This document details all the places a driver needs to take themselves or their car over a race weekend.
Above is a map highlighting the most important places within the paddock.
The following pages contain a detailed guide to the paddock. It starts with another map, this time with annotations, against which the subsequent notes and photographs can be referenced.
Main Paddock
The above map begins, at Number 1, as we enter into the paddock. We will then take a look to the left, then to the right where the main paddock facilities are found. We shall travel along the right border of the paddock to the end, then head back to the eateries in the centre. That will be followed a quick look around the Strawford centre, then head past the shop, medical centre and media centre and into the Assembly Area. We will complete this part od the tour at parc fermé and the scrutineering bay.
We will then look circuit egress and entry and the grid.
Finally, details of the medical centre, including First Aid and defibrillator, will be described.
| 1. Entrance, via the Blue Gate The security office is just the other side of the gate, to the right of the entrance. From the centre of the paddock and looking towards the main paddock entrance, the shower block is beyond, to the right. The chemical waste disposal point is at the end of the block, paddock-side. |  |
| 2. Small Paddock On entering Castle Combe via the Blue gate, turn left for the small paddock. |  |
| 3. Paddock, by the Pits On entering Castle Combe via the Blue gate, go straight on for the paddock area alongside the pit. |  |
| 4. Main Paddock Access On entering Castle Combe via the Blue gate, turn right for the main paddock area. Just before the main paddock area begins is the Pit Stop Café. Diametrically opposite is a toilet block (see next section). |   |
| 5. Main Paddock Access Straight after is the Pit Stop Café is this junction. Left leads to the paddock by the pits. Diametrically opposite the Pit Stop Café is a toilet block. |   |
| 6. Toilets, Showers and Podium From the junction go straight on, passing the toilet block, which is on the left. Ahead of the toilet block are a set of showers in a portable block. These are kept clean and are excellent. Behind the toilet block is a second podium. The main podium is located in the pits and we shall visit it later. |   |
| 7. Merlin Motorsport Continue along the right-side of the paddock, parallel to the main road. The road bends gently to the left. At the next junction is Merlin Motorsport. Forgotten or dropped your crash helmet? You’re in luck (?), as Castle Combe’s answer to Demon Tweeks is here. Normal weekday opening hours are 9:00am until 5:30pm, with race Saturday’s closing at 3:00pm. You can turn left here, which would lead you past the Tavern clubhouse, towards the Medical Centre, Race Control, the Strawford Centre and more, but we will get there by a different route. Instead, we will carry straight on, passing Merlin Motorsport on the left. |    |
| 8. Merlin Motorsport and Admin |   |
| 9. Admin and the Red Gate At the end of the block is an admin office, where events can be booked. The entrance can be seen here, on the corner. The upper-right-centre of the first photograph shows the Avon pedestrian bridge in the background. Just about visible to the right of the bridge is that is to the left of the Scrutineering Bay. As it was such a pleasant day, I continued my walk to the next junction. Ahead is the Red Gate, another entrance to the paddock. Here, we turn left and head towards the Scrutineering Bay, which can now be seen across from the building with a clock above it. |    |
| 10. Eateries and the Tavern Clubhouse Taking the next left and returning via the other side of the Admin block and Merlin Motorsport, we then pass a toilet bock on the right, then turn immediate right. During race meetings, these eateries are usually open, providing excellent value for money. Just past the outdoor food is the entrance to the Tavern Clubhouse. On entering, there is a bar to the right, opposite which is the servery for hot food and drinks. There is plenty of seating. |      |
| 11. Strawford Centre Instead of turning right into the Tavern Clubhouse, we could have turned left and seen, ahead on the right, the entrance to the Strawford Centre. This is used for race-day admin. In the first photograph, to the right of the entrance, can just be seen the red door of the venue’s only garage, which is available for rent. The second photograph shows the other side of the garage, this time with shutters open, displaying a couple of single-seaters. The third photograph shows the Strawford Centre, pit-side. From here, we head towards the fourth photograph which shows an interesting sign. Cycling has been a long-encouraged activity on the circuit and is very popular. In the background, to the right of the red tower, is the main podium, which is highlighted in the final photograph. |      |
| 12. Shop and Driver Signing On Opposite the Strawford Centre is the entrance to the Castle Combe Shop. The second photograph shows the entrance to the shop. A van can also be seen, with the driver’s door open. This is outside the entrance to the Driver Signing On office. Poor continuity shows a red car outside the same (open) door in the final photograph. |    |
| 13. Medical Centre and Defibrillator Continuing past the Medical Centre to the end of that block, we pass the defibrillator and turn left for first aid in the Medical Centre. There are two doors, the left being an office for the paddock marshals, the one on the right being the entrance to the Medical Centre. The fourth photograph shows the defibrillator almost centrally, along the edge of the ambulance. The final photograph is a close-up of the defibrillator, along with the What3Words address: ///saying.bandaged.lifted |      |
| 14. Media Centre Continuing past the Medical Centre, the next block is dedicated to the Media Centre. |   |
| 15. Assembly Area Alongside the Media Centre and running towards Avon Bridge is the Assembly Area. At the end of the Assembly Area, cars will be directed into the pits by turning left and heading under Avon Bridge. The Scrutineering Bay can just be seen on the right, beyond the fire tender. |   |
| 16. Parc Fermé and Scrutineering At the end of official sessions (usually after qualifying or a race), competitors will be guided into the area in front of, and to the side of, the Scrutineering Bay. That is Parc Fermé. On the far side of the Scrutineering Bay is the exit into the paddock. The final picture is facing towards the exit of Parc Fermé and the Scrutineering Bay. |    |
Pit Lane Access and Egress
The International configuration’s approach to pit entry is different from the Coastal configuration and so they will be described separately. The pit exit is common to both.
