Thruxton Circuit

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Thruxton Circuit
Main Circuit (1968–present)
LocationHampshire, England
Time zoneGMT (UTC+0)
BST (April–October, UTC+1)
Coordinates51°12′37″N 1°36′2″W / 51.21028°N 1.60056°W / 51.21028; -1.60056
FIA Grade3
OwnerThruxton Circuit Ltd
Opened1950
Major eventsCurrent:
BTCC (1979–present)
BSB (1996–2019, 2021–present)
Former:
FIM Endurance World Championship
Thruxton 500 (1960–1964, 1969–1977)
TCR UK (2024)
British F3 (1977–2008, 2010, 2014)
British GT (1994–1996, 2000–2005, 2007–2008)
BOSS Formula (1996, 1998–2000)
Formula 3000 (1985)
Formula Two (1968–1984)
Formula 5000 (1970–1971, 1974–1975)
Websitehttps://thruxtonracing.co.uk/
Main Circuit (1968–present)
Length3.793 km (2.356 miles)
Turns12
Race lap record1:01.960 (United Kingdom Earl Goddard, Reynard 95D, 2000, F3000)
Main Circuit (1952–1964)
Length4.437 km (2.757 miles)
Turns8
Race lap record2:00.000 (United Kingdom Tony Rolt, Connaught Type A, 1953, F2)
Original Circuit (1950–1952)
Length3.042 km (1.890 miles)
Turns6

The Thruxton Circuit is a 2.356 mi (3.792 km) motor-racing circuit located near the village of Thruxton in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom, about 30 mi (48 km) north of Southampton.

It has hosted motorsport events including the British Touring Car Championship, British GT Championship, British Formula One Championship, British Formula Three, and GB3 Championship. It is often referred to as the "Fastest Circuit in the UK" where drivers can reach speeds of over 190 mph (300 km/h) and has earned the reputation of being a true driver's track. To illustrate this, Damon Hill drove his Williams Formula One car around the circuit at an average speed of 147 mph (237 km/h) in 1993. There is a reasonable similarity between the Thruxton layout and the original Silverstone layout used until 1990.

The site also houses the headquarters of the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC).[1]

History

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Thruxton Circuit in 2024

The site was originally constructed in 1942 as RAF Thruxton, a World War II airfield which was home to both the RAF and USAAF and was used for troop-carrying aircraft and gliders, including operations during the D-Day landings. Also, the paratroopers who took part in the successful Bruneval Raid (Operation Biting), in which German radar equipment was seized on the coast of France, took off from here.

The circuit, which follows the line of the airfield's perimeter road, was established in 1968. From 1950 to 1965, motorbike races had taken place on the runways and perimeter road.[2]

Thruxton Circuit was resurfaced in 2000, resulting in lap times dropping considerably compared to the previous year.

Developments

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Church Corner
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In 2020, further safety developments were completed at Church Corner, one of the fastest sections of the Thruxton Circuit. The upgrades form part of an ongoing programme of safety improvements at the circuit, designed to maintain modern standards while preserving the character of the track.[3]

Noble/Goodwood Viewing Area
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A new spectator viewing area has been constructed around Noble Corner, extending through towards Goodwood. The development provides additional public access and wider sightlines of one of the circuit’s fastest sequences, enhancing the overall spectator experience.[4]

Woodham Hill Bank
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In 2025, Thruxton introduced a new spectator area known as the Woodham Hill Bank. Located on the approach to the Club chicane, the bank offers an elevated vantage point of the braking zone and final complex of the circuit.[5]

Motorsport activities

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Racing at Thruxton

Owing to planning restrictions, the circuit can only run 12 days of motorsport each year. Currently, three are devoted to motorbike racing, with a weekend dedicated to the British Superbike Championship, Britain's premier motorcycle racing category; with the third day being used for club racing.

Reema Juffali in her F4 car at Thruxton in April 2019

The remaining days are devoted to car and truck racing with weekends being used for the TOCA British Touring Car Championship, the British Truck Racing Championship, the Thruxton Retro and the remaining days are allocated to other organising clubs, such as the 750 Motor Club or the Classic Sportscar Club. Owing to the relative infrequency of race meetings, Thruxton continues to be a popular part of the motorsport calendar.

Events

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Current

An up to date list of current events at Thruxton Circuit can be found on their website.

