Monday, May 29, 2006

Cars: Spectating at UK's Motor racing circuits

This post will try to review the UK circuits from a spectator perspective. Will rate based on access, facilities, value for money. Still work in progress


  • Thruxton
Event type : 750 Motor Club

Value for money : Average
Entrance fee : £12
Grandstand : £7
Paddock transfer : free

No concessions to 750mc members

Circuit accessibility: Good
Well signposted, not far off A303. Parking in a field up a short gravel drive. Plenty of spaces and short walk from circuit entrance

Spectator facilities : Average
Didn't try any food on site myself
Resteraunt in main viewing area
Resteraunt/bar in paddock area
4 food vans selling various burgers, doughnuts, sandwiches, etc

Toilets were plentiful, permanent buildings, clean and well stocked

Public access around the circuit and viewing areas were limited. Reasonable view of Club chicane (but the most crowded area), or the start finish straight or Campbell/Cobb/Segreave corners (probably the best place to view). Little in the way of shelter from the elements anywhere around the circuit

Overall rating : Average


  • Brands Hatch
Event type : 750 Motor Club

Value for money : Not sure
Entrance fee : unknown
Grandstand : Free
Paddock transfer : Free

Circuit accessibility: Good
Well signposted. Parking inside the circuit.

Spectator facilities : Very good
Two main restaurants. Basic menu but OK
Permanent fast food restaurant
Various food vans selling variety of fast foods
Permanent shops selling clothes, models, etc
Toilets are plentiful, permanent buildings, clean and well stocked
Public access around the circuit and viewing areas are very good.
Grandstand at Paddock Hill Bend by far the best place to view from as you can see pretty much the whole circuit (Indy)

Overall rating : Very Good

Event Type : British Touring Cars

Most comments above still apply.
Value for money : Average
Entrance Fee : £22
Grandstand are extra cost, restricted access to garages, except at lunchtime
Car parking is a short walk outside the main circuit
Additional things to do, fun fair, live music, temporary shops selling all sorts of things

Overall Rating : Good

  • Castle Coombe

Event type : BARC

Value for money : Average
Entrance fee : £15
Grandstand : No grandstand
Paddock transfer : £2

Circuit accessibility: Good
Well signposted. Parking inside the circuit. Quite bumpy field, wouldn't want to go there in low slung sports car!

Spectator facilities : Very good
Didn't try any food on site myself
Various food vans selling variety of fast foods and ice cream
Small permanent shop selling various models, souveniers, etc
Quite open to the elements, not much shelter available
Resteraunt in paddock area
Toilets are plentiful, permanent buildings, reaonably clean but quite basic
Public access around the circuit and viewing areas are very good. You can walk all around circuit and best spots have viewing banks to stand or sit on.

Overall rating : Good


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