Thruxton Circuit

History

Background (1942–1967)

The site was originally constructed in 1942 as RAF Thruxton, a World War II airfield which was home to both the RAF and USAAF and was used for troop-carrying aircraft and gliders, including operations during the D-Day landings. Also, the paratroopers who took part in the successful Bruneval Raid (Operation Biting), in which German radar equipment was seized on the coast of France, took off from here.

Establishment (1968–1999)

The circuit, which follows the line of the airfield's perimeter road, was established in 1968. From 1950 to 1965, motorbike races had taken place on the runways and perimeter road.

Modern developments (2000–present)

Thruxton Circuit was resurfaced in 2000, resulting in lap times dropping considerably compared to the previous year. In 2020, further safety developments were completed at Church, one of the fastest sections of the Thruxton Circuit. A new spectator viewing area has been constructed around Noble, extending through towards Goodwood. In 2025, Thruxton introduced a new spectator area known as the Woodham Hill Bank, located on the approach to the Club chicane.

Motorsport activities

Owing to planning restrictions, the circuit can only run 12 days of motorsport each year. Currently, three are devoted to motorbike racing, with a weekend dedicated to the British Superbike Championship, Britain's premier motorcycle racing category; with the third day being used for club racing. thumb|right|250px|[[Reema Juffali]] in her F4 car at Thruxton in April 2019 The remaining days are devoted to car and truck racing with weekends being used for the TOCA British Touring Car Championship, the British Truck Racing Championship, the Thruxton Retro and the remaining days are allocated to other organising clubs, such as the 750 Motor Club or the Classic Sportscar Club. Owing to the relative infrequency of race meetings, Thruxton continues to be a popular part of the motorsport calendar.

Events

; Current Notable current events and championships include:

• British Touring Car Championship
• British Superbike Championship
• British Truck Racing Championship
• The Thruxton Retro

; Former Notable former championships and events include:

• BOSS GP (1996, 1998–2000)
• British Formula 3 International Series (1977–2008, 2010, 2014)
• British GT Championship (1994–1996, 2000–2005, 2007–2008)
• European Formula 5000 Championship (1970–1971, 1974–1975)
• European Formula Two Championship (1968–1984)
• FIM Endurance World Championship
  • Thruxton 500 (1960–1964, 1969–1977)
• International Formula 3000 (1985)
• TCR UK Touring Car Championship (2024)

Lap records

The all-time outright unofficial track record is 0:57.6 seconds, set by Damon Hill in a Williams FW15C, during a demonstration run in 1993. As of August 2025, the fastest official race lap records at the Thruxton Circuit are listed as:

Notes

References

References

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