Avon Tyres still bridging the gap at Castle CombeVisitors to Wiltshire circuit, Castle Combe, in the early part of this season may have noticed an extra bit of sparkle to the classic venue.

Although they may not have been able to quite put their finger on it, the reason for the new sheen is down to a 50-year fixture at the track, and one of UK motorsport’s longest-standing traditions.

The Avon Tyres bridge, which traverses the pit lane entry, is the UK’s longest-standing bridge sponsorship, and it’s been given a revamp for 2007.

Castle Combe circuit started life in 1950, and the relationship with Avon Tyres, based just 11 miles down the road in Melksham, started in 1954, when the tyre manufacturer, now owned by US firm Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, put its name on the bridge.

The bridge, knocked down and rebuilt 10 years ago, has been adorned with several incarnations of the famous Avon Tyres logo ever since, but it was felt that a spot of freshening up was required.

“We’re very proud of our long association with Castle Combe,” said Avon’s motorsport chief and managing director for Cooper Tire’s European operations Julian Baldwin. “The track is known as one of the fastest, and most challenging, circuits in the UK, and that reflects our continuing commitment to producing high quality race and road tyres.  If you’re going to take on Castle Combe, you need the very best in rubber on your car – and now as you enter Camp Corner, you’ll be able to see our colours clearer than ever.”

Castle Combe Circuit’s only motorcycle race meeting of the season sees a packed 21 race programme over this forthcoming weekend of Saturday and Sunday 28th & 29th July.

The event gets under way on both days with practice from 8.45am, with the first race on Saturday at 1.20pm and Sunday’s opener at 10.25am. Admission prices are £20 for an adult weekend ticket, £10 for OAPs. Saturday tickets are £8 and £15 on Sunday. OAPs, £4 on Saturday and £7-50 on Sunday. Paddock transfer is free on Saturday and £2-50 on Sunday with accompanied children under 15 free on both days.

Full details of the event will be found on the Castle Combe website - link below: