Fast Visitors - New Event for Help the Heroes - First Car Boot Sale of 2011 - Marshals Training Day - What’s on in March

 Little and Large

 Mid February saw the visit to the circuit of two cars at opposite ends of the size spectrum.  First to appear was ‘Babs’ the car built to challenge the land speed record in the twenties.  Powered by a 27 litre, V12 Liberty Aero engine we thought the car was possibly outside of our noise restrictions, but it was great to see it anyway.  In 1926 it recorded a speed of 171.02 miles an hour at Pendine Sands, taking the land speed record which stood until the following February when Malcolm Campbell went faster at a speed of 174.2 miles per hour.  The car was then modified for another attempt that March, but overturned and the driver, Parry Thomas was killed.  As a mark of respect the car was then buried at Pendine in the sand until 1969 when it was exhumed and rebuilt. 

 Coming down in both size, power and the number of cylinders was a Smart car.  Prepared by Smarts4racing.com who are running a championship for these popular little cars this year, the car was put through its paces at the circuit in preparation for their visit during the Britcar MSA Endurance Championship meeting over the weekend of 23rd and 24th July.  Everyone was impressed by the cornering speed of the Smarts and if the organisers can get the numbers they hope, then this should be an entertaining and very worthwhile edition to the Castle Combe calendar.

 A New Event and for a Great Cause - 18th, 19th & 20th March

 Local town Wootton Bassett will forever more be known for the moving tributes that its citizens make to those members of the armed services killed in overseas action.  The town has also become a catalyst for fund raising for the armed services charities and at the same time members of the public showing their own support for the town and its residents.  We have seen Minis driving through in convoy, the amazing 20,000 or so bikers last year and now this month and based at the circuit we have Dub Aid.  As the name suggests it’s a Volkswagen event for the famous Transporter first launched in 1950.  The organiser are promising hundreds of examples of this iconic vehicle and have arranged an event that includes concours competitions, a camping weekend, entertainment and then a convoy drive from the circuit through Wootton Bassett and back to the track.  Full details can be found at www.dubaid.co.uk.

WHAT’S ON IN MARCH

 Car Boot Sale 1 – Sunday 13th March - Benefiting Yatton Keynell Brownies

 Last year’s car boot sales raised over £9,000 for very worthwhile local charities, a great testimony to the generosity of our car boot sale visitors and of course to the numbers who turn up.

Boot sales are all about clearing out the garage or shed and earning some money or of course picking up a bargain and at Castle Combe Circuit you can do it in relative comfort rather than ankle deep in mud with a solitary portaloo behind a hedge.  For those who have not enjoyed a Castle Combe boot sale before then you will find the paddock area with its tarmac roadways full of traders and of course the Tavern Clubhouse is open serving great traditional English breakfasts as well as a full range of hot and cold snacks and drinks.  On arrival you park up in Camp Corner or the Chippenham Road car park areas and walk through.  We ask for a 50p donation with all the money raised going to the charity of the day.  For those who park a little further away from the paddock area then courtesy of Coachstyle run by Formula Ford competitor, Andy Jones, there is a free coach shuttle to drop you at the Avon Bridge adjacent to the sales area.  The coach is also useful if you pick anything heavy and want to get it back nearer to the car.  Apart from finding a bargain there are several traders selling plants and other gardening requisites. 

 Buyers can turn up at any time from around 09.00 ready to find those bargains.  Sellers can arrive from 07.00, please enter via the Quarry Corner gate, our security staff will then direct you from 08.00 via the circuit into your area. 

 Car Boot Sale Dates for Your Diary

 Sunday 13th March

Sunday 17th April

Sunday 15th May

Sunday 12th June

Sunday 3rd July

Sunday 7th August

Sunday 11th September

Sunday 9th October

 Drivers Help Local Charities

 On Thursday 17th March we have a visit from Chris Darwin who organises track days for the discerning client like no one else.  Who else would fine a driver if their mobile phone goes off in the briefing – with the money going to charity of course.  It is always a pleasure to welcome Chris and his clients to the circuit, the third time they have visited us.  They know how to party and have worked hard to support Chippenham Rotary Clubs, St Nicholas School Hydrotherapy Pool Appeal with this event expected to take their donations to around £10,000.  They do have one or two places left for customers for the right type of cars so if you are looking for a track day run in a very different atmosphere with a great crowd of people, please contact Chris on c.darwin@virgin.net.

