Thruxton holds the distinction of being the UK’s fastest circuit. That doesn’t make it boring; even for my old Classic, it is a massively challenging circuit. True, there are only two corners that require heavy braking, Campbell and Club Chicane, but precision is required for the others or speed will be sapped.
I’ve invariably performed well here; one time I lost out on my first win by an over-zealous challenge that wiped out half the field when negotiating Club for the final time, whilst another time I lost a certain podium and possible first win as my foot slipped off an oiled clutch pedal.
Mind you, there have been dangers in the past, before a tidy up improved things. We had one driver miraculously escape an end-over-end roll, even though his car was totalled.
Overall, despite slip-streaming being a major decider of finishing positions, this is an awesome circuit that almost always delivers.
Finally, on my return to the circuit to take photographs and gather more information for this guide, all staff and volunteers that I encountered were extremely helpful and cooperative. So much so that a special mention is well-deserved. Thank you.
Circuit Details
Thruxton Motorsport Centre
Thruxton Circuit
Andover
Hampshire
SP11 8PN
01264 882222
email: info@thruxtonracing.co.uk
Technical
The technical information has been extracted from the Motorsport UK Yearbook 2023, as published online during 2023.
Length: 2.35 miles, 3.79 km
Number of Starters
Racing & Sports Racing Cars over 2000cc: 28
Racing & Sports Racing Cars up to 2000cc: 36
Other Classes: 42
Speed Limits
Paddock Speed Limit: 10 mph
Pit Lane Speed Limit: 30 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: 51°12’19.08″, -1°36’47.45″
- DD: 51.2053, -1.61318
- What3words: ///prop.stub.depend
Paddock Coordinates
- DMS: 51°12’31.03″, -1°36’29.48″
- DD: 51.20862, -1.60819
- What3words: ///dives.gently.racetrack
Useful Links and Information
Google Map of Paddock and Pits
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 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.
Paddock Facilities
Click on the above link for a tour of the paddock facilities, along with pit access, grid details and more.
Camping
A public camp site is located on the outside of the circuit behind the exit of Allard Corner and entry to Campbell. Click on the above link for more officially provided details.
Camping has not been a problem with previous visits. There are plenty of suitable grassy areas alongside the main paddock.
Showers and Toilets
Opposite Garage 3, against the perimeter fence. The toilet block can be accessed from the main paddock or from the path that runs from the Scrutineering Bay to the vehicular and pedestrian tunnels.
The side facing the main paddock has access to the male shower block.
Waste Facilities
Caravan waste points are located:
- Within the Paddock, next to Paddock Toilets.
- Adjacent to Campbell/Cobb/Segrave toilet block.
- There is a disposal point for the Marshals Campsite.
- For larger meetings (BTCC/BSB), there is an addition point within the public campsite.
Recycling Facilities
- Location: adjacent to Thruxton Centre.
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Glass
- Plastic
Electricity
There is no electricity available (the garages only have lighting).
Water
From the main paddock, in front of the toilet block, are water taps. Running along the fence behind the toilet block are further water taps.
There is a water tap at the rear of the Scrutineering Bay, by the exit.
Refreshments
The Thruxton Centre includes a restaurant and bar. It is away from the main paddock facilities, opposite the Scrutineering Bay and alongside Turn 1 of the circuit, Allard.
There is also a café, on the outside of the circuit, by the spectating point for Club Chicane. The food is well-priced, but they can be extremely busy. There is usually an ice-cream van between here end the pedestrian tunnel.
Spectating Points
Follow the above link for full spectating details.
The best spectating area overlooks the final corner, Club Chicane. It is accessed via the pedestrian tunnel that runs alongside the vehicle tunnel. To get to the tunnel from the paddock, just walk to the far end of the pit garages.
At the other side of the tunnel, turn left, stop for an ice-cream and then walk a few metres towards the circuit. There is a steep bank to the left and right that both provide great views of Club Chicane and the start/finish straight. The right leads to the café, and seating.
Official Locations
| Signing On | To the left of the entrance to the Scrutineering Bay. |
| Race Admin | To the left of the entrance to the Scrutineering Bay. |
| Race Control | Above Garage 1, accessed via an external staircase on the right-side end of the pit block. |
| Clerk of the Course | Try Race Control. Failing that, try Race Admin. |
| Timekeeping | Above Garage 2, accessed via Race Control on the right-side end of the pit block. |
| Medical Centre | As the medical centre is quite remote, it is advisable to visit Race Admin and question the availability of First Aid. To get to the Medical Centre from the pit lane, one needs to proceed through to the far end of the main paddock, passing the fuel station which will be on your right. Pass through a set of gates and continue on the path, that bears left. Passing the gate you will see a DANGER/ NO ACCESS sign to the right of the path. This is to stop unauthorised people from turning right You will pass between a short line of hangars. The final building, on the right is the medical centre, the other side of which is a helipad. |
Race Locations
| Scrutineering | Opposite Race control, which is in the only section of the pits to have a first floor, the northern end. It is also directly across from the Thruxton Centre. From the entrance into the paddock, with the fuel station on the right, turn left and head towards the pits. You will come across the exit from the Scrutineering Bay, on the left. Then entrance is on the other side. |
| Noise Test | This is usually carried out on entry to the Assembly Area. |
| Assembly Area | Next to Parc Ferme. From the paddock, the expanse of tarmac to the right of the pitlane garages is the Assembly Area and Parc Ferme. Entry to the Assembly Area is the right-side end. |
| Parc Ferme | This is accessed from the pit lane, directly after the garages/Race Control. Leaving Parc Ferme, straight into the paddock, Race Admin is on the immediate right. |
| Pit Lane | The pit lane and garages are at the bottom southern end of the paddock. Access to the pit lane from the paddock area is via garage 27. There is no other access to the pit lane, other than when exiting the circuit. Circuit Access Exiting the garages, turn right into the pit lane. Drive straight on. After the garage block, to the right, is the entry to Parc Ferme, then the egress from the Assembly Area. The pit exit lane then curves to the right, cutting Allard, the first corner. On joining the circuit stay right-for the next corner. Beware of cars already on the circuit and at racing speed as they sweep past on the right, their racing line, before moving to the right for the following left-hand sweeper. Circuit Egress On exiting Club chicane, stay right, so as to be clear of the racing line. Raise a hand to indicate that you are pitting and reduce speed as to 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. It is a straight run into the pit lane. Ensure that you have reduced your speed to the 30mph limit by the white line that crosses the circuit before the garage block begins. |
| Starting Grid | Due to the preceding chicane, it is a naturally slow approach to the final part of the grid. The approach to the chicane, however, can be rather fast, so be aware of the pack ahead rapidly decelerating. The last place on the grid is at the exit of Club chicane. The front of the grid is just before the end of the concrete section of the pit wall, alongside the starting post. The starting lights are on a gantry ahead, just ahead of the starting post. |
Petrol Availability
The fuel station is located where the tunnel access road meets the paddock, on the right. It is only open on request.
The closest petrol station, time-wise, from the circuit is Texaco station to the west. The nearest Shell station, which I believe sells 98-RON petrol is around ten minutes away, to the east.
Weyhill Service Station
West, 4.1 miles; around 6 minutes
Weyhill Road,
Weyhill,
Andover.
SP11 0PH.
Shell Portway
East, 6.2 miles; around 9 minutes
280 Weyhill Road,
Andover.
SP10 3LS.
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Page updated by Peter Tattersall, August 2024