Motorcycle track days near you - UK Circuit Guide
BikeSocial Road Tester
07.08.2019
How fortunate are we that on our small island there are 15 circuits who play host to motorbike track days? Several of those have more than one layout too, meaning there are plenty of options for fast or slow, bumpy or smooth, undulating or flat – or even a combination of all in some cases. Eight of these venues are used for the British Superbike Championship, sponsored of course by Bennetts, allowing for comparisons with the fastest riders in the UK.
We’ve created a guide to each offering a little overview, some tips, an idea of what facilities are on offer plus which operators use which circuit.
In alphabetical order…
Track Days at ANGLESEY (COASTAL / INTERNATIONAL)
There are two tracks to choose from the 2.1 mile International GP and the Coastal 1.55mile layout. It’s a great track to ride, up and it’s down with a mini corkscrew like Laguna Seca on the smaller track. The long track has a Melbourne loop-ish style of hairpin which make the track longer. The first part of the track is quick, turn one is fast. Banking as the name suggest has huge positive camber, like you’re riding a wall of death, like Shell Oils hairpin at Oulton Park.
Some section are very fast, 5th and top gear, possibly 160mph depending on gearing, and others are very technical. It’s not the easiest track to turn up to and ride fast, and it’s preferable to take some advice from an instructor or attend one of Jamie Whitham’s race school, which are regulars at the dramatic track. Don’t worry about the inclement weather as the grip is incredible, arguably the grippiest track in the UK in wet.
Top tip
Go for the weekend. When the sun is out, it’s like being on holiday, the beach is a stone’s throw from the paddock
Downside
It does take a while to get there, but it is worth it
The Facts
Noise limit: 105db static
Who operates there?
No Limits, 01525 877087, www.nolimitstrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres
James Whitham Track Training, www.jameswhitham.com
Services: Instructors Star riders inc. James Whitham, Steve Brogan, Dan Linfoot, Davo Johnson, Jenny Tinmouth, Taylor Mackenzie, Richard Cooper, Dean Harrison, Lee Johnston, Christian Iddon and Jake Dixon
Price: £109 - £195
Evenings: No
Garages: Yes, first come first served
Restaurant/cafe – Yes
Camping: Yes, and it’s picturesque. You can actually walk to the beach from the track.
Fuel: No
Electricity: Yes
Track Days at BEDFORD AUTODROME
Owned by MSV who run most tracks in the UK and is one of the newest tracks for bike track days. There is no actual racing at Bedford as it’s been purposefully designed for driving and riding experiences which in turn means there’s plenty of run-off.
There are over five miles of race track and multiple configurations with each track being designed by MSV chief and former F1 driver, Jonathan Palmer. The South West configuration is the longest (bike circuit) at 2.85miles and is the one used for bike track days.
Top tip
Use the flatness of the land to your advantage with the ability to see the next turn, complex or straight.
Downside
There isn’t anywhere to spectate, and there is no racing history. You’re not riding in the wheel tracks of racing gods, like you are at Silverstone or Donington Park.
The Facts
Noise limit: 101db static, 87.5db ride-by
Who operates there?
MSV, 0843 453 3000, www.msvtrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, tyres
No Limits, 01525 877087, www.nolimitstrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres
California Superbike School, 01327 855553, www.superbikeschool.co.uk
Services - Instructors, bike hire, leather hire, tyres
Price: £109 - £115
Evenings: No
Garages: Yes, limited number
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: No
Fuel: Yes, available 9.00 to 16.30
Electricity: Yes, but limited. Generator recommended
Track Days at BRANDS HATCH (Indy / GP)
In Kent, just an hour from central London, is Brands Hatch. The long 2.43-mile GP layout is the much-preferred option but noise regulations mean the more commonly used layout is the smaller Indy configuration which is just 1.2-miles long.
If you get the chance to ride the full track, take it. It undulates spectacularly and is one of the best tracks in the BSB calendar. The approach to Hawthorn’s is very fast yet rewarding when you get it right, while the dropdown from Dingle Dell to Sheene Curve is much steeper than it looks on TV. It’s not an easy track to learn.
