The very first revisions to the track configuration in the Castle Combe circuit’s 48 year history were completed today with the official opening ceremony.

Two new corners know as ‘The Esses’ and ‘Bobbies’ have been created, their principle purpose being to slow ever increasing track speeds. The circuit’s outright lap record, at an average of 130.93 mph, was one of the fastest in the country so far with safety very much curbing speeds.

Circuit Managing Director Howard Strawford said "We knew some championships might choose not to come to Castle Combe because they felt it was too fast for them. We wanted to be pro-active and above all to avoid making a knee jerk reaction. After the enormous amount of effort that has gone in to the project, it is pleasing to see the results, which I feel are even better than we expected".

Stuart Michael Associates of Newbury, the design consultants involved with the configuration changes to Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit, were commissioned to produce the final designs. Civil engineering consultant, Bob Giles, oversaw the project, which was contracted to Ford Brothers, who completed the work ahead of schedule. Some 2000 lorry loads of material was moved during the construction, much of it within the site itself.

Nigel Greensall, the circuit’s outright lap record holder, was full of enthusiasm after experiencing the new corners for the first time. "Its brilliant! The new corners have definitely added something to the track and have not taken away ifs flowing nature. There will be lots more overtaking and plenty of extra interest for the spectators."

The circuit’s first race meeting with the new layout will be on March 20th 1999, but in the meantime, pupils at the Racing School will begin experiencing it on December 28th this year.

Westway House
Castle Combe
Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN14 7EY
Tel: 01249 782417
Information: off the B4039 5 miles north of Chippenham

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