I’m not sure how this isn’t the fastest circuit in the country; it’s certainly quick enough, almost too fast for my poor little Classic. It is a great circuit though, with a very friendly attitude from the officials. It is in the middle of nowhere, so make sure you take enough packed lunches for the weekend. Actually, scratch that last comment; there’s usually food available when you’re ready to eat and it’s good quality and great value.
Quarry Corner is the most crashed at corner in the country, so it would have been rude of me not to! That was a big one but, luckily, was the only time I’ve ever been track-insured.
Because of the speed, each corner requires precision in order not to scrub away speed. Great fun.
Circuit Details
Castle Combe Circuit
Castle Combe Ltd
Chippenham
Wiltshire SN14 7EY
01249 782417
email: info@castlecombecircuit.co.uk
Technical
The technical information has been extracted from the Motorsport UK Yearbook 2024, published online and effective from 01/01/2024.
Length: 1.85 miles, 2.977 km
Number of Starters
Racing & Sports Racing Cars over 2000cc: 30
Racing & Sports Racing Cars up to 2000cc: 34
Other Classes: 42
Speed Limits
Paddock Speed Limit: 15 mph
Pit Lane Speed Limit: 60 kph – 37.28 mph
Getting There
SatNav Details
Post Code: SN14 7EY
Circuit Entrance Coordinates:
51°29’39.08″, -2°12’48.92″
51.49419, -2.21359
Circuit Entrance What3words:
///retail.glove.earplugs
Paddock Coordinates:
51°29’38.54″, -2°12’53.53″
51.49404, -2.21487
Paddock What3words:
///parked.engineers.shrugging
Useful Links and Information
Google Map of Paddock and Pits
The above link is to a Google satellite map, centred on main Paddock.
A link to a Google Map page that places the viewer on the race circuit, allowing them to virtually visit the venue.
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.
he 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
Click on the above link for a tour of the of the marshal posts. Starting from post 1, this guide will help drivers locate all manned posts in plenty of time, allowing them to be alerted to warning flags earlier and so be better prepared.
Not all marshal 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 marshal posts on the circuit, along with a description of each 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.
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.
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.
West of the main tarmac area is the Tavern Clubhouse which, if my memory serves me well, provides decent quality food and alcohol at reasonable prices. Merlin Motorsport is also based here and is usually open.
Camping Facilities
I understand that camping takes place along the area by Bobbies, with the toilet block have both disabled and baby changing facilities.
Showers and Toilets
There are plenty of toilet facilities. A large block stands on the north east edge of the tarmacked paddock. Another can be found by scrutineering.
For spectators walking the perimeter of the circuit, toilets can be found by the Quarry entrance, with another set just south of Quarry. There is another just after the Esses.
Toilets with disabled facilities include those at Quarry and Bobbies, with the latter also having baby changing facilities.
Waste Facilities
Caravan Waste
I understand that there are no facilities for caravan toilet waste.
Oil Waste
To Be Confirmed.
Recycling Facilities
All general waste, throughout the site, is recycled.
Electricity
There are no electricity supplies available within any of the paddock..
Water
There are plenty of water taps in the main paddock area.
Food and Bar
The Club Tavern is by the west end of the tarmac-surfaced paddock.
The Pit Stop is at the edge of the paddock that runs alongside the B4039, by the grassy section of the paddock.
During the race weekends, there are multiple mobile food and ice-cream suppliers around the circuit, including in the main paddock, by Camp corner and by Quarry corner.
Shop
Forgotten or dropped your crash helmet? You’re in luck (?), as Castle Combe’s answer to Demon Tweeks is here, selling motor racing accessories and racewear.
From Race Control, head past the Club Tavern and you will see it ahead, on the left.
Follow the link here: Merlin Motorsport.
Normal weekday opening hours are 9:00am until 5:30pm, with race Saturday’s closing at 3:00pm
Spectating Points
The above link provides comprehensive details on all spectating points around the circuit.
Aside from the pits and associated pit entry/exit, the spectator can watch from any point of the outside of the circuit. Some parts are more popular than others. Camp, for instance, provides a wide raised viewing point only a short walk from that paddock. Just a little further a walk in the opposite direction takes one to Quarry, where spectacular action is at its most likely.
