Thruxton Circuit, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8PN

Details

Accessibility

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thruxton_Circuit

2025: "The Thruxton Circuit is a 2.356 mi (3.792 km) motor-racing circuit located near the village of Thruxton in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom, about 30 mi (48 km) north of Southampton.

It has hosted motorsport events including the British Touring Car Championship, British GT Championship, British Formula One Championship, British Formula Three, and GB3 Championship. It is often referred to as the "Fastest Circuit in the UK" where drivers can reach speeds of over 190 mph (300 km/h) and has earned the reputation of being a true driver's track. To illustrate this, Damon Hill drove his Williams Formula One car around the circuit at an average speed of 147 mph (237 km/h) in 1993. There is a reasonable similarity between the Thruxton layout and the original Silverstone layout used until 1990.

The site also houses the headquarters of the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC).[1] The site was originally constructed in 1942 as RAF Thruxton, a World War II airfield which was home to both the RAF and USAAF and was used for troop-carrying aircraft and gliders, including operations during the D-Day landings. Also, the paratroopers who took part in the successful Bruneval Raid (Operation Biting), in which German radar equipment was seized on the coast of France, took off from here.

The circuit, which follows the line of the airfield's perimeter road, was established in 1968. From 1950 to 1965, motorbike races had taken place on the runways and perimeter road.[2]

Owing to planning restrictions, the circuit can only run 12 days of motorsport each year. Currently, three are devoted to motorbike racing, with a weekend dedicated to the British Superbike Championship, Britain's premier motorcycle racing category; with the third day being used for club racing.

The remaining days are devoted to car racing with weekends being used for the TOCA British Touring Car Championship, the British Formula 3 and British GT Championship package and the Dunlop Great and British Festival, which features rounds of the British Truck Racing Championship, the International Truck Racing Challenge as well as the staples of the festival, including the Radical endurance races. Two separate one day meetings are run for amateur championships of the BARC, one of which is titled the Thruxton Classic, which features races for Classic Touring Cars, Classic Formula Ford 1600 and Formula Ford 2000. The remaining day is allocated to other organising clubs, such as the 750 Motor Club and Historic Sports Car Club. Owing to the relative infrequency of race meetings, Thruxton continues to be a popular part of the motorsport calendar.[3]

During race weekends, a radio commentary service called Radio Thruxton operates in the FM band on 87.7 MHz. This has commentators at key points of the track as well as a pit reporter, who conducts interviews with the race winners.

Outside of motor racing, the circuit offers a driving school for aspiring racing drivers. It has featured as the venue for BBC Three's 2005 series Stars in Fast Cars."

Address

Thruxton Circuit

Andover

Hampshire

SP11 8PN

Email

info@thruxtonracing.co.uk

Phone

General Enquiries: 01264 882222

Website

https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/

Directions

"Use postcode SP11 8PN

Thruxton is readily accessible from both the M3 and M4

1.5 hours from London
2.5 hours from Birmingham

Once on the A303 follow the signs for Thruxton Circuit ONLY; ignore signs for Thruxton village. Upon leaving the A303 follow signs for Thruxton Circuit.

The karting and 4x4 centre have their own entrance signposted 100 meters before the main circuit entrance.

If you are participating in a driving experience proceed through the main entrance and the tunnel. On exiting the tunnel turn immediately left and follow the signs towards the car park and the Thruxton Centre building.

What3Words Locations

Driving Experiences: applied.punctual.play
Skid Pan and 4x4 Centre: originate.flotation.flash
Kart Centre: yards.bind.grief

ROAD CLOSURES IN PLACE FOR MAJOR RACE MEETINGS

An official road closure order will be in place for major race meetings. View map of available routes in to the venue

Taxi and Public Pick-Up and Drop Off "

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

"There is a main line train station in Andover (10 minutes away), which runs from Waterloo. Plan your route using National Rail Enquiries

Southampton Airport is the closest mainstream airport (40 minutes away)."

Amenities

https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/facilities

"The Thruxton Hospitality Centre was opened in June 2018 by Nigel Mansell and Murray Walker. The £2million flagship building is the latest addition to the circuit, forming part of the track's modernisation project. The new building is a 1415m² facility with more than ten conference and function rooms as well as hospitality suites, a restaurant and bar, an exhibition space and catering facilities. A first floor terrace and balcony provides a view of the first-corner and across the venue."

Accommodation: https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/camping "Our dedicated campsite, located between the first corner (Allard) and the Complex allows easy access to the prime spectator banks.

Caravans and motorhomes are permitted, and campers are also welcome to bring their car or bike onto the campsite however, this must be parked within their allocated pitch.

The campsite is accessed via car park A which is the entrance to the left of the main circuit entrance. On arrival, please follow the signs to the campsite, where you will be greeted by our Campsite Team."