Castle Combe Circuit
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| Location | Castle Combe, Wiltshire |
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| Major events | Formula Ford |
| Length | 2.977 km (1.85 mi) |
| Turns | 7 |
| Lap record | 0:59.387 (Dan Clarke, Räikkönen Robertson Racing, 2005, British F3) |
Castle Combe Circuit is a motor racing circuit in Wiltshire, England, approximately 20 miles (32 km) from Bristol. The circuit is based on the perimeter track of a former World War II airfield, and was opened for racing in 1950.
The Castle Combe airfield opened in May 1941 on land of the Castle Combe estate, owned by the Gorst family, operating as RAF Castle Combe for seven years before being decommissioned in 1948.
It was a fighter-base for Polish airmen.
Castle Combe Circuit opened in 1950, and the first meeting was staged on 8 July by the Bristol Motorcycle & Light Car Club. Over the next few years, the circuit attracted star names such as Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Roy Salvadori and John Surtees.
The circuit's first motorcycle event was in 1952, organised by the Wessex Centre.
Castle Combe has staged many different motorsport disciplines over the years. In 1997, Nigel Greensall established a new lap record. His Tyrrell 022 lapped the circuit at 130.93 mph (210.71 km/h). However, this was the last year that the circuit would remain unaltered. A tragic accident involving the death of a spectator forced the owners into installing two new chicanes in order to slow the cars down. The new layout was slightly longer at 1.85 miles (2.98 km), and was completed over the winter of 1998-1999.
Formula Three returned to Castle Combe in 2001. However, it would not stay long. In 2005, the circuit was issued with a noise nuisance order, which meant that the circuit had to reduce its noise level. The British Formula Three Championship and the British GT Championship were both louder than permitted, and so were prevented from returning.
Races include a home-circuit championship with classes catering for Saloon cars, Sports & GTs, and Formula Ford are active and well-supported. Racing clubs from around the UK include the track in the events for their championships, including the 750 Motor Club, and BRSCC. Once a year motorcycle racing takes place over two days during the summer. The weekend proves popular, holding various classes of racing including a sidecar championship and an historic race, as well as the more modern supersport races.
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