Tag: Thruxton Circuit

Thruxton Circuit, the UK’s fastest circuit in the UK, is thrilled to announce a momentous milestone in its longstanding partnership with racing legend Tiff Needell.

Since 2009, Thruxton and Tiff have offered guests an extraordinary opportunity to experience Tiff’s legendary high-speed, sideways driving around the circuit on our exclusive driving experience days.

Tiff Needell, a name synonymous with motorsport, boasts an impressive racing career, which took him all the way to Formula 1. With a passion for speed, Tiff’s expertise behind the wheel has made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.

However, it was Tiff’s captivating presence on television screens that propelled him to international fame. From 1987 to 2001, Tiff was an integral part of Top Gear, where he showcased his expert driving skills and entertained audiences with his charismatic and humorous commentary. Tiff’s passion for motorsport and his infectious enthusiasm endeared him to fans worldwide, establishing him as a household name in the automotive industry.

Tiff has thrilled thousands of visitors with his exhilarating driving skills. With an astonishing 24,000 laps and almost 58,000 miles under his belt, mostly sideways, Tiff’s dedication to providing an unforgettable experience has astounded both guests and staff. Beyond the seemingly impossible oversteer slides, Tiff has consistently embraced the opportunity to educate his passengers about the capabilities of the BMW model they’re riding in and the history of Thruxton Circuit, making each ride an enlightening journey. A quick search on YouTube will give you a good idea of what passengers experience!

Reflecting on closing in on the 8000th ride. Tiff shared his thoughts: “I find it hard to believe I am about to take my 8,000th guest for a three-lap passenger experience around Thruxton. Something that started as a bit of fun in 2009 has turned out to be so popular I can’t seem to stop! I’ve strapped in anyone from four-year-olds on booster seats to 84-year-olds with Zimmer frames, and no one has ever been disappointed! Through a whole stream of BMWs that have suffered my treatment and the hundreds of Pirelli tyres that I’ve worn to the canvas, I’ve never been let down by either, and I’m not stopping now.”

At Thruxton Circuit, we are immensely proud to be associated with Tiff. The Tiff Needell BMW M2 Passenger Ride Experience has become an iconic offering, attracting motorsport enthusiasts from around the world to embark on this thrilling experience. Whether it’s the screams, the laughs, or the stoney silence emanating from the seat beside him, Tiff’s passengers are consistently amazed by what a road car can achieve on the track. His infectious passion for the sport continues to inspire and captivate audiences, fostering a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.

As Tiff Needell gears up for his monumental 8,000th ride, we invite you to join us in celebrating this extraordinary achievement. Explore the Tiff Needell Experience at Thruxton Circuit and discover the unparalleled excitement of being driven by a true motorsport legend. Buckle up and hold on tight.

In honour of Tiff Needell’s incredible achievement of reaching his 8,000th ride, Thruxton Circuit is delighted to announce a special treat for the lucky individual who becomes the milestone guest. The 8,000th guest will receive an exclusive goodie bag filled with Thruxton merchandise and surprises, courtesy of two long-time supporters of the Tiff Needell Experience: Pirelli and Hendy Performance.

Pirelli, renowned for its high-performance tyres, has been an integral part of Tiff Needell’s journey at Thruxton since the beginning. As a tribute to this significant milestone, Pirelli has generously contributed to the goodie bag, providing a selection of merchandise.

Additionally, Hendy Performance a leading provider of high-quality performance parts and trusted partner of Thruxton Circuit, has provided a collection of exciting items to be included in the goodie bag.

Book your Tiff Needell Experience today, who knows, you might just be the lucky 8,000th guest to receive this exclusive and exciting prize pot, courtesy of Pirelli, Hendy Performance and Thruxton.

Thruxton Circuit has announced the launch of the Ultimate Junior Driving Experience; a comprehensive and unforgettable day of thrills and skill development that has been designed for young drivers.

