At just 1.3 miles in length, with only eight named corners, one would be forgiven for not expecting much from this remote circuit. Those bare statistics are alone enough for the English to condemn this circuit to purgatory. That would be a mistake that is sadly too-often made, for this is a brilliant and challenging circuit. I’ve only been there once, some twenty years ago at the time of writing, but that is set to change, for my championship is finally revisiting it in 2022.
Creating this guide, the only changes I can see are the corner names with some for the better (Hislop’s replaces Daewoo) and others for the worse (the wonderfully named Glenvarigill making way for Arnold Clark Chicane). That Glenvarigill chicane (sorry, old habits) is extremely challenging with braking up a rise to a blind apex. Oh, there is one minor change worth mentioning: Knockhill is now Britain’s only circuit that can be raced on in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. That should be interesting.
Now for my one and only gripe, which I have already brushed against. It’s not against the circuit, but the English and, to a lesser extent, Welsh competitors. We are supposed to be members of British championships, but are effectively excluding our Scottish brethren. We only have to make one long-distance journey and begrudge them that, whereas they (and I am implying a separatist ‘they’) have to make multiple equally distant journeys every season. The thing is, at the moment the Scottish have a fantastic circuit all the themselves; we’re missing out.
Circuit Details
Knockhill Circuit
Dunfermline,
Fife,
KY12 9TF.
01383 723337
email: enquiries@knockhill.co.uk
Technical
The technical information has been extracted from the Motorsport UK Yearbook 2022, as published online on 16/08/2022.
Length: 1.3 miles, 2.09 km
Number of Starters
Racing & Sports Racing Cars over 2000cc: 26
Racing & Sports Racing Cars up to 2000cc: 30
Other Classes: 34
Speed Limits
Paddock Speed Limit: 10 mph
Pit Lane Speed Limit: 60 kph – 37.28 mph
Getting There
The above link provides a map and advice on how to access the circuit for competitors and spectators.
SatNav
Entering a post code into my satnav usually gets me there, but not always, so I also include GPS coordinates with this guide. What3Words are also an increasingly useful addition. I try to find a w3w location with at least one word that is related to motor racing; I also try to find short words or a humorous sentence.
I have also provided coordinates and What3Words for a position within the paddock. This could be useful as a meeting point for guests.
Circuit Entrance Coordinates
- DMS: 56°7’57.23″,-3°30’34.66″
- DD: 56.13256,-3.50963
- What3words: ///motorist.rate.gliding
Paddock Coordinates
- DMS: 56°7’54.23″,-3°30’36.84″
- DD: 56.13173,-3.51023
- What3words: ///gearing.chariots.fries
Useful Links and Information
Google Map of Paddock and Pits
The above link is to a Google satellite map, centred on Paddock 1.
Official Map of Circuit and Facilities
The above link is to the circuit’s own web site.
The above link is to an accommodation page within the circuit’s own web site.
The above link is to a directions page within the circuit’s own web site.
Official Details on Disabled Visitors Access
The above link is to a visitor information page within the circuit’s own web site. Scroll down for the Disabled Spectators section.
The above link is to printable map of the circuit.
Shop
How to monetise this web site is an ongoing issue, but I do not want adverts as all they do is add to the coffers of the internet giants while detracting from the contents of these pages. I also don’t use cookies, which are often perceived as a means of stealing visitor’s personal data.
The answer, for now at least, is Print-On-Demand merchandise. The diagrams that are on these web pages have been created by myself and so I own the copyrights. From them, I have created a series of merchandise that can be bought by visitors to these pages.
RedBubble was chosen after my being confused while investigating such sites. This was one that I could understand, but not fully and so more updates are expected. The prices were also far more sensible than other retailers, mainly due to postage not being from the USA.
Merchandise available includes:
- T-Shirts
- Caps
- Bags
- Pillows
- Mugs
- Coasters
- Mouse Mats
- Desk Mats
- Pet Mats
- Stickers
- Tablet and Phone Cases
- Clocks
- Badges
Marshal Posts
Visit the above link for comprehensive details on the marshal posts for this configuration.
Not all marshal posts are for the displaying of flags, whilst not all flag posts are necessarily in use. The minimum requirement is for each flag post having a clear view of the previous and following posts. The above link is to a page showing a large map of all flag posts on the circuit, along with a description of post.
It is important for the drivers to familiarise themselves with the location of all flag posts. This is usually done, for a race, on the green flag lap where drivers, having lined up on the grid in starting order, then set off and drive the circuit at a sensible and controlled pace that is set by either the pole-position person or a safety/course car. On that lap, every manned flag post displays a waved green flag, allowing the driver to memorise all positions. Memorising those posts in advance can be helpful. A similar display takes place for other sessions, such as qualifying, but the flags are only displayed long enough for cars that are released onto the circuit at the start of that session; latecomers need to have already done their research.
Direct access to each of the direction’s marshal post guides is via the following links:
Track Limits
There are no track limits sensors on the exit of any corner, but the MSA rules still apply. Follow the above link to read of them. A summary is:
- The white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track. So are the kerbs.
- If any wheel wholly leave the defined part of the track (the white line or the kerb), track limits are exceeded.
- In qualifying, any offence will result in that lap time being disqualified.
- In a race, a second offence will result in a warning flag. Subsequent offences will be punished with increasing severity, culminating in the black flag – disqualification.
Extracted From MSV Briefing Notes:
You are permitted to drive on the track asphalt up to and including the white line, and on the full extent of any kerbs (marked red/white). However you are not permitted to put any wheel beyond the white lines or kerbs.
Paddock Facilities
Click on the above link for a tour of the paddock facilities, along with pit access, grid details and more.
Showers and Toilets
There are five toilet blocks within the paddocks:
- On entering the paddock area from the pay booths, there is a café/bar straight ahead. Just before and to the right is a toilet block.
- On entering the paddock area from the pay booths and turning to the right, into Paddock 2, there is a shower and toilet block in the middle of the south end of the paddock.
- On entering the paddock area from the pay booths and turning to the left, into Paddock 1, halfway down the business units is a shower and toilet block.
- On entering the paddock area from the pay booths and turning to the left, into Paddock 1, Kinnairds Bistro is at the far end To the right of the bistro is a toilet block.
- Walking down Paddock 1 towards Kinnairds Bistro, continue out of the paddock with the Bistro and them the Medical Centre to your right. Head towards the pedestrian bridge. To the left of that is a toilet block.
There are toilet blocks around the circuit for spectators:
- On crossing the pedestrian bridge there is a toilet block.
- From the outside of the circuit, there toilet block by the following corners:
- Behind the grandstand at Scotsman,
- On the approach to Blackcircles Chicane.
- Behind the grandstand at Clark’s.
- Behind the grandstand opposite the entry to Taylors Hairpin.
Camping Facilities
The paddocks are fully tarmacked and so are not conducive to the raising of tents. There is a field to the west of Paddock 2, which looks ideal, but I would call Knockhill direct for confirmation and permission. To get there, from the entrance, take the first right. This leads into Paddock 2. Go to the far northern end of the paddock for access to the field.
The closest showers and toilets are at the middle of the southern border of Paddock 2.
Waste Facilities
Rubbish
There are wheelie bins for general waste throughout the paddock.
Recycling
There are wheelie bins for recycling waste in Paddock 1 and Paddock 2:
- Paddock 1: By the toilets that are locate in the middle if the business outlets.
- Paddock 2: Alongside the rear of the café / bar.
Waste Oil
There is waste oil point in Paddock 1, by the toilets that are locate in the middle if the business outlets.
Electricity
There are no power facilities in either paddock.
There is a Chargeplace Scotland Charging Station. From Paddock 1, it is behind Kinnairds Bistro, opposite the kart circuit.
Water
Paddock 1
Aside from the toilets, there is a water tap at the corner of the kart circuit building, opposite the EV charging stations.
Paddock 2
For major meetings, such as the BTCC, there a taps running along the northern border of the paddock; these are otherwise generally switched off.
Paddocks 2 and 3
There are a series of taps running either side of the two paddocks, either side of the toilet block.
Spectating – Infield
On crossing the pedestrian bridge, there are water taps running along the banking at the far end of the tarmac.
There is a further water tap at the corner of the commentary tower.
Spectating – Outfield
There are water taps behind the toilet block that is alongside Clarks.
There are more water taps to the left of the toilet block that is beside Taylors Hairpin.
Refreshments and Bar
The Café/Bar and Kinnairds Bistro are at opposite ends of Paddock 1.
Café/Bar
On entering the paddock area from the pay booths, the café/bar is straight ahead, separating Paddocks 1 and 2.
Kinnairds Bistro
On entering the paddock area from the pay booths and turning to the left, into Paddock 1, Kinnairds Bistro is at the far end.
Outdoor Kart Circuit / Children’s Playground
There is a Chargeplace Scotland Charging Station. From Paddock 1, head towards Kinnairds Bistro, alongside the business units. At the end of the final unit, turn left and the entrance to the kart circuit is on the right. This also serves as the entrance to the Children’s Playground.
Electric Vehicle Charging Bays
From Paddock 1, drive past towards Kinnairds Bistro, alongside the business units. Continue by Kinnairds and the EV charging station is on the right.
Medical Centre
From Paddock 1, walk past Kinnairds Bistro and the EV charging station on the right. On the right, just after the EV charging bays and opposite the kart circuit, is a gate that gives access to the Medical Centre.
