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This page is under development. The text is subject to updates and placeholders are used where photographs are required.

Entrance, to Paddock

On entering the circuit via the Competitor’s Gate on the B4039, one is immediately in the paddock. To the right is a grass area, followed by a tarmac area. To the left of the entrance is an overflow area for cars, as space can be tight.

<Photographs of entrance>

Pit Stop (food) and Toilets

From the entrance, turning brings you to the Pit Stop on the right and a toilet block to the left.

<Photographs of Pit Stop on the right and a toilet block to the left>

Tavern Clubhouse

Carry on past the toilet block will lead you to the Tavern Clubhouse, where food and alcoholic drink can be purchased.

Strawberry Centre, Race Control/Medical Centre, Media Centre

From the paddock, with the Tavern entrance straight ahead, turn ninety degrees to the left, so that the circuit is directly ahead. There are three buildings to be seen. The leftmost is the Strawberry Centre.

<Photographs of the Strawberry Centre>

The middle building has Race Control on the left, with the Medical Centre on the right.

To enter Race Control, take the righthand of the two yellow doors – the righthand door is exit only.

<Photographs of the Race Control entrance>

The Medical Centre is accessed to the right of the building.

<Photographs of the Medical Centre entrance>

The Media Centre is the righthand of the three buildings.

<Photographs of the Media Centre >

Assembly Area, Parc Ferme and Scrutineering

From alongside the Strawberry Centre, head between Race Control and the Tavern and continue to the bridge, on the left. Underneath, the bridge is split into two lanes:

• 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.

<Photograph of the bridge, annotated with arrows and text to indicate direction of travel>

<Photograph of the pit lane, highlighting the Assembly Area (preferably taken when cars are assembling)>

<Photograph of parc ferme>

At the end of parc ferme, to the right, is the scrutineering bay.

<Photograph of the scrutineering bay. Mention Merlin Motorsport in the background>

Merlin Motorsport and Circuit Administration

Forgotten or dropped your crash helmet? You’re in luck (?), as Castle Combe’s answer to Demon Tweeks is here. From the entry into the scrutineering bay. Mention Merlin Motorsport can be seen ahead and to the right. The left side of this block is set aside for Circuit Administration. The right end of the block is this entrance. Normal weekday opening hours are 9:00am until 5:30pm, with race Saturday’s closing at 3:00pm.

<Photographs of Merlin Motorsport >

<Hyperlink to Merlin Motorsport>

Pits, Including Entry and Exit

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.

<Photographs from the pit entry lane>

Just after the marshal post is a tight curve to the right. Parc ferme is just beyond, to the left, so drive at an appropriate speed.

<Photograph from the pit entry lane, annotated with arrows and text to indicate the direction to parc ferme and the pit lane>

Pit Lane

If the pit lane is the destination, then continue ahead. From the Avon Bridge (parc ferme entrance), there is a speed limit of 60km/h, 37mph, which does not end until the pit-exit lights.

There is a gentle chicane before the pit lane entrance.

<Photograph from the pit entry lane, showing the chicane and then the pits>

Pit Exit

Obey the lights and join safely 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.

<Photograph from the pit exit lane, showing the lights>

<Photograph from the pit exit lane, showing the yellow-marked pit exit lane and marshal post>

Grid and Start Lights

Starting Grid

Approaching Camp Corner, slow right down as the back of the grid is before that corner, alongside Marshal Post 14.

<Photograph of Marshal Post 14, showing the back of the grid>

For those lining up towards the front of the grid, care is still needed, as the front of the grid is only around a third of the wat towards Folly, alongside Race Control. A big red metal structure can be seen ahead; the head of the grid line up before that. The starting lights are a little beyond.

<Photograph of the head of the grid>

Starting 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. Just beyond that and slightly higher, are the starting lights.

<Photograph, from the back of the grid, of the red metal structure, with the starting lights ahead highlighted>

Page created by Peter Tattersall, October 2021