Circuits
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Brands Hatch
GP Circuit
Length - 2.3 mile
Turns - 9
Indy Circuit
Length - 1.19 mile
Turns - 6
For spectators and drivers this is the true spiritual home of British Motor Sport. The rolling valley provides a natural amphitheatre giving superb views for the spectators, and the hillsides ups and downs entertains the drivers.
The circuit combines some outrageously deceptive corners, which might look simple to the spectator, but have spun off many a skilled driver.
The name of Brands Hatch might be from the Gaelic Brondehach (bron meaning "wooded slope" and hach meaning "forest entrance").
Brands Hatch has had its share of troubles, changes in ownership, and the loss of The British Grand prix. Recently residents of a housing estate that was built near to Clearways bend have caused problems by complaining about the noise.
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Castle Combe
Full Circuit
Length - 1.85 mile
Turns - 7
The Castle Combe race track was originally a World War II airfield built on the Castle Combe estate. The airfield was decommissioned in 1948, and the race circuit built in 1950.
Over the years, the circuit attracted star names such as Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Roy Salvadori and John Surtees.
In 1997, Nigel Greensall established a new lap record. His Tyrrell 022 lapped the circuit at 130.93mph. However, this was the last year that the circuit would remain unaltered.
In 2005, the circuit was issued with a noise nuisance order, which meant that the circuit had to reduce its noise level. The British Formula Three Championship, British GT Championship and British Touring Car Championship were louder than permitted, and so were prevented from returning by the spoil sports.
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Silverstone
Grand Prix Circuit
Length - 3.19 mile
Turns - 17
International Circuit
Length - 2.24 mile
Turns - 10
National Circuit
Length - 2.63 mile
Turns - 6
Stowe Circuit
Length - 1.28 mile
Turns - 5
Silverstone Circuit is best known as the home of the British Grand Prix, which it first hosted in 1948. The 1950 British Grand Prix at Silverstone was the first race in the then newly-created Formula One World Championship.
Silverstone Race Circuit is half in Northamptonshire and the other half is in Buckinghamshire.
Silverstone is built on the site of a World War II bomber base. During the Grand Prix, the airfield becomes the busiest in the UK, complete with its own air traffic control.
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Snetterton
Full Circuit
Length - 1.95 mile
Turns - 7
Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit is a motor racing circuit in Norfolk, England. It contains two of the UK longest straights.
In October 2005, it was announced by the owner of the circuit; Dr Jonathan Palmer the ex racing driver of Motor Sport Vision, that the circuit would undergo extensive rebuilding work, in order to lengthen the circuit, and improve its facilities
Snetterton originally started off life as RAF Snetterton Heath which was then designated for use by the United States Army Air Force. The airfield was opened in May 1943 and closed down in November 1948.
The circuit appears simple, and is forgiving to a cautious novice. Yet a really good driver can squeeze a fast lap time, especially now that the circuit has been reworked.
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Croft
Full Circuit
Length - 2.1 mile
Turns - 12
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Donnington
GP Circuit
Length - 2.5 mile
Turns - 12
National Circuit
Length - 1.9mile
Turns - 10
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Goodwood
Full Circuit
Length - 1.95 mile
Turns - 7
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Lydden
Full Circuit
Length - 1 mile
Turns - 4
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Mallory Park
Full Circuit
Length - 1.35 miles
Turns - 5
Oval Circuit
Length - 1.6 mile
Turns - 2
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Oulton Park
International Circuit
Length - 2.69 miles
Turns - 8
Island Circuit
Length - 2.6miles
Turns - 7
Fosters Circuit
Length - 1.6miles
Turns - 6
The track is set in the grounds of Oulton Hall, which was used by General Patton prior to the Normandy landings.
The track is infamous for its rapidly changing gradients and blind crests leading into unforgiving corners.
Such is the notoriety of Knickerbrook corner that a series of videos were produced showing clips of cars crashing and spinning primarily at this corner. The series is named Oulton Park's Greatest Hits.
Knickerbrook corner got its unusual name because an explosives team were once removing tree stumps with dynamite close to the corner.
Upon the third detonation, a "courting couple" were seen to run at speed and in some disarray from the cover of a bush or bank nearby.
Upon close investigation later they discovered a lady's underwear in the brook. So that is how the corner got the name Knickerbrook.
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Rockingham
International Super Sports Car Circuit
Length - 1.94 miles
Width - 11 meters
Turns - 12
National Circuit
Length - 1.7 miles
Turns - 9
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Cadwell Park
Full Circuit
Length - 2.173 miles
Turns - 10
Club Circuit
Length - 1.481 miles
Turns - 7
Woodland Circuit
Length - 0.712 miles
Turns - 5
Cadwell Park is one of British motor sport's best-kept secrets, despite the fact it has hosted car, bike and kart races since its creation.
Cadwell Park is sited across a steep sided valley, giving rise to dips and crests. The sharp changes in gradient on the circuit (including one section called The mountain) make a circuit that is exciting for spectators and drivers.
Known throughout motor sport as a "driver's circuit", Cadwell Park is not just "naturally challenging" but a difficult mix of corners and cambers that test the real level of driver ability.
Best spectator spots to see how drivers can tame Cadwell include "the Mountain" and "the Gooseneck" Corners, whereas Park and Copse Corners provide excellent viewing of late braking and "red mist" overtaking.
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Thruxton
Full Circuit
Length - 2.356 miles
Turns - 11
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Spa
Full Circuit
Length - 4.352 miles
Turns - 21
Drivers and fans alike love the Belgian Grand Prix race circuit at Spa Francorchamps.
Since inception, Spa has been famous for its unpredictable weather. At one stage in its history it had rained at the Belgian Grand Prix for twenty years in a row.
Frequently drivers confront a part of the course that is clear and bright while another stretch is rainy and slippery. Most drivers today say that the Spa course is the most challenging race track that remains on the F1 calendar.
This race is not part of the Historic Saloon Car Championship, but many of the drivers, fans, friends and families can not resist the combination of booze cruise, excellent food, and a world class motor racing track.
For those not interested in the Motor Racing, the Town of Spa in Belgium is located in a romantic valley amid hills which form part of the beautiful Ardennes chain.
One last point, yes it is okay to drink the water . . . this is a world famous source of Spa Mineral Water.
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