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 which offer some of the best viewing areas in the
country.
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, as well as festivals and
car shows.
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 a large section ran almost adjacent to the A11
road, before a sharp hairpin turn and a long run back to what are
now the Brundle and Nelson corners.
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.
