéirling PURE VP1 holds the overall track record at Castle Combe, set during a private testing session in April 2024.
Category
Time
Driver
Vehicle
Event
Full Circuit (with Chicanes): 2.977 km (1998–present)
