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Thruxton

Circuit Guide - Circuit history - Previous winners

This page is intended as a guide to fans visiting for raceday. For circuit history please click here.

Thruxton, located near Andover in Hampshire, holds relatively few racing events per year as a result of noise restrictions put in place due to the proximity of local residents. However the circuit uses the limited number of racing weekends (12 to be exact) to hold events for the likes of the BTCC, BSB, British F3 / GT and seleced club race meetings. The circuit has a rather barren feel compared to many UK racing circuits as the facilities are comparitively few because of the lack of racing activity that it can put on. Originating from an RAF airfield, the signs of the track's past are clear to see with runways still present and the area being flat. The circuit took shape following the war on what were runways and perimeter roads, although the circuit today only uses the old perimeter roads. Indeed the circuit is still used as an airfield on non-race days. The nature of the track with its long sweeping bends and relatively flat nature makes it the fastest in the UK. Speeds average well over 100 miles per hour as the cars head into the first of the chicanes at Club. The corner has seen many incidents over the years and is an ideal spot for overtaking. The first corner of the lap, Allard, is usually taken flat out and the first real opportunity for overtaking at the start of the race comes into the Campbell, Cobb and Seagrave complex of corners, each named after British holders of the land speed record. The initial right-hander, Campbell provides an opportunity for drivers to overtake, although the following turns often allow the defending driver to fight back which can ultimately result in some exciting battles and controversial incidents. 1998 BTCC Champion Rickard Rydell was well renowned for his 'Scandinavian Flick' at this complex of turns, feigning to the outside into Campbell before overtaking through Cobb and Seagrave. From the exit of Seagrave the rest of the circuit is close to spectators as the drivers reach top speeds through the countryside. Goodwood and Village are both taken flat out leading the drivers to Church corner, regarded to be one of the best on the circuit. The drivers will then head flat out up Woodham hill where they can often be four or five cars wide due to the width of the circuit and various slipstreaming taking place. This all amounts to the possibility of plenty of action into the approaching chicane, where spectators get their first glimpse of the cars since the complex earlier in the lap. Getting there Thruxton is situated just off the A303 5 miles west of Andover. The circuit is right next to Thruxton village, and following signs for Thruxton, the circuit or the airfield will all lead you to the same place. More detailed directions to the circuit can be found on the BARC's website by clicking here.

Above: There's always action aplenty at the club chicane. Above: Yvan Muller taking Thruxton at full speed in his 2005 Vauxhall Astra. Above: The BTCC at Thruxton in 2007, showing the extent of the open, empty infield. Above: Action at the Campbell, Cobb and Seagrave complex in the 2007 BTCC.