Castle Combe circuit guide
Castle Combe is a high speed, high action 3km circuit
Based on the perimeter track of a former World War II airfield, Castle Combe Circuit opened in 1950. It is 1.85 miles long (2.97km) and hosts races for a variety of championships and club in UK as well as trackdays for cars and motorcycles, and a number of car shows.
Races include a home-circuit championship with classes for Saloon cars, Sports & GTs, and Formula Ford. Racing clubs from around the UK include the track in the events for their championships, including the 750 Motor Club, and BRSCC.
Corner one – Quarry
On the approach to the first corner there is a right slight curve which is easily flat out. Allow the car to run to the middle of the track before bringing it back to the right side of the track.
Turning into the left part of Quarry corner requires a very gentle turn to guide the car into the corner. Depending what car you are driving your braking point will be different, but it’s crucial that you reduce the power slowly and then apply the brakes smoothly. Increase the brake pressure firmly as you will be braking over a brow of a hill. Keep the car three quarters to the left of the track and continue trail braking into the right part of the corner. Apex at the end of the painted green curb on the inside of the corner and then power through the corner to the exit.
Corner two – The Esses
This is a challenging chicane, as you have to brake whilst being on a slight turn. The braking point on the approach to the chicane is by the marshal post on the left side of the track. It requires the normal trail brake technique all the way into the corner until you turn left.
Use the entire flat curb on both the right and left on the entry to the chicane and try to carry as much momentum as possible through to the exit.
Corner three – Old Paddock Bend
The momentum carried from the previous chicane is important as this right hand turn can be a flat out corner. It is important to look a long way through the corner and the later the apex the better as this reduces the chance of running wide on the exit.
Corner four – Tower
Brake approximately by the marshal post on the left side of the track with medium brake pressure. Then bring the car in towards a late apex slowly by the marshal post on the inside of the corner. Power through the corner as much as possible to gain good entry speed into the next chicane.
Corner five – Bobbies
This is a chicane and it requires trail braking into the corner whilst using the entire flat curb on entry and exit. Your breaking point is just before the marshal post on the left and the turning point is on the marshal post. Carry as much momentum as possible through each of the chicanes as they both lead onto long straights.
Corner six – Camp
The last corner of the lap is very fast and if done correctly, you will carry good speed onto the pit straight. Approximately a car length past the pit entry is your breaking point for this corner. Apply a medium pressure, then look through the corner and apex by the curb on the inside of the corner.