The UK’s best racetracks

There is nothing quite like the thrill of live motor racing. From the atmosphere and the roar of the crowd, to witnessing the power of the cars and skill of the drivers, it’s an attraction that has proven timeless.

And in the UK, we’re lucky enough to have some of the world’s best racing on our doorstep, with countless amazing circuits hosting races throughout each year.

But which circuits are the best? Here, we take a look at five iconic race tracks, what goes on there, and why classic car insurance is a must if you’re going to take your vintage vehicle to visit one of these legendary locations.

An amazing racing legacy

The UK has an utterly immense racing heritage that can easily rival any country on earth.

The first official motor race in the UK was held in the grounds of the Crystal Palace in London, way back in 1901, by the English Motor Club. And while countries such as France hosted races before that, Britain was the first in the world to build and open a purpose-built motor racing circuit.

Brooklands circuit, which would host the first British Grand Prix in 1926, was opened in 1907. That’s two years before the USA’s Indianapolis Motor Speedway (1909) and 15 years before Monza in Italy (1922).

Britain has been a part of motor racing's biggest draw – Formula 1 – since the very beginning. And literally so, given that the first F1 Championship Race was held in the UK in 1950.

Those primitive Formula 1 years are the backdrop for iconic British figures like Sir Stirling Moss, as well as the first British champion in Mike Hawthorn crowned in 1958.

Since then, Britain has continued to produce F1 world champions, with 10 in total. These include Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, and Jenson Button.

Meanwhile, the current champion Lewis Hamilton has won the F1 Championship a record seven times, making him the most successful driver in the history of the sport.

Outside of F1, Britain’s presence is also strongly felt. With two World Rally Championship winners in Richard Burns and Colin Mcrae, the UK has a long rally heritage that includes F1s Sir Stirling Moss and his sister, Pat Moss, who was one of the most successful female rally drivers of the 1950s and 1960s.

Meanwhile, don’t forget about motorcycle racing, which has also seen countless iconic British racers in the past century. For example, Joey Dunlop, the Northern Irishman who won five consecutive World Formula One TT Championships in the 1980s, while his brother Robert and nephew Michael are also successful TT racers.

And as a nation with racing in its blood, Britain is home to some truly iconic racetracks. Here are our five favourites – sadly, with Brooklands closing in 1939, it’s unable to make the list, but thankfully we were still spoilt for choice.

Track 1 – Silverstone

Where else to start other than Silverstone? A former RAF base in Northamptonshire that was earmarked for racing after World War II, it was the site of that famous first British F1 Championship race in 1950.

In attendance that day was King George VI – the only time a reigning monarch has attended a British motor race. Silverstone has largely been the home of British F1 ever since that famous day.

In those seven decades, there have been so many iconic F1 moments. From Argentinian legend Juan Manuel Fangio’s only British victory in 1956, to the victories of Jackie Stewart in 1970 and Michael Schumacher in the 90s and 2000s. Since 2008, Lewis Hamilton has won at Silverstone seven times and has even had part of the track named after him.

It’s also the site of the British Moto GP and various other races. But aside from the long legacy, what is it about Silverstone that makes it so enduringly special?

The decades of history and iconic moments wouldn’t have happened if the track itself wasn’t special. Designed for action, with numerous high-speed corners like Abbey and Stowe that challenge even the best drivers and vehicles.

Meanwhile, as a fan, the experience at Silverstone is also hard to beat. With hundreds of thousands of racing fanatics arriving on a typical race weekend, the atmosphere is famously electric.

This is coupled with a great hospitality offering, including a nearby fan village and various good places to stay over a race weekend.

During an event, you will find top-notch food and drink options as well as entertainment from world-class artists. There is also an interactive museum that motor racing fans will love every second of.

Track 2 – Goodwood

Goodwood in West Sussex is an iconic racetrack that, like Silverstone, can point to generations of history and stellar races.

The first races after the war took place in 1948, live on the BBC and with 15,000 spectators. They included the main race – The Goodwood Trophy – and a minor 500cc race won by a young Stirling Moss, which was his first major victory behind the wheel.

Over the years, Goodwood would also be the host to several future F1 champions, such as Jim Clark, Mike Hawthorn, and Graham Hill. It would also be the sight of some iconic events, including the Nine Hours which ran from 1952-55.

At the time, it was England’s longest race that ran from 3pm right through to around midnight, attracting leading teams and drivers throughout its brief existence.

Another race, The Glover Trophy, featured F1 cars and ran for around 15 years. But Goodwood would close its doors to contemporary racing in the late 1960s due to safety concerns.

The track had been the site of an awful crash in 1962 that ended the career of Sir Stirling Moss, on the site of his first-ever victory.

But after a 30-year hiatus, it was regenerated thanks largely to the work of the Earl of March who oversaw a painstaking restoration to bring it back exactly to its previous race-worthy state.