If you only get the opportunity to ride the Indy track don’t worry it’s still entertaining, full of undulations and breath-taking corners, and due to its size and layout is relatively simple to learn. The first corner, Paddock Hill, is one of the best corners in the UK - you can feel the suspension bottom out on the exit as you power towards Druids. Druids is like half a roundabout and an easy spot to get your knee down for the first time. The Indy track is very novice-friendly, with plenty of different lines and space to run wide.
Top Tip
Graham Hill bend is the first left-hander, and if you’re riding the Indy layout it’s the only real left. Be careful as the right side of your tyre may be hot, but the left side might not be.
Downside
The M25. Track days usually finish around 5-6pm, which means rush hour on the M25. Heading south and east isn’t too bad, but trying to get past Dartford can be a nightmare.
The facts
Noise limit:
Indy (Day): 102db static, 92db ride-by. (Eve) 102db/90db or 92db ride-by.
GP: 101 db static, 92db ride-by
No Limits, 01525 877087, www.nolimitstrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres.
California Superbike School, 01327 855553, www.superbikeschool.co.uk
Services: Instructors, bike hire, leather hire, tyres
Focused Events, 01798 812704, www.focusedevents.com
Services: BMW Motorrad Day. Instructors, bike hire. Star riders inc. Niall Mackenzie and Steve Brogan.
Who operates there?
MSV, 0843 453 3000, www.msvtrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres, bike hire and leathers hire, however check before booking as it varies between dates.
Price: £79 - £189
Evenings: Yes
Garages: Yes, pre-booking possible
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: Yes, after the event
Fuel: No, filling station is 400yds. Come out of the track and turn left. There is also a fuel station to the right about a mile away
Electricity: Yes
Track Days at CADWELL PARK
In between Horcastle and Louth in Lincolnshire, it’s one of the most challenging racetracks in the UK – a favourite with many riders in the British Superbike paddock too. The Mountain is spectacular but don’t think you’re going to get massive Josh Brooks-style jumps, sorry. Wheelies are almost guaranteed as it’s almost impossible to keep the front wheel on the ground as you crest The Mountain – in fact, there are actually two crests and it’s curved too.
But, there is more to Cadwell Park than just The Mountain; it’s undulating, blind in sections and has everything from fast sweepers to tight hairpins. Run-off isn’t brilliant, this isn’t Silverstone or Donington Park, and the woodland section feels very tight. However, it’s one of the best tracks in the UK, you must try it.
Top Tip
If you’re struggling with The Mountain or find it daunting, shot-shift and ride over the crest in second or third gear as opposed to screaming over it in first.
Downside
It’s a little off the beaten track and takes a while to get to, but if you’re riding there the local roads are almost as fun as the track.
The Facts
Noise limit: 105db static
Who operates there?
MSV, 0843 453 3000, www.msvtrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres, bike hire and leathers hire, however check before booking as it varies between dates.
No Limits, 01525 877087, www.nolimitstrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres.
California Superbike School, 01327 855553, www.superbikeschool.co.uk
Services: Instructors, bike hire, leather hire, tyres.
Price: £49 - £115
Evenings: Yes, summer months only
Garages: No, but hard standing
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: Free camping Apr-Oct, £5 all other months and no camping Dec & Jan
Fuel: Yes, available for 30 mins at 10.00, 13.00 and 15.30
Electricity: No, you’ll need a generator if you require tyre warmers
Track Days at CASTLE COMBE
Castle Combe is in Wiltshire just off the M4 and despite not being on the BSB calendar is still favoured by many and is popular with riders. Many road-racing teams and tyre manufacturers use the track for testing before the TT because it’s very bumpy and fast.
Track days are limited as there’s a strict noise policy but if you can get yourself booked onto a track day it’s well worth it. Again, it’s one of those tracks where you can stretch the legs of a big bike. Over the start-finish, banked over through Folly towards Quarry Corner, it’s a real buzz every lap, especially on a big bike. The approach to Quarry is slightly blind and very fast.
