Pembrey is the first circuit I every drove on, tested at, gained a pole position at and won at. All at different times. It’s also the first circuit I had a big crash at, but I’ll keep quiet about that!

Way back in 2005 I created a software application called TrackTeach and applied it to Pembrey, using information from the then chief circuit instructor, Nigel Hughes. From there I won the aforementioned pole position, which put me straight into the main race, allowing me to watch the qualification race from above Hatchets Hairpin. That was interesting, as every driver turned in way too early; so much so that, if any had bought my application, they would have escaped qualification. Or they could have just watched the faster drivers in action at various corners, especially the first.

There’s always something to learn by spectating, even if only how much fun motor racing can be.

To get to the first three viewing areas (numbered here as 1 to 7) from the inner paddock, one must cross the circuit. The crossing is manned by marshals who open it briefly between session, so it is a good idea to keep be aware of timings, especially for competitors who, if they mistime their crossing, could miss their race.

	1. Circuit Crossing For the time-critical, this is the safest place to watch from the outside of the circuit, being right next to the crossing point. The view is from ground level, so not the best, but cars can be seen dancing as the drivers feel for grip.
	2. Dibeni This is the start of the only raised section of the circuit and so offers a much improved view of the driving. Here, the spectator can see cars exiting Spitfires, where an overtake that began at Hatchets can be completed. They can also enjoy the cars being hussles through Dibeni.
	3. to 5. Hatchets Hairpin to Pit Lane The raised section continues. 3. This view can see competitors entering and exiting Hatchets and the sprint to Dibeni. 4. The raised section falls away to ground level, before climbing again, so involves additional exercise. Going to the far side of the hairpin allows an overtake to be seen from start to finish. Slipstreaming along Cowles Straight can be enjoyed, along with observing cars exit the pits. 5. This as far as the spectator can go along Cowles Straight. Useful for watching pit activity, but spectator’s need to keep an eye on their watch, in order not to miss the circuit crossing.
	6. Circuit Crossing The remaining viewpoint from the outside of the circuit are all back to ground level, On the other side of the crossing, spectators can watch drivers negotiate the Clubmans’ configuration or the National configuration’s shorter approach to Esses.
	7. Esses The final section that spectators can view from the outside of the circuit. The circuit it too distant to fully appreciate.
	8. Brooklands Hairpin The furthest distance from the circuit crossing does not reward, due to the level ground and distant view.
	9. Road Between Parc Ferme and the Pits This is a great place for welcoming back the drivers as they drive from the pits to parc ferme. Also a decent view from Dibeni to the circuit crossing.
	10. Paddock Not really the best viewing point even with binoculars, but the spectator can see cars from Brooklands Hairpin to the pit entry.
	11. Assembly Area and Pit Lane Entry Again, not the best place to watch, but the only place for Honda Curve if you don’t mind watching just the roll bars. The strength of this point is watching cars in the Assembly Area and as they leave for the grid. Once the race begins, cars can be inspected as they flash by in the pit lane enty.

Page updated by Peter Tattersall, January 2025