Snetterton

Initially constructed as an airfield, Snetterton was home to the United States Army Air Force’s 96th Bomber Group during World War II. The former RAF Snetterton Heath was first used as a racing circuit in 1951, when the Aston Martin Owner’s Club hosted a race event on a circuit around the venue’s runways.

Snetterton’s circuit configuration has changed numerous times over the decades. The original layout ran for 2.71 miles before the circuit was shortened to just under two miles in the 1970s. In 2010, the circuit underwent a major transformation with the most significant redevelopment in its history - the result was a multi-configuration layout, completed in 2011, which introduced a new circuit infield and created the three-mile 300 circuit.

The 300 circuit takes inspiration from a number of the world’s leading motor racing venues, and the design was personally overseen by MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer. The circuit's corner names are drawn from some of motorsport's greats, from two-wheeled legend Giacomo Agostini to current F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton. Following this complete overhaul, Snetterton is the UK’s newest permanent motorsport facility.

The Norfolk circuit has hosted a wide range of significant events over the years, including the non-championship Lombank Trophy Formula 1 races in the ‘60s, featuring legendary drivers such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Jack Brabham. The first four editions of the Formula Ford Festival took place at Snetterton too, whilst the venue was Ayrton Senna’s home circuit for a time when he lived in Norwich whilst racing for the local Van Diemen team.

Snetterton has also been a long-time home to UK endurance racing, hosting the UK’s first ever 24-hour race in 1980. The Willhire 24 Hours events for production saloon cars ran from 1980 until 1994 and long-distance club race events have continued in recent years. F1 and Le Mans cars have tested at the venue too.

Today, Snetterton is one of the UK’s finest motor racing facilities, for not only competitors but also spectators. The venue hosts rounds of the British Touring Car, Bennetts British Superbike, British Truck Racing and British GT Championships on the full 300 circuit, all of which spectators can view from the raised banks introduced for the 2011 season.

The circuit also hosts a range of historic and club level events on two and four wheels, and remains popular with track day participants too.