As the track is relatively flat, and wide it’s easy enough to work out where you are going, it’s not hard to figure out. However, to get the correct line isn’t so easy. There appears to be multiple lines around a few corners, so don’t be afraid to ask an instructor for guidance. Tower Corner, for example looks easy enough, but the apex it much later than you think.
Top Tip
The reason so many teams use the track for testing is because of the bumps, therefore adjust your suspension accordingly, ideally a little more sag, make the suspension do the work, not the tyres.
Downside
The S-bends and chicanes that have been added to the track for safety reasons since 1999, are necessary yet slow down the flow of the fast track for the more seasoned rider.
The Facts
Noise limit - 105db static
Who operates there?
Castle Combe Circuit, 01249 782417, www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk
Services: Suspension, tyres
Price: £135
Evenings: No
Garages: No
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: Yes
Fuel: No
Electricity: No
Track Days at CROFT
Not on the BSB calendar but really should be; it’s an excellent track with decent facilities. The 2.1-mile track is used by the British Touring Car Championship and always provides good close racing. Located in North Yorkshire the former WW2 airfield underwent a major transformation in 1997 when the track was extended and new pits and paddock complex were constructed. Soon after the re-development Croft joined the BSB calendar up to 2011.
As you’d expect from a former airfield it’s flat, fast and a little characterless yet it’s still a gem and well worth a visit. The approach to Tower Bend is faster than you think, and the Sunny in, Sunny out complex takes some getting used to - it’s a tricky combination corner to get right.
There’s adequate run-off and plenty of room to overtake safety. The surface isn’t bad and the grip is good in the wet and dry. Again, I’ve raced here several times and always enjoyed it.
Top Tip
Croft have always had issues with residents complaining about noise, so make sure your bike meets the 102db limit, they are strict and heavily policed.
Downside
The garages and facilities are excellent, better than Cadwell Park for example, but it does lack the glamour of a BSB track.
The Facts
Noise limit: 102db static.
Who operates there?
No Limits, 01525 877087, www.nolimitstrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres
James Whitham Track Training, www.jameswhitham.com
Services: Instructors Star riders inc. James Whitham, Steve Brogan, Dan Linfoot, Davo Johnson, Jenny Tinmouth, Taylor Mackenzie, Richard Cooper, Dean Harrison, Lee Johnston, Christian Iddon and Jake Dixon.
Price: £145 - £220
Evenings: No
Garages: Yes, first come first served
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: No
Fuel: Not at the circuit
Electricity: Yes
Track Days at DARLEY MOOR
Not the most commonly known, or used, racetrack but despite its lack of glamour has a certain ‘old school’ uniqueness and charm. The former WW2 airfield, based in Derbyshire, not far from Ashbourne, was converted into a racetrack in 1965 and there’s still an active airfield next door.
The 1.5-mile track is essentially a triangle with a few chicanes thrown in to keep the speed down. The harpin at the far end is very tight with a tricky approach while the main straight back to the pits is much longer than it appears. I’ve raced here several times, and its simplicity makes it easy to learn. However, run off isn’t great but this isn’t Silverstone and the price reflects that.
Top Tip
You can make up time by clipping or even hopping the last set of Esses, not advisable in the wet, but ok in the dry.
Downside
No garages, no power and no fuel on site and if it rains there is nowhere to hide.
The Facts
Noise limit: 102db static
Who operates there?
Loose Cannon Track Days, 07508 858817, www.loosecannontracks.com
Services: suspension, tyres.
Price: £100
Evenings: No
Garages: No, take a van or awning for cover
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: Yes
Fuel: No, again you have to take your own
Electricity: No, time to load up the generator
Track Days at DONINGTON PARK (National / International)
Opened in 1931, the undulating and flowing Donington Park was the favoured home of MotoGP and even F1 visited the historic track back in 1993. The National and International layouts are loved by many because they’re both fast and flowing and the drop down Craner Curves sends a tingle down your spine every lap. Unlike many tracks in the UK Donington hasn’t been forced to add ‘Micky Mouse’ chicanes, there’s a lovely rhythm to both circuit variations.