Today, Goodwood Estate is known for being the site of some of the most exciting events in the racing calendar.

The Festival of Speed, for example, attracts around 200,000 people over four days and in 2018 celebrated its 25th anniversary. It’s a weekend dedicated to the best motorsport and car culture, featuring the famous hill climb and guests from across motor racing.

Meanwhile, The Goodwood Revival is a favourite for families and classic car enthusiasts alike. This epic weekend event features high-class racing while celebrating vintage fashion and vehicles.

If you’re a classic car owner and thinking of driving it to the Goodwood Revival, or any event, make sure it’s protected with classic car insurance.

Track 3 – Brands Hatch

Brands Hatch in Kent is the UK’s self-appointed ‘best-loved race circuit’. It can boast being one of the few places outside Silverstone to host a British Grand Prix.

Also, like Silverstone, it was used by the military during WWII. But after that it would become a top-class racing circuit that would host the British Grand Prix 12 times between 1964 and 1986.

In those years we would witness some of the most iconic moments in British Grand Prix history. These include, among others, Jim Clark’s victory in 1964, two wins by Nigel Mansell in 1985 and 86, and the iconic duel between Chris Amon and Jo Siffert in 1968.

Since then, it has become too problematic to host F1 races. The local council’s decision to allow housing to be built within 100 metres of the track meant restrictions now stand in the way. For example, noise restrictions mean no racing can take place before 10am on Sundays.

However, you can still catch some amazing racing on the iconic track, including the British GT and F3 Championships.

There are motorsport festivals throughout the year that are perfect for families, including the American SpeedFest that features NASCAR racing, American cuisine, and a county fair.

You might also spy some racing legends at these events, such as 1997 F1 Champion Jacques Villeneuve.

Meanwhile, car club members and individual owners can apply to display their vehicle at Speedfest. If you’re a car club member, you may also be able to get a discount on your classic car insurance.

Track 4 – Donington

The Donington Circuit in Derbyshire is another track that has enjoyed its fair share of iconic racing history.

It all began when Fred Craner, an amateur motorcycle racer, managed to convince a local farmer to allow racing on his land.

It has been hosting motor racing since then, even staging its first Grand Prix before WWII. If you look at the track today, it is largely like the original 1931 circuit.

After the war years, it became increasingly difficult to bring racing back to the course due to a combination of financial and planning difficulties.

That was until local businessman Tom Wheatcroft purchased the site in 1971 and set about restoring it to its racing glory. By 1977, he had achieved this. The updates to the site and the track allowed Donington to become the host of MotoGP for over two decades.

Meanwhile, it would come full circle and host one of its most famous events in 1993, the European F1 Grand Prix.

The race itself was legendary, featuring a dominant victory by Ayrton Senna that is still often described as the best in the sport’s history.

Today, the circuit’s main event is the annual Superbike World Championship, as well as the Donington Historic Festival and regular club car meetings. The Donington site has also become famous for hosting Download, an annual rock festival that attracts tens of thousands of music fans every year.

Track 5 – Knockhill

Knockhill has been Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre for more than 40 years. In that time, it has been the host of some of the UK’s best car and bike racing events.

Found in Fife, the circuit enjoys stunning views of the Firth of Forth and the Ochil hills. The story of racing at Knockhill began in the early 1970s, when a local farmer called Tom Kinnaird decided to do something different with his land. By 1974, the first motorcycle race had taken place.

The circuit would go on to host some of racing's most prestigious events including the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), which has been a feature at Knockhill since 1992.

That opening year was also the scene of a novel moment that is part of the legend of the circuit. A young rally driver and local legend, Colin McRae, raced in the first Knockhill round of the BTCC for the Prodrive team in a BMW 3-Series coupe.

Not known for touring cars, it wasn’t McRae’s finest hour, being disqualified for causing an avoidable collision. But he would soon go on to become one of rally driving’s most iconic figures.

Today, Knockhill is known as a short but thrilling course that promises amazing action and remains Scotland’s only internationally graded racing circuit by Motorsport UK, the FIA, and the Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU).

You will find a schedule of premium race events throughout the year, for example the British Superbike Championship, BTCC, and the McRae Rally Challenge, a special rally event celebrating Colin McRae’s legendary World Rally Championship win in 1995.

Meanwhile, you can get behind the wheel of classic cars through special driving experience events.

Protect your vehicle with classic car insurance

If you’re planning to drive your vintage vehicle to a special event, such as Goodwood Revival or the Donington Historic Festival, then it’s important to make sure you’re protected with classic car insurance.

At Lancaster Insurance, we are classics fanatics and have been providing classic car insurance for more than 35 years.

Using our knowledge and experience, we can provide a quote for virtually any classic car, with bespoke solutions that suit your needs. We also offer benefits such as car club and limited mileage discounts.

Get a quick quote for classic car insurance today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.