Notable current events and championships include:

Former

Notable former championships and events include:

Lap records

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The all-time outright unofficial track record is 0:57.6 seconds, set by Damon Hill in a Williams FW15C, during a demonstration run in 1993.[6] As of August 2025, the fastest official race lap records at the Thruxton Circuit are listed as:

Category Time Driver Vehicle Event
Main Circuit: 3.793 km (1968–present)[6]
Formula 3000 1:01.960[6] Earl Goddard Reynard 95D 2000 Thruxton EuroBOSS round
Formula Three 1:06.752[7] Jean-Éric Vergne Dallara F308 2010 Thruxton British F3 round
Formula Two 1:07.370[8] Johnny Cecotto March 822 1982 Thruxton F2 round
Group C 1:07.460[9] James Weaver Porsche 956 GTi 1986 Thruxton Interserie round
Formula One 1:09.430[10] Emilio de Villota Lotus 78 1979 2nd Thruxton British F1 round
GT1 1:10.785[11] David Warnock Lister Storm GT 2002 Thruxton British GT round
Formula 4 1:10.848[12] Alex Dunne Tatuus F4-T421 2022 1st Thruxton British F4 round
Formula 5000 1:11.000[13][14] Vern Schuppan[a]
Ian Ashley[a]		 Lola T332[a]
Lola T330[a]		 1974 2nd Thruxton F5000 round[a]
1975 1st Thruxton F5000 round[a]
Porsche Carrera Cup 1:12.823[15] Robert de Haan Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Cup 2023 Thruxton Porsche Carrera Cup GB round
Super Touring 1:13.272[16] Jason Plato Vauxhall Vectra 2000 Thruxton BTCC round
N-GT 1:13.303[17] Nathan Kinch Ferrari 360 Modena GTC 2004 Thruxton British GT round
GT2 1:13.437[18] Tim Mullen Ferrari 360 Modena GTC 2005 Thruxton British GT round
Group 6 Prototype 1:14.000[19] John Burton Chevron B19 1971 2nd Thruxton RAC BSC round
Superbike 1:14.539[20] Bradley Ray Yamaha YZF-R1 2025 Thruxton BSB round
Formula BMW 1:14.709[21] Stian Sørlie [no] Mygale FB02 2004 Thruxton Formula BMW UK round
NGTC 1:15.254[22] Ashley Sutton Ford Focus ST 2025 Thruxton BTCC round
Group 7 Racing Car 1:16.200[23] Jo Siffert Porsche 917 1971 1st Thruxton RAC BSC round
Supersport 1:16.384[24] Jack Kennedy Honda CBR600RR 2024 Thruxton BSS round
BTC Touring 1:17.303[25] Yvan Muller BTC-T Vauxhall Astra Coupe 2002 Thruxton BTCC round
Group 4 Sports Car 1:17.400[26] Brian Redman Lola T70 Mk.3B GT 1969 Embassy Trophy
Sports 2000 1:17.880[27] Ray Bellm Chevron B36 1984 Thruxton Thundersports round
Sportbike 1:19.768[28] Ash Barnes Suzuki GSX-8R 2025 Thruxton British Sportbike round
TCR Touring Car 1:20.485[29] Fynn Jones Cupra León TCR 2025 Thruxton Britcar round
Group A 1:20.640[30] Dave Brodie Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth 1989 1st Thruxton BTCC round
Group 5 Sports Car 1:21.000[31] Peter Brown Ferrari 512 M 1972 Thruxton MN GT round
BMW F900R Cup 1:21.051[32] Nikki Coates BMW F900R 2025 Thruxton BMW F900R Cup round
Moto3 1:21.623[33] Amanuel Brinton Honda NSF250R 2024 Thruxton British Talent Cup round
Truck racing 1:34.526[34] Michael Oliver MAN TGS 2025 Thruxton BTRC round
Main Circuit: 4.437 km (1952–1964)[6]
Formula Two 2:00.000[35] Tony Rolt Connaught Type A 1953 Bristol MC & LCC Race
Sports car racing 2:05.200[36] Jimmy Stewart Jaguar C-type 1953 Thruxton National Sports Car race

Medical and safety services

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Thruxton has a medical centre in line with Motor Sports Association standards.

The MSA circuit licence requires a minimum of two doctors and two rescue units for a race meeting. Most meetings are operated with three rescue units plus a medical car, along with ambulances and first aiders.

Points of Interest

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During race weekends, a radio commentary service called Radio Thruxton operates in the FM band on 93.7 MHz. This has commentators at key points of the track as well as a pit reporter, who conducts interviews with the race winners.