The longer 2.5-mile International track layout takes in the Melbourne loop, a first or second gear right-hander. Then a further loop back towards the start-finish, the equally as tight left-hander at Goddards. The quicker 1.95-mile National misses out the Melbourne loop and turns right at the Foggy Esses instead. Don’t be put off by the reduced layout, some riders prefer the shorter track.
One of the beauties of Donington is you don’t need massive power to put in a fast lap-time, it’s all about plenty of corner speed and handling. A good 600 around Donington is so rewarding, even small capacity bikes can hold their own against the bigger machines.
Top Tip
Home of the famous Ron Haslam Race School, the easiest and safest way to ride Donington Park.
Downside
Arguably the worst track in the UK in the wet. Grip is poor, you have been warned. Don’t get distracted by aircraft flying overhead out of East Midlands airport either.
The Facts
Noise limit: 98db ride-by (evenings 98db). They will also run limited unsilenced days
Who operates there?
MSV, 0843 453 3000, www.msvtrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres, bike hire and leathers hire, however check before booking as it varies between dates. Star riders inc. Leon Haslam
No Limits, 01525 877087, www.nolimitstrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres
Focused Events, 01798 812704, www.focusedevents.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres, bike hire and BMW Motorrad Day. Star riders inc. Neil Mackenzie, Neil Hodgson, Andrew Pitt, James Hillier, Steve Plater and Steve Brogan
Honda Ron Haslam Race School, 01332 883323, www.haslamraceschool.com
Services: Course-based track instruction, all inclusive. Star riders inc. Ron and Leon Haslam
California Superbike School, 01327 855553, www.superbikeschool.co.uk
Services: Instructors, bike hire, leather hire, tyres
Price: £69 - £189
Evenings: Yes
Garages: Yes, pre-booking possible and there is plenty to go around
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: No, but motorhomes are usually allowed
Fuel: Yes, automated card only
Electricity: Yes, in the garages
Track Days at KNOCKHILL
Scotland’s national motorsport centre is located in Fife, under an hour north of Edinburgh, and is well worth a visit. The 1.2-mile track opened in 1974 and despite being relatively short, is still fun to ride, with blind crests and daunting undulations. Turn one is intimidating and blind, with a fast approach. You can run lots of kerb on the chicane in the dry and you can use all the kerb on the exit of the tight hairpin before the main straight.
Knockhill has to be one of the most stunning picturesque tracks on the BSB calendar, and is surrounded by stunning scenery and roads. It’s a similar size to Brands Indy, rather short, which makes it good for newcomers as it’s relatively easy to learn. Being in Scotland, rain is obviously an issue. However, the track was re-surfaced last year, and the grip is excellent wet or dry.
Top Tip
The start-finish is uphill from a tight first gear hairpin, it’s hard to control wheelies over the undulations, try short-shifting to make life easier. Take a breath as this is the only spot on the track you can rest.
Downside
For most, it will take a day to get there and one more to get back. It’s also a physical track, especially at race pace.
The Facts
Noise limit - 105db static.
Who operates there?
Knockhill Racing Circuit, 01383 723337, www.knockhill.com Services: Instruction (on specific days) with star riders inc. Niall, Tarron and Taylor Mackenzie
Price: £85 - £225
Evenings: Yes, and it doesn’t get dark until very late
Garages: Yes, first come first served
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping – No
Fuel: No, and nothing immediately close
Electricity: Yes
Track Days at LYDDEN HILL
Lydden Hill Race Circuit is in Kent, further towards the coast form Brands Hatch, almost at Dover. At just a mile in length it makes it one of the shortest racetracks in England. Famous for Rallycross events the hill-side racetrack still holds track days and race meetings.
As it’s short it’s relatively simple to learn, and despite its undulation none of the corners are blind, it’s very user-friendly and with adequate run off and is relatively safe. As it’s built on a hill-side it’s not boring to ride and throws up a few challenges, the grip isn’t bad either.
Top Tip
The hairpin is uphill, similar to Druids at Brands Hatch so the incline means you can leave your braking later
Downside
Facilities are limited.
The Facts
Noise limit: 100db static, 92 ride-by.
Who operates there?
No Limits, 01525 877087, www.nolimitstrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres.
