I’ve had quite a few adventures at this circuit and enjoyed them all. Well, maybe not all at the time, but the memories are good. It was the scene of my first front row start, just a hundredth off pole. It was where I nearly (again!) picked up my first win, just three milliseconds adrift. I once qualified ninth in the pouring rain, even though I didn’t push until the start of the fourth lap, when a rear wheel promptly fell off due to a halfshaft failure. That wheel kept going all the way to the circuit perimeter, bounced clean over the A11, into the next field and didn’t stop until the field after! I eventually finished second in that soaking-wet race, after an amazing defence by the winner. Another time I was hit from behind and picked up a puncture, which I ignored for half the race, until the tread flailed off and I admitted defeat.
None of the above took place on the 300 configuration, which I have also immensely enjoyed. Here, I trumped all the above by picking up my last win with my Classic on a very wet circuit; that was after spinning on the Green Flag Lap! Great circuit.
Circuit Details
Snetterton
Norwich,
Norfolk.
NR16 2JU.
01953 887303
email: snetterton@msv.com
Technical
The technical information has been extracted from the Motorsport UK Yearbook 2022. This edition was online at the time of writing, 19/01/2022.
Length: 3 miles, 4.78 km
Number of Starters
Racing & Sports Racing Cars over 2000cc: 33
Racing & Sports Racing Cars up to 2000cc: 38
Other Classes: 45
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: 52°28’23.05″, 0°57’25.02″
- DD: 52.47307, 0.95695
- What3words: ///champions.holdings.bumping
Paddock Coordinates
- DMS: 52°27’52.63″, 0°56’53.23″
- DD: 52.46462, 0.94812
- What3words: ///paddock.next.approvals
Useful Links and Information
Google Map of Paddock and Pits
Official Map of Circuit and Facilities
Official Details on Disabled Visitors Access
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.
Track Limits
There are track limits sensors on the exit of the following corners:
- Palmer
- Hamilton
- Williams
- Nelson
- Murrays
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.
All trackdays and test days at MSV circuits are run in accordance with these new regulations. If anyone does not comply, the following actions will be taken by the circuit:
- 1st infringement: Black/white driving standards flag warning.
- 2nd infringement: Black flag, report to control tower. This is the final warning without penalty.
- 3rd infringement: Black flag, 20 minute track time exclusion.
- Further infringements: Black flag, 20 minute track time exclusion.
In the interest of practicality and expediency, decisions by MSV circuit staff will be final and there will be no right of appeal against any penalty or right to review evidence.
Exit to Parc Ferme
There is a new exit from the Snetterton 300; instead of a slowing down lap, you will now go to Parc Ferme by turning right after Palmer (Corner 3). The exit lane turns right just before the grandstand, with the Medical Centre coming up on the left. Head straight on and the marshals will guide you into Parc Ferme.
Bentley Straight Run Off
Bentley Straight is rather long, leading to the driver reaching his car’s maximum speed, regardless of its power. When a driver gets the braking wrong and goes straight off, there is a strong temptation to turn around and re-join the circuit. That would be rather dangerous, considering the possibility of another approaching driver making the same mistake, with a resultant head-on collision.
To combat this, there is a prescribed run-off, as seen in the official photograph that is provided here. The driver must continue forward, bearing left and re-joining the circuit after Nelson by turning right. Remember that it is your responsibility to re-join safely.
Paddock Facilities
Camping
For normal race meetings, camping is on the grass, on the right of the access road. You can also often camp next to Tyrrell’s Café, although it is discouraged.
A comment from a clerk of the course, who will go unnamed in order to protect the guilty:
“They really don’t like you camping on the med centre side of Tyrrell’s as you’re liable to get blown away if the air ambulance (or JP) comes in. There are plenty of other places to camp, though. Guess where I camped when I arrived after dark the first time I was up for the 24 hours. The security guy threatened to report me to the clerk.”
Showers and Toilets
Showers are in the main paddock toilet block, which is located between Tyrrell’s Restaurant (which also has toilets) and the petrol station. The garages also have toilets. There are additional facilities on the other side of the access road if they’re open.
Waste Facilities
Caravan waste can be disposed of in a fenced off area on the other side of the toilet block to where the petrol station is.
Recycling Facilities
I don’t think there are recycling facilities and the circuit office has not responded to emails requesting information. I will update this section as soon as possible, possibly May, when I am next scheduled to visit.
Electricity
There is no electricity in the paddock, but it is available in the garages.
Water
I can’t remember where the water is and the circuit office has not responded to emails requesting information. I think there is a supply by the scrutineering bay. I will update this section as soon as possible, perhaps in May, when I am next scheduled to visit.
Tyrrell’s Restaurant
Tyrrell’s Restaurant is located on the north side of the paddock. It is usually open all day, into the evening. I’ve often eaten here and I like it. There is also a bar, serving into the evening, provided plastic glasses (blame the large amount of thefts which, for some reason, is considered acceptable). I always consider the staff to be helpful and friendly. The hot food is as you would expect: not too expensive, more than adequate and sometimes excellent. There’s usually a vegetarian choice and staff will try their best with customer’s special requirements. If I remember correctly, there is a small shop selling souvenir-type goods; I’ve never used it and so cannot comment.