Combining the best elements of the Hampshire venues popular junior driving experiences, this new attraction will allow those aged 12 years and above and measuring at least 4ft 10 inches (1.47m) tall to embark on a full-throttle day in becoming confident drivers.

The Ultimate Junior Driving Experiences encompasses three exhilarating sessions, crafted to provide a well-rounded and immersive learning journey:

STAGE 1: Paddock Junior Driving // Take control of the new Ford Puma ST and master the fundamental skills of driving in the large tarmac paddock areas at Thruxton. Our expert instructors will guide you through smooth starts, precise steering, gear changing, and more!

Thruxton Circuit is excited to announce a new partnership with the organisers of KICKBACK, the popular custom bike show, to host a one-day event on Sunday 2 July celebrating the best of motorcycle culture.

This event promises to be a thrilling showcase of custom and classic bikes, featuring café racers, streetfighters, vintage race bikes, turbo/supercharged/nitrous powered machines, flat trackers, dirt bikes, choppers, bobbers, and rare specials.

Thruxton has a rich history in motorcycle racing, having hosted prestigious events such as the British Superbike Championship and the Thruxton 500 endurance race.

The Thruxton KICKBACK show will feature a special display of classic racing bikes that have competed at the circuit over the years, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the history of motorcycle racing at Thruxton.

Visitors will have the chance to see all the show bikes up close and personal, with displays along the pit lane and around the paddock areas. Those who arrive on their own bikes can park in the inner zone and be a part of the show. The event will culminate in a ‘Best in Show’ awards ceremony at 3pm, celebrating extreme engineering excellence.

In addition to the bike displays, visitors will be treated to the amazing Two Brothers Stunt Team performing throughout the day. To keep everyone going, the Thruxton Centre will serve up great food and drinks.

This event is open to all, with an adult day ticket priced at £10 in advance (£12 on the day) and free entry for under 12s. There is ample free car parking available at the venue.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience the best of motorcycle culture at Thruxton Circuit.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Thruxton Circuit website or the KICKBACK website. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thruxton Circuit has announced that its first Hendy Performance Coffee Run will take place on Sunday 23rd October, with future Coffee Run events then scheduled to take place on every third Sunday of the month.

The event – which aims to be the biggest cars and coffee meet-up throughout the winter in the south of the UK – will allow enthusiasts to park their pride and joy and mix with like-minded people, all within the surroundings of the fastest circuit in the country.

Boasting plenty of tarmac paddock space, there won’t be dedicated club areas but if you arrive together, you can park together. Families, children and well-behaved dogs (on a short lead) are all welcome.

Former Formula 1 driver and Top Gear presenter Tiff Needell will also be in attendance along with his new BMW M2, which he uses to give high-speed, sideways rides on driving experience days at the Hampshire venue. 

In addition, the Thruxton Centre will be open for refreshments and a bite to eat, so the event isn’t weather-dependent!

The event is free to attend and will start at 09:30. To register your attendance, please visit https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/coffee-run 

Thruxton Circuit has announced a multi-year partnership with local engineering specialist Advanced KFS Special Vehicles (AKFS).

The partnership has seen both the race control building and pit lane garages transformed ahead of the new motorsport season with the introduction of the AKFS Racetrack and AddVenture branding.

Boasting over 30 years of experience, Advanced KFS Special Vehicles has experience in the field of manufacturing after-market vehicles for a variety of industries and services including; grounds maintenance vehicles, car transporters/recovery vehicles and plant hire vehicles.

Iain Knight, Chairman of AKFS, said: “We are hugely passionate motorsport enthusiasts at AKFS and are delighted to promote our Racetruck and AddVenture vehicles with extensive branding on the Thruxton pit lane buildings including the garages and race control. 

“With high-profile events like BTCC and BSB featuring regularly, it’s an ideal way for us to connect with race fans and competitors alike.” 