With parking available between Camp and Tower, and also between Quarry and the Esses, the spectator can watch the action from anywhere; while some points can get a little tight, with the full circumference to walk, there is usually somewhere for everyone.
Official Locations
| Strawford Centre | Much of the race meeting’s official duties are conducted from here. Located by the pit lane. Looking towards the pits from the paddock, it is to the left of the pit entry and it is the left-most of three buildings. |
| Signing On | Located by the pit entry road, just to the right of the pit entry. Looking towards the pits from the paddock, it is the middle of three buildings. The entrance to Signing On in in the middle of the block, facing the paddock. |
| Race Admin | See the Strawford Centre. |
| Race Control | Located by the pit entry road, just to the right of the pit entry. Looking towards the pits from the paddock, it is the middle of three buildings. Race Control takes up the left-hand part of the building. |
| Clerk of the Course | See Race Control. |
| Timekeeping | See Race Control. |
| First Aid / Medical Centre | Located by the pit entry road, just to the right of the pit entry. Looking towards the pits from the paddock, it is the middle of three buildings. The medical centre takes up the right-hand part of the building. |
Race Locations
| Scrutineering | Located at the south-western edge of the paddock, along with parc ferme. From the paddock, looking south towards the circuit, it is found around the extreme edge of the paddock, where the cars enter from the pit entry lane. |
| Noise Test | On entry to the Assembly Area. |
| Assembly Area | Looking towards the pits from the paddock, there are three buildings that run along the edge of the paddock. Turn so that you are parallel to the circuit and pits, with the buildings on your left. The third of those buildings is the Media Centre and the Assembly Area is alongside it. From the Assembly Area, competitors will be directed into the pits where they will line up and await their release onto the circuit. For drivers who want to queue up early, before the current incumbents of the Assembly Area depart, they can usually queue from the the entrance, which is a little prior to the Media Centre, running back past the Strawford Centre. Just be careful not to hog the space, which is tight. Access, especially for emergency vehicles, must be maintained. |
| Parc Ferme | Located alongside the Scrutineering Bay. From the circuit, the pit lane entry begins early, before Camp Corner, just by an extra tarmac wedge that is cut into the infield. It is a straight entry until alongside the start of Camp Corner and then turns tightly. You can still travel at racing speed, but it is very tight, so be careful. The driver needs to slow right down, as Avon Bridge is now ahead, on the left. Marshals will guide you left here, under Avon Bridge then into Parc Ferme. |
| Pit Lane | From the paddock, looking south towards the circuit, there are three buildings. The entry to the pit lane is between the middle building (Race Control) and the left hand building (Strawford Centre). From the circuit, the pit lane entry begins early, before Camp Corner, just by an extra tarmac wedge that is cut into the infield. It is a straight entry until alongside the start of Camp Corner and then turns tightly. You can still travel at racing speed, but it is very tight, so be careful. Head past Avon Bridge, on the left. Approaching the second building on the left, Race Control, get on the brakes for the gentle chicane, followed by the pitlane and its associated speed limit. Failing to get down to the speed limit of 60kph (37mph) will very likely result in a speed-gun-imposed penalty. |
| Starting Grid | The last place on the grid is a little before the apex kerb of Camp corner. The head of the grid is opposite the centre of the Race Control building, less than a third of the way along the straight. The starting lights are to the left, ahead, at the start of the pit lane. |
Petrol Availability
Petrol is not available on-site. The closest, time-wise, from the circuit is Texaco station. The nearest Shell station, which I believe sells 98-RON petrol is around twenty minutes away.
Texaco
South East, 3.4 miles; around 6 minutes
Bristol Road,
Chippenham.
SN14 6NA.
MFG Pennsylvania (Shell)
West, 9.4 miles; around 18 minutes
Bath Road,
Pennsylvania,
Chippenham.
SN14 8LB
YouTube Videos
Here are links to all of my YouTube videos for this circuit and configuration:
Return to the Circuits Detailed page.
Page updated by Peter Tattersall, August 2024