Castle Combe Racing School – Saturday 19th March

 We do still have places available so please check our website at www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk and click on ‘Driving Experiences’ or telephone the circuit office on 01249 782417.  We have held most of prices despite the increase in VAT and can promise you a friendly welcome, some of the best and most experienced racing instructors in the country to look after you and great value as you rush around the circuit in a choice of cars ranging from the Ford Fiesta type S, the Formula Ford 1600 Single Seater, the Ford Focus ST2 and the Lotus Elise. 

 Or for the ride of your life, what about a fast ‘White Knuckle Ride’ experience in the Ferrari 360 Challenge car. 

 The Great Western Sprint – Saturday 26th March

 The first of the three sprints for 2011, the Great Western Sprint includes a round of the British Sprint Series and you will see some of the best of grass roots motorsport.  As the name suggests it is a sprint.  Drivers complete almost a full lap of the circuit against the clock in a huge variety of cars from almost standard road cars through to purpose built sprint cars.  It’s free to get in, you’ll find the competitors friendly and you are free to wander around the paddock area taking photos as well as watching the action on the track.  You may even be tempted to enter on a future date; it’s a great form of motorsport.

 Vintage & Classic Car Auction

 Saturday 26th March (viewing Friday 25th March), sees the first of three auctions held by Richard Edmunds Auctioneers of Chippenham at the circuit and includes motorcycles, cars, spares and a huge selection of motoring collectables.

 Proof of the popularity of these sales is the addition of a 3rd auction in the summer and that the quality of the lots on offer continues to rise.

 With well over 500 lots currently consigned it’s hard to pick out the gems but amongst the diverse range of vehicles are a lovely little 1936 Singer Le Mans sports car, evoking memories of fighter pilots `nipping` down to the local for a quick `jar` estimated at £20-22000.

 A 1946  Triumph 1800 Roadster, much beloved by the TV sleuth Bergerac (£22-24000) and while we are on a French theme, how about a 19th C French Farm cart, yours for between £12-1500?!

 If you have always fancied dressing up as Al Capone then the 1927 Chrysler Imperial would surely give you somewhere to put your violin case! We wouldn’t suggest however you rob a bank to find the 24-26K! 

Evoking big screen memories is the 1904 Renault Tourer, ideal for the London to Brighton or re-enacting that wonderful old car film Genvieve. You might however need a film star income as it`s one of the star lots with an estimate of £50-60000.

 Due to the massive increase in size the auction will be in a different part of the circuit with entry via the Chippenham Road gate.

 Times – viewing Friday 10.00 – 17.00.  Saturday from 08.00, Auction starts at 09.30.

The Castle Combe Racing Club Marshal Induction and Training Day - Sunday 27th March

If you’ve ever wondered what it is like to be involved in motor racing then becoming a Marshal is a great introduction.  There is a huge variety of tasks, from the more visible groups you will see around the circuit on any major race day, passing information to the drivers by means of flag signals to assisting in incidents through to a dedicated team in race control looking after the paperwork and driver information. 

 Castle Combe Racing Club runs probably one of the best training schemes in the country so if you have never tried it before, don’t worry you will be in good hands for some great instruction. 

 If you fancy giving it a try or just want to learn what it is all about they why not come along.  However, we do ask you to pre-register so that we can schedule the day accordingly.  For more information please contact our Chief Marshall, Nicky Fawdington at afawdington@hotmail.com.

 Season Passes – Don’t Miss A Race

 With the start of the season looming do remember that in these tough economic times you can save a lot of money by purchasing a Season Pass.  Prices are held at £95.00 or £50.00 for pensioners.  A Season Pass gives you admission to all 12 days of racing, with all day paddock access and entry into our 4 popular Action Days.  Contact the Circuit Office or purchase on line.

 2011 Race Dates

Cars

Monday 25th April                                  

Monday 2nd May                                            

Monday 30th May                                  

Saturday 18th/Sunday 19th June      

Saturday 23rd/Sunday 24th July       

Saturday 13th/Sunday 14th Aug                

Monday 29th August                                        

Saturday 1st October                    

 Motorcycles

Saturday 3rd September