Thruxton’s first event of the season takes place on April 23/24 as the Classic Sports Car Club descends on Hampshire before the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship takes centre stage on May 28/29.

Tickets for all 2022 race meetings at Thruxton can be purchased via https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/. 

Thruxton Circuit will give spectators even more choice on where to watch the on-track action this year after recently opening a new viewing area overlooking the high-speed Noble corner.

In what is the latest development to take place at the Hampshire venue, significant work – much of it in ground preparation and new fencing – during the off-season will now give visitors a brand new vantage point to watch the action on two and four wheels in 2022.

Visitors will be able to watch competitors negotiate the Complex (Campbell, Cobb, Seagrave), then thread their way through the left-hander of Noble before powering their way towards Goodwood and on to Church, which remains the fastest corner in UK motorsport.

Circuit commentary unfortunately won’t be available at the new viewing section due to local planning restrictions however fans can tune in to Radio Thruxton – available on 87.7FM – to ensure they keep abreast of the action.

Pat Blakeney, Thruxton Circuit Manager, said: “I’m delighted to be able to open up this viewing area to spectators as it’s been on my wish list for a number of years. The view from here is absolutely stunning and one that spectators have previously never seen before”.

Thruxton’s first event of the season takes place on Wednesday 13th April as the British Touring Car Championship stages its 2022 Season Launch before the Classic Sports Car Club takes centre stage on April 23/24.

Thruxton Circuit has announced its blockbuster race meeting calendar for the 2022, with visits from the Kwik British Touring Car Championship and Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli headlining.

Following an action-packed 2021 season, the fastest circuit in the UK is set to play host to the some of the biggest championships and clubs over the course of the season, staging a total of seven race meetings from late April through to late August.

The Classic Sports Car Club will make its customary appearance to kick off the year’s race schedule at the Hampshire venue.

Then, Britain’s premier motorsport series – the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – will descend on the home of the British Automobile Racing Club on May 28/29 for the first of two visits during 2022, with a trio of action-packed contests set to take centre stage.

Spectators will step back in time for the Thruxton Historic before the heavyweight behemoths of the British Truck Racing Championship will captivate and entertain in early July.

Returning to its traditional summer slot in August, the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli will undoubtedly bring in a bumper crowd as the best riders in not only the country but the world, take centre stage.

Finally, after starring back in May, the BTCC and TOCA support championships will return to Thruxton to bring the curtain down on a sensational year at the circuit – as they themselves reach the business end of their own seasons.

Thruxton Circuit – 2022 Calendar

April 23/24 – Classic Sports Car Club

May 28/29 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

June 11/12 – Thruxton Historic

July 9/10 – British Truck Racing Championship 

August 12/13/14 – Bennetts British Superbike Championship

August 27/28 – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship 

Head to https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing to find out more information on each event and how to purchase tickets.

Thruxton Circuit has been showing its thanks to dedicated volunteers helping with the COVID Helpline and Vaccination Clinics in the local area by offering a driving experience day for a select few from Unity.

Unity’s loyal and hard-working team of volunteers have worked tirelessly at the Vaccination Clinics in Andover and Romsey, sometimes seven days a week, as well as helping residents with prescriptions, shopping and other essential errands.

The Unity team handpicked four volunteers – Julian Pease, Tim Edmonds, Sally Baker and Steve Langdon – all of whom had gone above and beyond.

Becoming familiar with the fastest circuit in the UK with a race instructor, each volunteer turned their first laps of the Hampshire venue behind the wheel of a Porsche Cayman before then having the option to choose which car to drive next: either the Ford Mustang, Jaguar F-TYPE SVR or a Ferrari 458 Spider.

Following that, the adrenaline rush continued as they each drove a single-seater race car before one lucky volunteer received the ultimate surprise; three high-speed, sideways laps with former F1 driver and Top Gear presenter Tiff Needell in a brand new BMW M4.