Outside of motor racing, the circuit offers a range of driving experiences for members of the public to drive the circuit with instructors in a range of supercars and single seater racing cars.

The "Thruxton" Heritage

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As a result of its racing associations, the name "Thruxton" has been used for:

Thruxton Centre

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The Thruxton Centre was opened in June 2018 by Nigel Mansell and Murray Walker. The £2million flagship building is the latest addition to the circuit, forming part of the track's modernisation project. The new building is a 1415m² facility with more than ten conference and function rooms as well as hospitality suites, a restaurant and bar, an exhibition space and catering facilities. A first floor terrace and balcony provides a view of the first-corner and across the venue.

The Thruxton Centre serves as the venue hub for corporate events, hospitality and meetings at Thruxton Circuit. It offers state-of-the-art facilities for conferences, exhibitions, and business functions, combined with first-class in-house catering.[37]

Some key features:

  • Flexible suites and meeting rooms: The Centre has suites and spaces suitable for a variety of corporate uses.
  • Paddock and circuit surroundings: Corporate guests benefit from being immersed in a motorsport environment, with views and access to the fastest circuit in the UK and its paddock areas.
  • Catering & service: Events held at the Thruxton Centre are supported by professional, in-house catering, plus an experienced events team with over 30 years’ experience.
  • Use cases: The corporate offering is used for team-building days, client entertainment, staff rewards, exhibition-style displays, and meetings.

Driving Experiences

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Aside from hosting major motor racing events, Thruxton Motorsport Centre offers driving experiences.

Participants can drive high-performance vehicles across various categories, including:

  • Racing Cars: Take the wheel of a real single-seater racing car for a taste of professional motorsport.
  • Supercars: Options include Ferrari 458, Lamborghini Huracan, McLaren 570S, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Audi R8, Lotus Emira, and Ford Mustang—each offering thrilling performance on the fast, sweeping corners of Thruxton.
  • Ultimate Supercar Driving Experience: The “Ultimate Supercar Driving Experience” allows participants to drive and ride in an array of seven high-end cars including the Ferrari 458 Spider, McLaren 570S, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Ford Mustang, Formula Renault, among others.
  • Supercar Duo & Trio Experiences:
    • Supercar Duo: Drive both a Ferrari 458 Spider and McLaren 570S after circuit familiarisation in an Alpine A110S.
    • Supercar Trio: Drive three supercars; the McLaren 570S, Ferrari 458 Spider, and Aston Martin V8 Vantage, following an Alpine A110S warm-up.
  • Skill-Building Experiences:
    • 4×4 Off‑Road Driving: Navigate rugged terrain in a Land Rover or Suzuki Jimny over a purpose-built off‑road course.
    • Skid Pan: Participants refine car control techniques under low-grip conditions using front- and rear-wheel-drive models.
    • Junior Driving: Tailored for younger participants over 12 years old, including junior skid-pan and 4x4 sessions with instructors supervising safety and technique.
  • Passenger Rides:
    • Two‑Seat Racing Car Ride: Sit behind a professional driver in an open‑wheel race car for two adrenaline-charged laps.
    • Three‑Car Passenger Ride: A high-speed lap in three different vehicles for a varied thrill experience.
    • Tiff Needell BMW M2 Ride: A highly distinctive experience, with former racing driver and TV personality Tiff Needell at the wheel of a BMW M2 performing controlled, sideways maneuvers.

These experiences are delivered with professional ARDS-qualified instructors, and participants can opt to receive 360° in-car videos as lasting souvenirs.

Thruxton Kart Centre

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Thruxton Kart Centre is one of the principal ancillary facilities at Thruxton Circuit, located adjacent to the main racing track. It is an outdoor karting circuit operated on the same site, and is open to both adults and juniors. The layout is described as fast and challenging, requiring a degree of stamina and commitment from drivers.

There are three different circuits available, at 1,100 metres (1,200 yds) long the full circuit has a selection of fast, slow and technical corners. The karts used are 13bhp Thunderkarts, which can reach speeds of 60mph.[38]

Gift Experiences and Vouchers

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Thruxton also offers driving and karting experiences in the form of gift vouchers. These vouchers allow recipients to choose when to redeem them, within a specified time-frame, and are promoted as suitable for a wide range of age groups and occasions.

All gift options are underpinned by Thruxton’s status as an FIA-licensed venue, which has been hosting motorsport for over 40 years.

