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Located in the Wiltshire countryside approximately 20 miles from Bristol, Castle Combe is within easy access on the M4 yet still retains the beauty of the surrounding countryside, including the large rabbit population which inhabit the circuit grounds.
Originally used between 1941 and 1948 as a World War 2 airfield, the circuit opened in 1950 following the perimeter track of the former airfield. During its first year the circuit saw racing legend, Sir Stirling Moss, win a race followed in the 60’s and 70’s by Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna and David Coulthard. By the 1990’s the circuit boosted a large variety of events, hosting most national championships including Formula Three, Formula Ford and British GT. Following the death of a spectator two chicanes were added in the winter of 1998-1999 to reduce the speed in areas with little run off space. These changes increased the layout to its current length of 1.85 miles with 7 corners. In 2005 the local council issued the circuit with a noise nuisance order after complaints from local residents. This resulted in Formula Three and British GT no longer able to run at the circuit and limiting the ability of Castle Combe to attract high profile racing.
For spectators, Castle Combe is a perfect venue. It may not have the best facilities but it have the perfect viewing platform. The track layout is followed, almost all of the way around on the outside, by high banking. Added to the mostly flat terrain spectators can see large portions of the track from several parts of the circuit allowing for a high number of spectators to have perfect views during races. The ideal stop for race watching has to be at Camp Corner. It allows spectators to see down Dean Straight to Westway in one direction and around Folly to Avon Rise in the other.
The following is a turn by turn guide to Castle Combe.
Start/Finish Line.
Since 1952 the start/finish line is situated on a short straight between Camp Corner and Folly. Not much of a straight but it starts the long flat out run to Avon Rise and Quarry.
Folly.
Folly is the first corner to the track and is a flat out right hander that is more of a kink than a corner.
Avon Rise.
Named after Avon tyres, this gradient change complicates the entry to Quarry as situated on top of this slight hill is the braking zone. There are a variety of options with this corner and your preferred line will depend upon the weight and power of the car you are driving as well as your ‘bottle’! You can either braking before, after or both but any option will have a knock-on effect with your line and speed through Quarry.
Quarry.
Named after the nearby old quarry, this corner’s success largely depends on your entry to and exit from Avon Rise. The long, slow right hander with a late apex can be tricky in some cars.
The Esses.
The Esses or ‘S’s, after the Strawford family, owners of the circuit, is the first of the two new chicanes added in 1998. This right left flick is situated after the short Farm Straight and the key is to create as straight a line as possible between the two apexes of the two sections. The first part, right hander, is faster than the latter left hander so be careful not to carry too much speed through the latter part.
Old Paddock.
As the name suggested this is where the old paddock was situated until 1952 when it was moved to the currently location between Camp Corner and Folly. This is simple a long right that is taken at speed before hitting Hammerdown. For this corner you do not need to be full to the left when hitting the apex and on the exit let the car drift to the outside slightly ready for the next corner.
Hammerdown.
As its name suggests, this is a long flat out slight left curve in the track. Not much to it apart from getting ready for Tower Corner.
Tower Corner.
Tower Corner is named after the West Yatton Tower, an ancient tower in the next field. This is a long right corner with the braking zone in a downhill section. Exit speed is not vital with this corner as the proceeding straight is a short one.
Bobbies.
After a short straight is Bobbies, named after the late Bob Davies, partner of Castle Combe Circuit Ltd from 1976. This is the second of the two chicanes added in 1998. After clipping the first apex, ensure a straight line is help to the second apex. A fair amount of power can then be applied. On the exit be careful not to hold too tight as you want to let the car drift to the left for Westway.
Westway and Dean Straight.
Westway is another high speed flick rather than a corner and is followed by Dean Straight taking you on the final corner, Camp Corner. The run from Tower Corner to Camp Corner is basically a long straight with a slight direction change in the middle.
Camp Corner.
The final corner to the track is Camp Corner, named as this was the site of the resettlement camp for Polish ex-servicemen when the site was used as an airfield. The braking zone for this corner falls just where the pit lane entry road leaves the track. This right hander leads onto the start/finish line and if taken on a flying lap is the most critical part of the circuit. The proceeding section is a flat out long section which is taken at full throttle so speed is essential when exiting Camp Corner. Hitting the apex can be tricky as it is very late. Follow this by using the entire track on the exit; holding too tight can lead the car into a spin. By Samantha Mcvey
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