Do you know a key worker, volunteer or organisation who has made a difference throughout the pandemic? Thruxton is dedicating a number of spaces on our driving experience days to help say thank you. Get in contact and tell us who and why you think deserves an extra special treat.

British Athletics have confirmed that Thruxton Circuit will play host to the Müller 2021 Wheelchair Marathon on Sunday 28th March.

Due to the limited amount of competition opportunities for wheelchair marathon athletes over the past year and upcoming months, this event at the fastest circuit in the UK is set to serve as a key preparation for a number of athletes based around the country.

With entries for the World Para Athletes approved event by invitation only, the competition opportunity at the Hampshire venue will see some athletes race shorter distances than the scheduled 26.2-miles.

Entries for the marathon so far include Paralympic medallist Shelly Woods, who will be targeting a third Games later this summer. Elsewhere, the men’s entry list includes 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist JohnBoy Smith and bronze medallist Simon Lawson.

Paula Dunn, British Athletics Para Head Coach, said: “This is a great competition opportunity for several of our wheelchair racers who have had limited chances to race over the last year or so. A lot of hard work has gone into finding a suitable COVID-19 secure venue to host this event, so thanks to all the stakeholders involved who have made this possible.”

Ben Taylor, BARC Chief Executive, added: “We are thrilled to be able to host this prestigious event for UK Athletics and it will be a first for the UK’s fastest circuit. The event reflects the efforts we have made to ensure that Thruxton is COVID-secure for a variety of purposes and, like many venues, our facilities have sat empty for far too long. It will be great to have competitive sport back on our track; it’s just a shame that we can’t have the spectators back too.”

Races are scheduled to get underway from midday. Please note, this event isn’t open to the public.

Thruxton Circuit is gearing up for a packed programme of motorsport action in 2021, highlighted by two visits from the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and the return of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

Following on from a COVID-19 affected 2020 campaign, the fastest circuit in the UK is set to play host to the some of the biggest championships and clubs over the course of the season, staging a total of seven race meetings from early May through to late August.

Kicking off the season at the Hampshire venue, Britain’s premier motorsport series – the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – will descend on the home of the British Automobile Racing Club on May 8/9 for the first of two visits during 2021, with a trio of action-packed contests set to take centre stage.

The start of June will see the return of the much-loved adrenaline-pumping, two-wheeled heroes of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship – moving from their customary August slot in a shakeup in the calendar.

One week later Thruxton will take a spirited trip down memory lane to a bygone era of machinery for its annual ‘Thruxton Historic’ two-day spectacle. The British Truck Racing Championship, Classic Sports Car Club and British Racing & Sports Car Club will also all captivate and entertain before the venue brings the curtain down on what will have undoubtedly been an unforgettable few months.

Having starred back in May, the BTCC and TOCA support package returns to Thruxton for another three high-octane races as the battle for the coveted title reaches the business end of the season.

Pat Blakeney, Thruxton Operations Manager, said: “We’re excited to release our 2021 events calendar that’ll provide a fantastic mix of two and four-wheeled action, both and new.

“A big change for next year is the revised date for the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, which has moved to the weekend of June 4/5/6 instead of its traditional August fixture.

“We’ll also host two rounds of the ever-popular BTCC, as well as several other notable meetings which all in all sets the scene for what should be a great season.”

Thruxton Circuit 2021 Calendar

May 8/9 – British Touring Car Championship
June 4/5/6 – British Superbike Championship
June 12/13 – Thruxton Historic
July 3/4 – British Truck Racing Championship
July 24 – Classic Sports Car Club
August 14 – British Racing & Sports Car Club
August 28/29 – British Touring Car Championship

Stringent measures are in place to ensure that Thruxton operates in a COVID safe environment, ensuring that spectators remain safe whilst soaking up the on-track action. Should Thruxton be unable to have spectators at a race meeting in 2021. Customers will have the option of a full refund or to transfer their tickets.

Head to https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing to find out more information on each event and ticket prices.