Thruxton

Circuit guide by Chris Pollitt · dates updated 2 November 2026

Thruxton was built on the perimeter road of RAF Thruxton, a wartime airfield that sent troop gliders out on D-Day. Bikes raced on the runways from 1950, and the current car circuit opened in 1968. It's home to the BARC's headquarters and it's known as the fastest circuit in the country. Planning rules allow only 12 race days a year, so it feels special when you do get on it.

The lap is 3.79km and most of it is spent in high gears through long, sweeping curves, with a slow Complex at the start and the Club chicane at the end. That makes it a track for drivers who are happy carrying real speed. Novices can absolutely enjoy it, but take it steady through Church and Goodwood while you learn. The noise limit is very strict at 90dB(A) static, so loud cars should check before booking. Open bike track days are rare, so this one is mainly for cars.

A lap of Thruxton

Layout: Circuit, 3.793 km (2.36 miles)

The lap runs clockwise. After the line you go into Allard, a long, fast right that's flat or a small lift in most track cars. Turn in at the slight dip and expect a late apex, about three-quarters of the way round. A long left over a crest follows, then you brake for the Complex. Wait until you're out of the curve and braking in a straight line, because the car stops far better that way.

The Complex is three corners. Campbell is a 90 degree right, Cobb a more open left, and Segrave a quick right back onto the long run to Noble. Avoid the big kerbs here on a track day. A good exit from Segrave matters a lot because almost everything after it is flat out or close to it. Noble is a fast double-apex corner, and the mistake is hitting the first apex too early.

Goodwood is a long right with a late apex. There are two lines: a tighter one that's shorter, or a wider, straighter one that's easier to carry speed through if your car needs a lift. Don't use the kerb. You then run through the Village kink and on to Church, the fastest corner in the country. The apex sits on a slight crest and is hard to see, so use the marshals' post on the inside as a guide until the kerb comes into view. It's bumpy, so build up to it over several laps.

Brooklands and Woodham Hill take you over another crest towards Club, the chicane that finishes the lap. Brake in a straight line and get your downchanges done early to avoid locking up. Treat the first kerb with care, apex late enough to keep the car on the right before you turn left, then get on the power early through the flatter later kerbs and down to the line.

Track day tips

• The 90dB(A) static limit catches lots of cars with sports exhausts. Fit a quieter silencer before you go, or ask the organiser first.
• Thruxton is hard on tyres. The surface is abrasive and the long, loaded corners heat them up, so check pressures often and bring a spare set if you can.
• Church is where the big accidents happen. It's flat in quick cars but there's no prize for proving it on lap two.
• Most of the lap is fast and bumpy. Keep your steering and pedal inputs small and smooth through Goodwood, Church and Brooklands.
• Time is won and lost at the Complex and Club. Brake in a straight line for both and keep off the tall kerbs.
• Andover has fuel stations and supermarkets just off the A303, about ten minutes away.

Getting there

Thruxton is just off the A303 on the western edge of Andover in Hampshire (postcode SP11 8PW). From London take the M3 to Junction 8 and follow the A303 west, or from the Midlands drop down the A34 to the A303. Andover is the nearest railway station, a short taxi ride away. Southampton Airport is the nearest airport, about 30 miles south. Andover has several hotels and the villages around the circuit have pubs with rooms, which book up quickly on BTCC and British Superbike weekends.