Price: £109
Evenings: No
Garages: No
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: Yes
Fuel: No
Electricity: Yes, at an extra charge
Track Days at MALLORY PARK
Originally used for grass tracking, the permanent track was built in 1956, which was essentially a loop with a hairpin bend. Chicanes have been added over the years: one at Edwina’s and another at the Devils Elbow. However, both can easily be removed for classic events.
In 2003 they added a further complex on the exit of Gerard’s, which was used in BSB up until 2010 but now thankfully is rarely used. The big annual event for Mallory is the Race of Year which attracted huge numbers, and back iun their day big names like Hailwood, Sheene, Agostini and, Roberts all raced at Mallory.
Mallory is underrated. Centrally located in Leicestershire and a very simple layout to learn. It’s ideal for testing and trying new skills as you’re back around again in less than a minute, or a little over. Gerard’s is a challenging yet fast 100mph+ corner. The exit of the Devil’s Elbow takes precision throttle control every lap. It might be small, but it’s still larger than Brands Indy, and Knockhill.
Top Tip
It takes longer for the left-hand side of the tyre to warm up, take extra caution exiting the Devils Elbow on the first few laps, especially with its adverse camber
Downside
The paddock is on the inside of the track, which means you have to cross the track to get in. If the track is live and you’re late it can be an issue to get in.
The Facts
Noise limit: 103db static
Who operates there?
No Limits, 01525 877087, www.nolimitstrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres
James Whitham Track Training, www.jameswhitham.com Services: Instructors, Star riders inc. James Whitham, Steve brogan, Dan Linfoot, Davo Johnson, Jenny Tinmouth, Taylor Mackenzie, Richard Cooper, Dean Harrison, Lee Johnston, Christian Iddon and Jake Dixon
Average Price: £109 - £195
Evenings: No
Garages: Yes, but without doors, more like shelters than conventional garages
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: No
Fuel: On site
Electricity: Yes, charged at £5 per socket
Track Days at OULTON PARK
Often referred to as a mini TT as it’s set back into woodland and undulates dramatically, Oulton Park is again a popular track with many BSB riders. Originally it was a road-based circuit but now stands at 2.69-mile and comprises of 17 corners.
The camber, elevation changes and blind crests make Oulton a challenging and difficult track to ride, especially on a 1000cc sports bike, but that’s all part of the enjoyment of this charismatic track. The fast left-hander at Island Bend is one of those scary corners which is much faster than you think. From Hislops, the track rises dramatically over Knickerbrook and then Clay Hill, it’s like riding a roller coaster on two wheels.
Oulton Park is similar to Cadwell Park, very unique and unlike any other track you’ll find in Europe. After riding the track for the first time, BSB winner and former MotoGP star, Scott Reading, described it as incredibly fun but scary.
Top Tip
As there are so many undulations and crests, it’s hard to keep the front wheel down, especially on a powerful sports bike. Change gear on the crests to keep the front wheel down, stay smooth.
Downside
Practice, practice, practice and the track layout, bumps and faster corners will all come to you but don’t expect to be breaking the lap record first time out, it’s a tough one to learn. Oh, and the exit of turn one is tighter than you think.
The Facts
Noise limit: 102db static, 89db ride-by, one of the lowest in the UK.
Who operates there?
MSV, 0843 453 3000, www.msvtrackdays.com
Services - Instructors, suspension, tyres, bike hire and leathers hire, however check before booking as it varies between dates
No Limits, 01525 877087, www.nolimitstrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres
California Superbike School, 01327 855553, www.superbikeschool.co.uk
Services: Instructors, bike hire
Focused Events, 01798 812704, www.focusedevents.com
Services: BMW Motorrad Day. Instructors, bike hire. Star riders inc. Niall Mackenzie and Steve Brogan
Price: £79 - £175
Evenings: No
Garages: Yes, pre-booking possible
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: Free the evening before, but only from April-October
Fuel: Yes, available for 20 minutes at 11.00, 13.00 and 15.00
Electricity: Yes. As you’d expect from a BSB track, facilities are excellent.