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Both drivers took the same lap time independently in different races.

References

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  1. ^ "Contacts". BARC. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  2. ^ "Circuit Facilities - History of Thruxton". Thruxton Motorsport Centre. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  3. ^ Circuit, Thruxton (2 September 2020). "Church Corner - Further safety developments now completed". thruxtonracing.co.uk. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  4. ^ Circuit, Thruxton (7 April 2022). "NEW SPECTATOR VIEWING AREA AROUND HIGH-SPEED NOBLE CORNER". thruxtonracing.co.uk. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  5. ^ Circuit, Thruxton (13 May 2025). "Introducing the Woodham Hill Bank". thruxtonracing.co.uk. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d "Thruxton - Motor Sport Magazine". Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  7. ^ "2010 Thruxton British F3 - Round 20". Motor Sport Magazine. 8 August 2010. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  8. ^ "1982 Jochen Rindt Trophy". Motor Sport Magazine. 12 April 1982. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  9. ^ "Interserie Thruxton 1986". 31 March 1986. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  10. ^ "1979 Thruxton F1". Motor Sport Magazine. 9 September 1979. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  11. ^ "British GT Championship Round 10 Thruxton 14th & 15th September 2002 Best Sector Times - Race 7" (PDF). 15 September 2002. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  12. ^ "2022 ROKiT F4 British Championship Certified by FIA Round 9 - Classification" (PDF). 29 May 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  13. ^ "1974 Thruxton F5000 - Round 13". Motor Sport Magazine. 18 August 1974. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  14. ^ "1975 Thruxton F5000 - Round 7". Motor Sport Magazine. 26 May 1975. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  15. ^ "Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain 2023 - Round 5 - Classification" (PDF). 4 June 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  16. ^ "BTCC 2000 » Thruxton Round 6 Results". 1 May 2000. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  17. ^ "British GT Championship Rounds 13 and 14 Thruxton Circuit 29th & 30th August 2004 Best Sector Times - Round 12". 30 August 2004. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  18. ^ "British GT Championship Rounds 9&10 Thruxton Circuit 28th & 29th May 2005 Best Sector Times - Race 8". 29 May 2005. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  19. ^ "RAC Sports Car Championship; Thruxton 1971". 19 September 1971. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  20. ^ "2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship - Round 6 - 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship with Pirelli - Race 2 - Classification" (PDF). 10 August 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  21. ^ "BTCC - Round 1 - Thruxton - 2004 - Formula BMW UK Championship Provisional Result - Round 1". 11 April 2004. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  22. ^ "2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship - Round 11 - Classification - Amended" (PDF). 8 June 2025. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  23. ^ "RAC Sports Car Championship Thruxton 1971". 12 April 1971. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  24. ^ "2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship - Round 7 - 2024 Quattro Group British Supersport & GP2 / HEL Supersport Cup - Sprint Race - Classification" (PDF). 10 August 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  25. ^ "BTCC 2002 » Thruxton Round 6 Results". 6 May 2002. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  26. ^ "Embassy Trophy Thruxton 1969". 7 April 1969. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  27. ^ "Thundersports Thruxton 1984". 8 July 1984. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  28. ^ "2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship - Round 6 - 2025 Pirelli National Sportbike Championship - Race 2 - Classification" (PDF). 10 August 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  29. ^ "2025 Britcar Endurance Championship - Race 5 – Classification - Amended 2" (PDF). 6 July 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  30. ^ "BTCC 1989 » Thruxton Round 3 Results". 1 May 1989. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  31. ^ "MN GT Thruxton 1972". 28 May 1972. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  32. ^ "2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship - Round 6 - 2025 Rokit Off BMW Motorrad F 900 R Cup - Main Race - Classification - Amended" (PDF). 10 August 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  33. ^ "2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship - Round 7 - 2024 R&G British Talent Cup - Race 2 - Classification" (PDF). 11 August 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  34. ^ "2025 British Truck Racing Championship - Race 1 - Round 11 - Classification - Amended" (PDF). 5 July 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  35. ^ "1953 Thruxton F2". Motor Sport Magazine. 3 August 1953. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  36. ^ "National Thruxton [S+1.5] 1953". 3 August 1953. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  37. ^ "Thruxton Centre". thruxtonracing.co.uk. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  38. ^ "Thruxton Kart Centre". thruxtonracing.co.uk. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
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