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'Unique' motorsports venue celebrates 75 years

Andy Howard,Wiltshire, Castle Combeand
Sophie Parker,Wiltshire
News imageGetty Images An old black and white picture of 1950s race cars setting off on a race at Castle Combe circuit. There is a spectator stand in the background, partly sheltered at the top. More buildings can be seen in the distance.Getty Images
Races have been held at the site since the 1950s

The West's home of motorsport is celebrating its 75-year anniversary this year.

More than 150,000 people visit Castle Combe Circuit, based next to the Cotswolds village of the same name, every year.

The Wiltshire-based site changed from a World War Two airfield to a circuit in 1950 and has hosted racing stars including Stirling Moss and Nigel Mansell, as well as the Top Gear team.

Max Symonds, the site's commercial manager, said: "There's something that's unique and special about the traditional nature of Castle Combe circuit -but at the same time [we] keep up with what people want."

To celebrate its anniversary, a number of events have been hosted at the site throughout 2025 including a commemorative display at a racing festival.

It is now used by clubs from across the West of England, but stopped hosting Formula Three championships in 2005 due to noise complaints.

News imageCastle Combe Circuit A drone shot of the circuit - tarmac circuit with bends goes around an area which has grass, a ploughed field area and large numbers of solar panels. Buildings to the left with cars parked. A sunny day.Castle Combe Circuit
The site was originally a World War Two airfield

Formula Ford still features at the circuit and it hosts race days for classic cars and motorcycles, as well as having saloon car championships.

Many of these are linked to the Castle Combe Racing Club.

Castle Combe commentator Chris Dawes said he was five years old when he first attended a race with his dad.

"The sights, the sounds, smells, everything - I was intoxicated.

"The history screams at you when you're here. It's enabled a lot of people to taste racing," he said.

News imageChris Dawes smiles at the camera - he wears glasses and a grey castle combe branded t-shirt. There is a blurred sign behind him showing a birds-eye view of the circuit and where all the bends are.
Castle Combe commentator Chris Dawes said he was hooked on motorsport from a young age

The track staged its first meeting on 8 July 1950, both for bikes and cars.

It was run by Bristol Car Club and held behind closed doors to check if more could be held in future.

Those who took part at the first meeting were given a commemorative cigarette lighter - but the venue's name was spelt incorrectly.

When the site first opened, drivers did not wear crash helmets and they sat in front of the engines.

News imageGetty Images British Formula Three Championship at Castle Combe in 2005: a view down the track with dozens of formula three cars - which look a little like less engineered formula one cars. Various colours - lots of red, white and black.Getty Images
The last of the major Formula Three events at Castle Combe was in 2005
News imageGetty Images A view of the track with a number of usual road cars adapted for racing on circuits - old hatchbacks and small saloons in a variety of colours.. About to set off racing. In the distance, caravans and cars parked.Getty Images
The site hosts saloon championships as well - such as this one in 2004

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