Track Days at SILVERSTONE (National / International / Grand Prix)
The home of F1 and MotoGP so expect the finest facilities and safety features. As you enter the track, you’re immediately aware of the grandeur. The full F1 track is the best by far, but sadly the British Superbike teams only get to use the smaller National track.
If you get the opportunity, opt for the full Grand Prix track. As Silverstone is a former WW2 airfield it’s fast and flat. The F1 layout with fast corners and long straights enables you to push a 1000cc sports bikes to its limit. With 18 turns and 3.6-miles, it’s the longest track in the UK and takes some learning. There’s plenty of runoff, kerbs are grippy and can be used in places – in the dry.
The smaller tracks at Silverstone benefit from all the safety of the GP track, they’re just shorter. The BSB series uses the much shorter National layout which is just 1.6 miles. It’s still a fun track, much easier to learn and still fast. The last turn over the start finish requires bravery to hit it at full chat.
Top Tip
If you’re on the full track, do your homework as it does take a while to learn. If you’re on the smaller National track, watch the bump on the hairpin. Short shift out of Luffield for Woodcote
Downside
Track days are limited and it’s one of the most expensive tracks in the UK. The full F1 layout favours bigger bikes.
The Facts
Noise limit: 102db ride-by.
Who operates there?
Silverstone Circuits Limited, 0344 3728 239, www.silverstone.co.uk
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres and star riders. Bike hire for the Masterclass only
Price: £179 - £229
Evenings: No
Garages: Yes, plentiful as you expect at the home of F1
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: No
Fuel: Yes
Electricity: Yes
Track Days at SNETTERTON (200/300)
As you’d expect from a former airfield, the track is fast and flat which had a major overhaul during the winter of 2010 with a new infield section creating the ‘300’ layout, making this arrangement the second-longest racetrack in the UK, at three miles long. The often-used 200 design simply misses the infield section.
Fewer track day riders frequent Snetterton because of its so-called lack of character but it’s still fast in place, technical in others and massively entertaining to ride. The long back straight enables big bikes to stretch their legs. The Bomb Hole is faster than you think and as the suspension bottoms out on the compression you get a real sense of speed. The final and long right-hander called Coram is hard to get right while there are a few different lines around Riches, turn one.
There’s plenty of safe overtaking opportunities and the two straights give you time to get your breath back.
Top Tip
With two long straights, it’s all about the exit and getting on the power as soon as possible. Sacrifice entry speed for the exit.
Downside
Located in the middle of Norfolk, it always feels like it takes forever to get to.
The Facts
Noise limit: 102db static, 92db ride-by
Who operates there?
MSV, 0843 453 3000, www.msvtrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres, bike hire and leathers hire, however check before booking as it varies between dates
No Limits, 01525 877087, www.nolimitstrackdays.com
Services: Instructors, suspension, tyres
Price: £45 - £129
Evenings: Yes
Garages: Yes, first come first served
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: Free April-October, £5 at another times
Fuel: Yes, available at 9.00, 12.45, 14.15 and 16.45
Electricity: Yes
Track Days at THREE SISTERS
Based near Wigan, it’s essentially a large outdoor karting track at just under a mile in length but is licenced to hold ACU events including ACU test days which last 2 hours and cost £35 for ACU licence holders only. The track layout is challenging and in good order which makes it popular with Supermoto and minibike riders.
Top Tip
Don’t go big, small capacity bikes are ideal, 600 or smaller. If you just want some fun on your road bike it’s a very cheap way to get some track action.
Downside
Too small for big bikes and there’s no garages, fuel or power to charge tyre warmers, but the price reflects that.
The Facts
Noise limit: 105db static.
Who operates there?
Three Sisters Circuit, 01942 719030, www.threesisterscircuit.co.uk
Price: £12 for 10 minutes – now that is a bargain
Evenings: Yes
Garages: No
Restaurant/café: Yes
Camping: No
Fuel: No
Electricity: No
The two other UK circuits are Thruxton which hosts a round of the British Superbike Championship but doesn’t run any track days, again because of noise limits. While Rockingham has recently closed.
Additional reporting: Michael Mann, James Whitham