Spectating Points
The closest spectating point is a grandstand, on the straight between Palmer and Agostini, sighted to the west of Tyrrell’s Restaurant (left, looking from the paddock). A little further to the left is a great big hill overlooking Palmers and, from the very top, Riches. That is a very popular spot which I have enjoyed on numerous occasions. A little further away is my favourite, just beyond the north-east corner of the paddock, overlooking Agostini. From this high vantage point can be seen most of the circuit, including most of Bentley Straight and, in the far distance, Brundle-Nelson and Coram-Murray’s. There is another grandstand that is over the final part of Coram corner.
To get the the spectating points on the outside of the circuit, you have to cross the bridge that crosses Bentley Straight. From here, turn left and there is a long walk to a raised bank overlooking Williams and Wilson corners. Alternatively, turning right leads to a raised bank covering Brundle-Nelson, with a grandstand beyond. It’s either the car or a long walk to the remaining three banks. Just keep walking after Nelson and you’ll eventually arrive at a bank overlooking Murray’s and another two on Senna Straight, either side of the start/finish line.
Official Locations
| Signing On | This is either at Tyrrell’s Restaurant (usually testing) or Race Admin. |
| Race Admin | Looking from the paddock towards the pits, Race Admin is to the far right, on the ground floor. Signing on takes place here. Race Control is on the first floor, where the Clerk of the Course can be found. |
| Race Control | See Race Admin. |
| Clerk of the Course | See Race Admin. |
| Timekeeping | On the outside of the circuit, alongside the Start/Finish straight, directly opposite Race Control. |
| Medical Centre | Looking from the paddock towards the pits, the Scrutineering bay is located to the far-right of the paddock. Drawing a line from the Scrutineering Bay and another from Tyrrell’s Restaurant, where the lines bisect is the location of the First Aid building. |
Race Locations
| Scrutineering | Looking from the paddock towards the garage block, look towards the right corner of the paddock. The large building is the Scrutineering bay. Just in front of it is Parc Ferme. |
| Noise Test | This is done either by the petrol station at the designated times, or on entry to the Assembly Area. |
| Assembly Area | This can be hard to find. From the paddock go to the garage block and then turn left, then go to the paddock’s edge, then turn left and head north. From the edge of the paddock, there is a lane off to the right. This is hard to spot, as it is hidden by bushes and trees. Once on this lane, it bears right into the Assembly Area. |
| Parc Ferme | By the Scrutineering Bay. From the circuit, there is a new exit from the Snetterton 300; instead of a slowing down lap, you will now go to Parc Ferme by turning right after Palmer (Corner 3). The exit lane turns right just before the grandstand, with the Medical Centre coming up on the left. Head straight on and the marshals will guide you into Parc Ferme. |
| Pit Lane | The pit lane and garages are at the southern end of the paddock. Access to the pit lane, including garages, from the paddock area is via eastern end of the garages, which is to the right as you look at the garages from the paddock. Circuit Access, Including from Assembly Area From the end of the pit lane, when released, drive straight on into the pit exit lane and onto the circuit. During a session, join the circuit carefully as the end of the pit exit lane is at the apex of the first corner. Circuit Egress On exiting Russell, stay right, to be clear of the racing line. Raise a hand to indicate that you are pitting and reduce speed as you enter the pit lane. If there are multiple cars behind, be aware that one driver may pull to the right, intending to pass the car in front. There is a short straight before a bend to the left, which has a tyre wall either side. There is then an equally short run to the start of the speed-limit controlled pit lane. Ensure that you have reduced your speed to the 60kph limit by the white line that crosses the circuit alongside a tyre wall on the right, which is angled towards you. Immediately before the garage block is the entrance, on the right, into the paddock. Immediately after the garage block is the entrance, on the right, into the paddock. |
| Starting Grid | Starting Grid – Rear Exiting Russell, the pit entry can be seen on the right. The last place on the grid is after the pit entry lane has been separated from the track by a grass triangle and before the tyre barrier. Starting Grid – Front The front of the grid is opposite the end of the garage block. It is also just after the access road on the left of the track. Starting Lights The starting lights are located on a gantry above the right side of the track, at the end of the concrete pit wall. The lights are alongside the end of Race Control, to the right, and the timekeeper’s block, on the left. |
Petrol Availability
Petrol is available on-site. The pumps are located towards the far end of the paddock, just before the toilet block which itself is just before Tyrrell’s Restaurant.
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.
Esso Service Station Snetterton
North, 1.3 miles; around 4 minutes
Heath Road,
Eccles,
Norwich.
NR16 2JU.
Shell
North East, 8.8 miles; around 14 minutes
Attleborough Bypass,
A11,
Attleborough.
NR17 1PU.
Race Reports
Here are links to all of my race reports for this circuit and configuration:
YouTube Videos
Here are links to all of my YouTube videos for this circuit and configuration:
- 2019 Race 1
- 2017 Race 1
- 2017 Race 2 – A Good Pass at Brundle/Nelson
- 2017 Race 2 – First 14 Minutes
- 2017 Race 2 Last Lap Near-Win, from Marc Noaro’s Car
- 2016 Race 1
Information Pack
Here are the latest copies of all the personalised files that make up my Information Pack.
- Information Pack
- Timetable
- Motor Racing Checklist
- Lap Times Spreadsheet
- Directions and Paddock
- Marshal Posts
- Race Corner Notes
Return to the Circuits page.
Page updated by Peter Tattersall, August 2024