Snetterton circuit is one of the UK's finest motor racing
facilities, not just for competitors but for spectators too. Owing
to its extensive redevelopment in 2011, Snetterton blends a
challenging and complex layout with fast straights to create a
unique challenge - much of which can be viewed from raised viewing
banks.
The Snetterton 300 circuit hosts rounds of the British
Touring Car Championship, British Superbike Championship, British
GT Championship, and countless other club-level and historic
categories on both two and four wheels.
Designed by circuit boss Jonathan Palmer, the 300 circuit takes
inspiration from a number of the planet's leading motor racing
venues, whilst the 200 circuit retains the spirit of the original
airfield layout and can be run simultaneously with the short 100
loop, which is popular with sprint competitors.
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, whilst Wilson is named in
honour of Palmer's former protégé Justin Wilson who was killed in
the USA in 2015.
In addition to racing, Snetterton is a popular test track and has
been used as a proving ground for a number of high-profile racing
cars.
Snetterton's original purpose was as an RAF airfield, designated
for use by the 96th United States Air Force Bomber Group between
May 1943 and November 1948. The circuit itself was created in 1951
from the network of remaining runways and its first race event was
held in the same year by the Aston Martin Owner's Club.
The circuit configuration has changed several times during
Snetterton's 60 year history. In the 1960s and early 70s it was 2.7
miles in length and during this period Russell Bend was added as
the final corner of the track, in order to slow race vehicles as
they approached the pits. Since the 1970s, however, the lap was
shortened considerably to just under two miles until 2010, when
circuit owner MSV announced the greatest redevelopment in the
venue's history to create a new multi-configuration layout,
completed in February 2011.
Snetterton has hosted many significant events over the past six
decades, including non-championship F1 encounters, the first
Formula Ford events and the UK's first ever 24 hour race, the
Willhire 24 Hour, which ran from 1980 to 1994. It is also a
renowned testing venue and has contributed to the development of
many race winning cars, including those from the Lotus factory such
as the DFV-powered 49 and the Indy 500-winning 38. Most recently, a
host of Le Mans 24 Hour cars have been developed at the Norfolk
track, including Bentley's first Le Mans car for 70 years, the EXP
Speed Eight. The all-conquering Audi R8 and Williams BMW LMP were
also spotted first at Snetterton.
