5 circuits you’ve never driven
29th September 2016
Believe it or not, there are many circuits out there that you’ve probably never driven. So we have made a list of the top 5 you should put on your Track Day Bucket List for 2016/17. But why have so many of these amazing circuits been missed? Good question, and we at Motorsport Days strive to give you the best choice of the Track Days and organisers out there, so these are just a few the amazing UK offers of endless tarmac.
Enjoy the list, and we hope you manage to get out on track and experience the thrills of all five. Road trip, anyone?
1. Coltishall
Length: 3.5 miles
Turns: 9
Surface: Asphalt
Lap record: 50.24 (Wet – Ben Clucas)
This former RAF base is about 10km north of Norwich, and rarely opens up to the public – but there are still days available to give it a go. Zenos Cars use it as their own test track and we were lucky enough to use it for a feature in the Motorsport Days Clubman Annual 2016 which can be seen here.
The circuit consists of 9 corners with various levels of grip. The main straight, which uses the runway of the airfield, is full of grip and you can power on down to the hairpin. Off this section, though, you lose all grip and need to fit the car to get the nose in.
Overall – it’s a great track with not a lot to hit. We challenge you to beat Ben Clucas’ lap time which was impressive, and in the wet!
2. Dunsfold Park
Length: 1.75 miles
Turns: 12
Surface: Asphalt (but new TV layout includes mud)
Lap record: 0:59 (The Stig, Renault R25, 2004)
Another airfield, but still a good track. This former aerodrome is home to the BBC Top Gear team, and has a distinctive figure-of-eight shape. A wide range of Top Gear Track Experiences take place at this historic circuit, and its layout deliberately puts the car through a series of different conditions.
You’ve all seen The Stig, who we interviewed back in 2015, the article can be seen here. Ben Collins used the circuit to test many cars, and agreed that it had all the major corner types needed to challenge the driver and the car. Plus the novelty of competing with The Stig himself…whoever the new one is.
3. Blyton Park
Length: 1.60 miles
Turns: Depends on circuit layout
Surface: Asphalt
Lap record: 0:58 (Marino Franchitti, Ariel Atom 3.5R)
Blyton Park is now an established host of wide-ranging motorsport including track days, experience days and driver tuition. Since 2012, a new length of track has given an extra option that cuts down the lap length and includes some new bends between Trubshaws, K7 and Carmen. Blyton offers over eight different possible circuit layouts to try out, and, going forward, lease-owner Richard Usher aims to develop even more within the current complex.
Multiple track days are available here, including Javelin, so we recommend a visit soon.
4. Anglesey Circuit
Length: 2.1 miles
Turns: 11
Surface: Asphalt
Lap record: 1:21 (Jim Hutchinson, Jade 3 Nissan, 2009)
To be honest, this is a Motorsport Days favourite. Director Ben Whibley had his first ever race here and since then has always loved it. The track itself is award-winning, claiming “Circuit of the Year” with MSD in 2015 and, judging by the image above, it’s not hard to see why. Anglesey, or Trac Môn – as its Welsh locals call it – offers not only its International GP Circuit, but also the National, Coastal and Club Circuits too. Due to its difficult downhill corkscrew segment, the coastal layout seems to be popular among Track Day users, and indeed anyone interested in trying out this track can choose from an array of events – including bike Track Days.
The circuit itself runs its own Track Days, as well as many other organisers here too.
5. Circuit of Wales
Length: 3.50 miles
Turns: 21
Surface: Asphalt
Lap record: n/a
Ok, so it’s currently under development, but still looking possible for next year. The Circuit of Wales lies adjacent to the A465 road on the outskirts of Ebbw Vale. The course, it is hoped, will ultimately host events such as the Superbike World Championship, British GT Championship and the MotoGP, and chief executive Martin Whittaker has high hopes that it could also be used as a testing track for Formula One racing teams. Underground heating technology would allow testing from January and early in the mornings, and it is reported that Formula One’s Lewis Hamilton has approved its design. Responsible for the circuit’s blueprint is Populous – the designers behind the London Olympic Stadium too. The circuit is also noteworthy in that it has a rise and fall of a huge 50 meters – contrasting with Silverstone, for example, which has 10.
We’ll keep up to date with this exciting project, and make sure you are among the first to test its limits!
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