Some of the most frequently asked questions…

 Can I drive my own car on the circuit on the same day as participating on the Racing School?
No, but we do run Car Track Days or Action Days, where members of the public can bring their road cars and drive them on the circuit.

 Do you have to have a full driving licence to take part?
Yes and it must be a current licence.

 Is there an age limit?
No, as long as you have a full licence, we previously had a lady who was over 80 years old take the course, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

 Is it safe?
Yes. There will be a safety briefing and the Instructor will be with you in the saloon car, whilst you are driving and personal insurance is included.

 Do I need to bring my own crash helmet/overalls etc or do you supply them?
We do have crash helmets that can be used, but if you have your own, then feel free to bring it along. We ask for you to have your arms and legs fully covered as we don’t provide overalls. If you do come on a hot day, you can always buy a sweatshirt from the Racing School regalia range.

 How fast do the cars go?
Our instructors will take you up to 100+ mph and the Formula Fords can reach up to 100mph, but will be restricted to 4000 revs.

 Do you have Formula 1 cars?
No, but we use the Formula Ford single seater which many of the current F1 drivers started their motorsport careers in here at Castle Combe.

 Do you run on Sundays or in the evenings?
No. The courses are run during the day on selected Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year.

 Can you buy vouchers?
Yes, there are two options. You can either commit to a date at the time of purchase, or you can buy a gift voucher which is valid for 12 months from date of issue.

 Do you go ahead if it is raining?
Yes, but obviously we will keep an eye on the weather and if it gets worse then we will rethink, but if you are not contacted you must turn up on the day. If we do need to cancel, then another date can be arranged.

 How long do the driving experiences last?

Race Car Standard Driving Experience - about 3-3½ hours
Race Car Advanced Driving Experience - about 4-4½ hours
Sports Saloon Driving Experience – about 3-3½ hours
Sports Saloon Advanced Driving Experience – 4-4½ hours
Elise Sports & Racing Driving Experience - about 5-5½ hours
Super Saloon Driving Experience - about 2 hours

 What time do the driving experiences start?
Depending on which experience you book and availability at the time of booking, but usually Race Car Standard Course starts at 08:15, 10:15, 12:15 & 2.15pm, Race Car Advanced @ either 8.15am or 12:15pm, Sports Saloon @ 08:15, 10:15, 12:15 & 2.15pm, Sports Saloon Advanced @ either 8.15am or 12:15pm, Lotus Elise experience @ 08:15 and 12:15 and Super Saloon usually at 4:00pm

 Can we bring spectators?
Yes, not a problem. Tavern Clubhouse is open for refreshments and food.

 Is there anything for children/spectators to do?
There are plenty of viewing areas for the circuit with a lovely walk all the way around the circuit.

 Is there anywhere undercover in case of bad weather?
Yes. Tavern Clubhouse will be open and the rooftop of the Strawford Centre is usually covered.

 Which driving experience is the most popular?
They are all very popular and can suit absolutely anyone as there will always be an Instructor available, but if you are not sure then our Race Car Standard Course is very popular.

 Is there a weight limit?
Refer to brochure. But if you find that you are unable to get into or feel uncomfortable in the single seater or Elise, then you can finish laps in the other saloon cars.

 Do you run courses through the Winter?
Yes. Up until 30th December, then we will re-start in February/March next year.

 My son/daughter has only just passed his/her driving test, which course would you recommend?
Probably the Race Car Standard Course, as they will be able to experience 2 types of driving and also have one to one tuition with an Instructor.

 Do you need to be a experienced driver to book on the Advanced or Elise courses?
No – the Advanced/Elise driving experiences will give you more driving time, extra laps and extra tuition in the saloons.

 Are you allowed to race against each other?
No, it is not something we encourage and this will be explained in the safety briefing.

 How many people are on the same course, and if I book more than one person in together, will they be in the same group?
We can take up to 25 people on the Race Car Standard and Advanced Courses, 18 on Super Saloon & Lotus Elise and 12 on the Sports Saloon and Advanced. Yes, we can make sure that you are all in the same group. Our groups are usually 5 per instructor.

 Can you upgrade to another course on the same day?
Yes but only in advance and subject to availability. Please contacting the Circuit Administration Centre during office hours, which are 9:00am-5:30pm, and the telephone number is (01249) 782929.

 Do you arrange photographs?
Yes these can be arranged on the day with our on-site photographer. Forms will be handed out at Reception and will be mentioned in the class briefing.