Snetterton was the wartime base of the 96th US Air Force Bomber
Group. The first race meeting here was held in 1951, arranged by the
Aston Martin Owner's Club. The layout has changed a few times since
then, the current circuit being just under 2 miles long with two of
the longest straights in the UK and is therefore one of the
fastest circuits. Highlights of the racing calendar at Snetterton
include visits from the British Touring Car Championship, British
Superbikes as well as the Lotus Festival.
The fast uphill Senna straight at Snetterton can be
windy which
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is why drivers tend to hug the pit wall. Once under the
starlight gantry move the car over to the left and pick a
braking point somewhere between the 200 and 100 yard marker
boards. The turn in point is very late, as is the apex. You
need to look a long way around the corner to where the kerb
is slightly raised and fatter. By making the turn in as late
as possible you can get back on the power much earlier in
the corner. On the exit let the car run out to the edge of
the circuit. The short straight to Sears has very little to
mark a braking point but should you out-brake yourself there
is an escape road straight ahead. From the turn in take a
nice tight early apex and let the car run out, using that
extra tarmac on the outside of the corner if needed, but
don't be greedy. A good exit speed is important as it's now
onto the very long Revett straight (maybe a quick check of
the mirrors here).
Between the 200 and 100 yard boards at
the end of the straight there is a small tarmac access road
which is a good braking point for the Esses. Try to ensure
that you get any gear changes done in a straight line before
turning in. Take a late turn for the first part as this will
keep you to the left ready for the very tight right turn,
being careful at the apex as there is a very big tyre stack
there waiting to catch you out. From here there is a short
run to the Bomb Hole; a light brake just before you turn in
here will settle the car nicely for the change in direction.
The apex is just next to the grid that is sunk into the
kerb, and it's important to be careful on the exit as the
rise out of the crest can unbalance the car.
The fast
approach to Coram curve can be very daunting; the safest
strategy is to have a very slight brake before the turn in
as this helps balance the car nicely for the long right
hander. You should be building speed progressively
throughout the corner and bring the car into the apex where
the green paint starts. Let the car start to run out where
the paint finishes. From the exit you approach the final
corner of the lap, Russell's chicane. The key here is to
make the entry as straight as possible to maximise your exit
speed, being careful as recent changes to the kerbs here can
do some damage to your car. Words
kindly provided by
Jamie
Stanley
Closest Fuel Station Fuel is available on site all day.
Accommodation in the Area
Just 5 minutes from the circuit the Griffin hotel is not only a great place to
stay but you won't find better for a meal or beer.
The Breckland Lodge hotel is just a mile from the
circuit. Rooms are cheap and cheerful but there's bar
snack and restaurant plus a good bar.
