A new chapter has begun for Thruxton Circuit, after the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) agreed to the sale of the club’s interests in the Thruxton race circuit operating companies to Alex Thistlethwayte, the venue owner. The BARC had held leases on Thruxton Circuit, as well as the skid pan, kart centre and other facilities on the wider estate that would have run until 2037.

Under the terms of the sale agreement, the BARC will continue to be based at the Hampshire circuit that has been the club’s HQ since 1968 and the club will continue to run race meetings at the circuit, as it has done for the past 58 seasons.

“Alex took over the freehold from Henry Pelham in 2024 and he has been keen to shape it into a destination airfield, circuit and leisure facility,” said Tony Scott Andrews, BARC Chairman. “The sale of our interest in the Thruxton Circuit businesses releases significant capital for the BARC, resulting in a strong financial position for investment in our membership and race programmes, as well as exciting new initiatives to see the club well into the future. At the same time, it allows Alex the flexibility and control to invest in the circuit and its facilities in order to realise his ambitions for the venue.

“We are proud to be able to hand over a thriving asset built by the club since establishing this as our home in 1968. The BARC will continue to be based at Thruxton and we will remain an integral part of the circuit’s future.”

“The BARC has invested its time, money and considerable effort to make Thruxton what it is today – a fabulous circuit, full of history, with a special affection within the racing community,” said Alex Thistlethwayte. “What BARC and its staff have created here over the years is a large part of what attracted me to buy the site in the first instance.

“Significant investment in both the airfield and circuit as a combined facility will elevate Thruxton as an attractive destination, whether you are a flyer, a driver or a visitor. It’s really exciting and I am delighted that we will continue to work closely with the BARC here at the club’s home.”

Construction is already underway on a stunning new clubhouse for the venue, which will offer a range of experiences from an Executive London chef-led restaurant, prestige cocktail bar, diner and on-site beer tap room.

Attention now turns to the circuit itself, with the goal of elevating Thruxton to the premier league of motorsport venues, backed by the unrivalled heritage of the BARC. All staff working for the Thruxton entities under BARC’s ownership will continue to work in the same role and all contact details remain unchanged.