Castle Combe celebrates 65 years this weekend

One of the longest-established circuits in the country, this weekend sees Castle Combe explode into life with a special two-day programme of bike racing celebrating the circuit’s 65th year. 

From full BSB-spec superbikes, sidecars, two-strokes, classics, supertwins, Moto2 bikes and more, there’s something for everyone at the Combe National. Plus, organisers have arranged a special parade on Sunday featuring celebrity guest riders including Jim Redman, Freddie Sheene, Stuart Graham, David Hailwood, Steve Spray, Peter Williams, Rex Butcher, Rod Scivyer and Jenny Tinmouth, and the collection of race bikes past and present that they’ll be riding will be on display over the duration of the weekend, alongside a collection of historic racing Yamahas.

Back on track, there’s a packed 20-race programme on both Saturday and Sunday from NG Road Racing’s championship stars, and spectators will be able to see the most powerful machines on track – the 1000cc superbikes in the event’s Phoenix Open King of Combe Trophy – take Combe’s super-fast corners at speeds of over 160mph. With the outright lap record standing at just 70 seconds, it’s extremely fast and furious at Combe. There’s also National-level race action from the Lansdown British Historic Championship, the ACU National 125 and 250GP Championship, and a full grid of championship sidecars.

Details: Tickets cost £10 on Saturday, £15 Sunday (children under 16 go free), track action starts at 9am on both days. Castle Combe is situated in Wiltshire near J17 and J18 of the M4 and approx five miles West of Chippenham on the B4039. Look out for the brown chequered flag signs. For more info see www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk