Thruxton rolls out winter upgrades ahead of new season

Work never stops when it comes to the British Automobile Racing Club and at Thruxton, a range of improvements have been taking place over the winter, all with the aim of ensuring the venue is in the best possible shape for a busy season.

A number of large projects – in addition to general maintenance – have kept the team busy at the Hampshire track, with the biggest of them being the implementation of a brand-new tyre wall at the Chicane.

No less than 800 tyres have been removed from the site and replaced, helped no less by long-time partners Pirelli. 

In an effort to maintain the circuits sustainability ambitions, the tyres that were removed from the Chicane have been re-purposed by extending the existing tyre wall on the exit of Church Corner, which now stands proud at an extra 70 metres long. 

Race control has also undergone a renovation, with more space being created to accommodate for the larger race meetings that take place at the Hampshire venue, moving forward. 

The wall between race control and the timekeepers has been moved back 1.5 meters, and the PA system relocated to the media centre, meaning the dividing wall that once housed it has been removed completed.

Rounding off the the ‘off-season checklist’ has been the acquisition of a new fire truck, lawn mower and radios, whilst the Kart Centre has had new barriers and fencing installed.

Thruxton Circuit announces full-throttle 2024 calendar

Thruxton Circuit is delighted to reveal its calendar for the 2024 season, which will see visits from both the Kwik British Touring Car Championship and Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli once again headline in Hampshire.

Coming off the back of an action-packed 2023 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 next season, staging a total of seven race meetings from May through to September.

The season will start in early May with a blockbuster race day from the 750 Motor Club – which makes its first visit to the circuit in more than a decade – before the Classic Sports Car Club makes its annual pilgrimage a fortnight later. 

Following that, the UK’s premier motorsport series – the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – takes centre stage for what promises to be three frenetic contests on June 8/9.

In addition to the BTCC, the weekend will also see the likes of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA and the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE feature on the support race programme, further cementing it as an event that is not to be missed.

Fans will be able to step back in time at the Thruxton Historic towards the end of June with both the Historic Sports Car Club and Classic Sports Car Club having already confirmed grids for the two-day event.

The super-sized machines of the British Truck Racing Championship will follow in July and the full-throttle thrills are poised to continue into August as the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli hits the track, with some of the best riders in the world battling for outright honours at speeds of more than 190mph. 

Concluding the 2024 campaign at Thruxton will be the return of the British Racing & Sports Car Club, which is poised to bring the TCR UK Championship to the venue for the first-ever time.

Also complementing the BRSCC bill will be the four races from the Classic Touring Car Racing Club, which celebrates its 50th year of working alongside the British Automobile Racing Club. 

Pat Blakeney, Thruxton Operations Manager, said: “I’m delighted to be able to present our 2024 events calendar, which is once again packed with a fantastic mix of two and four-wheeled action, both old and new.

“Over the past few months we’ve been working hard to ensure we can provide the most complete schedule, both for competitors and spectators alike, and I think we’ve done that with no less than seven different meetings locked in.

“As always, the likes of the BTCC, BSB and our ever-expanding Historic meeting will prove popular and we’re excited to be welcoming back both the 750 Motor Club and British Racing & Sports Car Club; they’ll be well worth checking out. 

2024 Thruxton Circuit Calendar

4 May – 750 Motor Club

18 May – Classic Sports Car Club 

8/9 June – Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

22/23 June – Thruxton Historic

6/7 July – British Truck Racing Championship 

9/10/11 August – Bennetts British Superbike Championship

21/22 September – British Racing & Sports Car Club

Tiff Needell closes in on 8000 passenger rides at Thruxton

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 launches Ultimate Junior Driving Experience

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!

STAGE 2: Skid Pan Driving // Get behind the wheel of the MINI Cooper and Toyota GT86 as they perfect advanced driving techniques. Conquer understeer, oversteer, and learn the ins and outs of electronic stability systems with help from our experienced instructors.
STAGE 3: Off-Road 4×4 Adventure // Unleash your off-road skills in a rugged 4×4 vehicle! Conquer challenging terrains, navigate obstacles, and tackle steep inclines and descents under the guidance of our skilled instructors.
Plus, to cap it off the Ultimate Junior Driving Experience also includes a high-speed ride with a professional racing driver around the fastest circuit in the country. 

This experience will run on the 4th, 5th, 19th, 24th and 25th August 2023 only. To book the Ultimate Junior Driving Experience please call our office on 01264 882222.

Thruxton Circuit and the Kickback Show team up for thrilling motorcycle event

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 ÂŁ10 in advance (ÂŁ12 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 launches Hendy Performance Coffee Run

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 gearing up for 2022 edition of Thruxton Historic meeting

Thruxton Circuit is once again gearing up to take a spirited trip down memory lane this summer as the Thruxton Historic takes centre stage on June 11/12.

Showcasing some of the finest historic motor racing in the country, the high-speed Hampshire is set to reverberate to the sounds and sights of yesteryear – with this year shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. 

Now a regular fixture on the UK motorsport calendar since debuting back in 2018 as part of the venues 50th Anniversary celebrations, the Thruxton Historic brings legendary machines and racers for an adrenaline rush like no other. 

A total of 12 races will take place over the course of the weekend with this year’s grids being The Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy & Stirling Moss Trophy, Historic Touring Car Challenge with Tony Dron Trophy, Sixties Touring Car Challenge & U2TC, Pre ’63 GT, Jochen Rindt Trophy, Midget & Sprites Challenge, HRDC Jack Sears Trophy, HRDC Dunlop Allstars, HRDC Classic Alfa Challenge and Jaguar Classic Challenge.

Whilst there will be plenty to be captivated by on-track, there is also set to lots for spectators to see and do off it as well. 

Family-friendly activities including car displays and parades – one of which is the Land Rover Legends – free camping, a trade village and much more will all be situated around the venue. 

Tickets and VIP packages for 2022 Thruxton Historic are available to be purchased at https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/historic or by calling 01264 882222.

All public advance ticket holders to the Thruxton Historic will be in with a chance to win a ride around the UK’s fastest race circuit in one of our fleet of driving experience supercars.

Winners will be picked at random as soon as advance ticket sales end and will be notified by telephone. Each winner will have a ride in one supercar. Rides will take place on Saturday and Sunday during the lunch break, subject to timetable amendments.

Thruxton announces multi-year partnership with Advanced KFS Special Vehicles

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 opens new spectator viewing area around high-speed Noble corner

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 announces race meeting calendar for 2022 season

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.

Mission Motorsport sets new hypermiling world record at Thruxton

Thruxton Circuit can add the title of being one of the most efficient race tracks in the UK alongside being the fastest after Mission Motorsport set a new hypermiling world record in a Renault ZOE.

Aiming to beat the previous benchmark of 351 miles for the longest distance driven in a Renault ZOE on a single charge, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity raised the bar in emphatic fashion around the Hampshire venue this past week.

Driving day and night, for more than 24 hours, at the optimum average speed of 19mph, the Renault ZOE – which was equipped with ENSO’s EV tyres – reached a world beating 475.4 miles on a single charge, smashing the French record by 124.4 miles.

Equipped with ENSO’s pioneering range extending EV tyres, a team of British veterans, the spouse of a serving soldier and a hypermiling expert came together to share driving duties around the 2.36-mile circuit.

James Cameron, Mission Motorsport CEO, said: “Thruxton was the obvious choice for this record attempt, but despite being the UK’s fastest track, the key to hitting 475.4 miles was finding the optimum speed and smooth consistent driving.

“Backed by ENSO’s unique EV tyre technology we were certain we could break the record, but what we couldn’t have foreseen was the incredible difference in efficiency, distance and feel with the ENSO tyres.”

During the world record attempt Mission Motorsport used two different sets of tyres on two identical Renault ZOEs. One vehicle was fitted with OEM tyres, clocking an impressive 424.7 miles whilst the second was fitted with ENSO tyres, eclipsing the old record and sister car with an astonishing 475.4 miles.

To find out more information on Mission Motorsport and the world record they have broken, click here.

Thruxton thanks volunteers with Driving Experience days

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.