1. Access from the Assembly Area
From alongside the Strawford Centre, head between Race Control and the Tavern, with the Media Centre and race circuit on the left This is the Assembly Area. At the far end drivers will be released at the appropriate time, being directed left, under the Avon pedestrian bridge, and left again onto the pit access lane.
Underneath the bridge is split into two lanes and marshals will be present to guide the competeitors.:
- the left is for access to the Assembly Area and pit lane. Pass under the bridge and turn left.
- The right is for traffic returning from the racetrack, via the pit entry lane, to parc ferme. Drivers can either got straight ahead (only while the circuit is live) for the pit lane, or turn left into parc ferme.
| At the end of the Assembly Area, cars will be directed into the pits by turning left and heading under Avon Bridge. |  After passing under Avon Bridge, turn to the left and head towards the pits.Marshals will be present to direct everybody, ensuring no wrong turns. |
 There is a slight chicane as the pits are approached. As this lane is the pit entry lane from the race circuit, an approach along here may be made at racing speed. That speed needs to be killed off before entering the pits. |  There is a final bend to the left as one enters the pits.Failing to get down to the speed limit of 60kph (37mph) will very likely result in a speed-gun-imposed penalty. |
2. and 3. Pits
This is a spacious area, absorbing the maximum permitted cars with ease. Cars will be released from the Assembly area to here in plenty of time for them to then be released onto the circuit at the allotted time.
 Marshals guide the Caterham Graduates competitors into position prior the start of their session. |  The Caterham Graduates competitors are in position and ready to go. |
4. Pit Lane Exit
Access to the circuit is forbidden whilst the traffic light, at the end of the pit lane, shows red. Once green, competitors are released. The pit speed limit ends here.
Join the circuit safely by staying to the left of the yellow line.as you head towards the right-hand first corner, Folly. This is a high-speed part of the circuit, so be aware of approaching traffic; don’t assume the green lights indicate a clear exit. Be aware of the marshal post, to the left, just as the yellow-marked pit exit lane ends.
 The lights at the end of the pits. The white line by those lights denotes the end of speed-limited. |  A competitor exiting the pits needs, on joining the circuit, to stay to the left of the yellow line. |
5. Pit Lane Entry
The pit lane entry is on the racing line for the approach to Camp Corner. This is a very fast approach, so it is advisable to clearly raise a hand. There is time for a following car to pass and get back onto the racing line, so don’t be tempted to dive in at full-blooded racing speed. The entrance is narrow, so approach at a sensible speed; bouncing off the barriers and spinning back onto the track somewhat negates the desire to not hold up those behind.
It is quite a long lane, passing Marshal Post 14 before curving to the right. Take note of any waved flags, as the incident they are warning of may be on this pit lane. After the bend, Avon bridge will be seen to the left. For access to the pits, carry straight on past this bridge. At the end of a session, marshals will likely direct the competitor left, under Avon Bridge, into Parc Fermé.
 The pit lane entry is on approach to Camp Corner. |  Pass the incident/observer’s post. |
 Avon Bridge is after the curve. |  For the pits, continue straight on. |
 Go left, under Avon Bridge, for Parc Fermé. |  Parc Fermé on the left; scrutineering bay is central. |
The Grid
When on the parade lap, take your time as you approach Camp Corner, as marshals will be on-circuit about where the corner begins, mainly because the last grid position is prior to the apex.
Looking forward from your grid position, the red frame is the tower from which officials show the countdown boards and can start the race. Directly ahead are the start lights.
There are no repeater lights for those at the back, but it is easy enough (roll cages of cars ahead permitting) to locate. A big red metal structure can be seen in the distance, from which officials show the countdown boards and can start the race. Just beyond that and slightly higher, are the starting lights.
 The last grid position is prior to the apex. |  The red frame in the distance is the starting tower. |
 | Directly ahead of the red start tower are the start lights. |
Medical Centre / First Aid and the Defibrillator
This information has already been provided in the general paddock tour, above, but is separated out into this section to make this important information easier to locate.
What3Words The What3Words location for the defibrillator is: ///saying.bandaged.lifted | |
| If you arrive at the circuit via the Blue Gate, the easiest route to the Medical Centre is as follows: • On entry, turn right. • Pass the Pit Stop Café on the right. • Continue onward, past the side-road, passing the toilet block, then the showers, both on the left. • At the next side-road, Merlin Motorsport can be seen straight on. Instead, turn left. • Pass the eateries and the Tavern clubhouse. • Opposite the Tavern clubhouse is the Medical Centre, with access to a defibrillator. | The Medical Centre, as seen from the Tavern Clubhouse |
| The entrance is from the far end. There are two doors, the left being an office for the paddock marshals, the one on the right being the entrance to the Medical Centre | |
| Defibrillator This photograph shows the defibrillator almost centrally, along the edge of the ambulance. | |
| A close-up of the defibrillator, along with the What3Words address: ///saying.bandaged.lifted | |
RemovePage created by Peter Tattersall, August 2024