Spectating Points
Click on the above link for comprehensive details on all spectating points around the circuit.
This is Scotland’s premier circuit, an accolade it would deserve if the country was awash with racing venues. The BTTC is one of its regular star attractions, bringing the spectators in their hoards. Thankfully, despite its compact size, there is space for everyone.
It is possible to walk around the outside of the circuit, whilst almost constantly viewing the on-track action, from the pit exit lane all the way round to the hairpin, with only grandstands and spectator enclosures getting in the way. Some of those viewing platforms are covered, allowing a modicum of comfort even when wet. There is a bridge to the inside of the circuit, where spectators can watch the action from opposite the pit entry (clockwise circuit) down to the first corner.
Official Locations
| Signing On | This takes place at the Kinnairds Bistro. The desk is just on the inside of the premises, which is entered, from this photograph via the right end. |
| Race Admin | From the entrance to Kinnairds Bistro walk in the direction of the circuit, turn left after the toilets and head between the toilets and the Media Centre. Turn right at the end of the Media Centre and Race Admin, including Race Control is on the left. |
| Race Control | Race Block. |
| Clerk of the Course | Race Block. |
| Timekeeping | The other side of the pit garages from Race Control, by the pit lane exit (clockwise circuit) is the Timekeepers office. |
| Medical Centre | From Paddock 1, walk past Kinnairds Bistro and the EV charging station on the right. On the right, just after the EV charging bays and opposite the kart circuit, is a gate that gives access to the Medical Centre. |
Race Locations
| Scrutineering | There are two narrow yellow box junctions about the centre of Paddock 1. Just south (towards the circuit) of the box junction closest to Kinnairds Bistro is the entry into Scrutineering. From the circuit, Scrutineering is accessed via Parc Ferme, into which drivers will directed by the marshals. |
| Noise Test | Noise testing is normally conducted on entry to, or while queuing to enter, the Assembly Area. This applies to both clockwise and anticlockwise configurations. |
| Assembly Area | Clockwise circuit From the units that run along the northern edge of the paddock, there is a set of toilets in the middle. Just below, in the centre of the paddock, is a yellow box junction. The entry to the Assembly Area is below that, alongside the exit of the Scrutineering Bay. A gate separates the Assembly Area from the garages. On entering the pit lane, bear left and head past the garages. Anti-clockwise circuit The area between the medical centre and the Wullie Brown Marshals Centre can act as the Assembly Area. To access, cars should drive between the Media Centre and the toilet block to the right of Kinnairds Bistro. Continue past the Wullie Brown Marshals Centre into an open space opposite the Medical Centre. This is the Assembly Area. From here, exit directly into the pit lane, ensuring that you turn right, thereby passing the garages that will be on your right. |
| Parc Ferme | This is located between the scrutineering bay and the pit lane. After a session on-circuit, Parc Ferme is reached via the pit lane entry by turning left just before the start of the garage block and then turning immediate left. |
| Pit Lane | The pit lane speed limit is 60 km/h, or 37.3 mph. Clockwise circuit From the circuit, the pit lane entry comes up very quickly on the left, so take care, when rounding Taylors Hairpin and raise a hand in warning. There is generally time to maintain speed until entering the pit lane, before quickly shedding speed. Anti-clockwise circuit From the circuit, the pit lane entry approach follows an uphill left-hander, so the racing line and pit-lane approach are at the same point. Don’t slow suddenly, without warning. It may be the fault of the driver behind, but you’ll still have a dent at the back of your steed. Raise a hand in warning and turn off, before reducing speed. |
| Starting Grid | Clockwise circuit From Taylors Hairpin, the back of the grid can be seen before the pit lane entry. The head of the grid is just before the brow of the hill. The starting lights are ahead, on the pit wall, above the start-line marshal post. There are repeater lights at the start of the pit wall. Anti-clockwise circuit From Duffus Dip, the back of the grid is only a short distance ahead, just before the pedestrian bridge, where the pit entry lane begins to be separated from the circuit with a solid white line. The head of the grid is just after the brow of the hill. The starting lights are ahead, on the pit wall, above the start-line marshal post. Note that there are no repeater start lights. |
Petrol Availability
According to the official guidance, petrol is available on-site.
There is a charging station for electric cars.
The closest petrol station, time-wise, from the circuit is an Esso station. The nearest Shell station, which I believe sells 98-RON petrol is just over ten minutes away.
Shell
North West, 6.9 miles, around 11 minutes
Crook of Devon,
Kinross.
KY13 0PR.
Tesco Petrol Station
South, 5.7 miles; around 11 minutes
Winterthur Lane,
Dunfermline.
KY12 7BD.
YouTube Videos
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Page updated by Peter Tattersall, August 2024