|
Bedford Autodrome
Thurleigh Airfield
Thurleigh
Bedfordshire
MK44 2YP
T: 01234 332400
F: 01234 332415
Official Website
|
|
|
|
|
|
Length (miles): -
| West: |
1.700 |
| South: |
1.300 |
| North: |
0.670 |
| East: |
0.730 |
| GT: |
3.600 |
Noise (dBs): -
| Static: |
101 db |
| Drive by: |
87 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Click For Larger Map
|
|
| Originally part of the former Royal Aerospace Establishment Bedford airbase, the 400 acre Bedford Autodrome circuit complex was completed in August 1999 and is owned by former F1 driver Jonathan Palmer. It's a purpose-built, private facility, built without the need to accommodate racing or crowds of spectators, and primarily to host top-notch corporate events. For this reason it has huge run off areas and very few barriers or obstructions to hit, and claims to be the safest circuit in the UK. This also means that Bedford Autodrome is the ideal venue for the track day novice. |
 |
Click For Larger Map
|
- South West circuit at Bedford.
|
| There are multiple possible configurations, although there are 4 main circuits (used individually on corporate days) which are linked together to form the 3.6 mile GT (Gran Turismo) version, frequently used on track days.
Facilities are first class, with 2 well-equipped hospitality areas in the pit lane in which to huddle away from the frequently chilly wind (unfortunately a common feature of all airfield circuits). The briefing room and restaurant is also excellent (if a little pricey).
Bedford Autodrome is 6 miles north of Bedford, just off the A6. Detailed directions (including a scenic route from J14 of the M1) can be found on the Bedford Autodrome web site.
|
 |
Click For Larger Map
|
- West circuit at Bedford.
|
 |
The full GT circuit comprises 19 bends, and is a good mix of fast and slow corners, some technically challenging, plus several long straights, including the 1km one approaching the South 1/2 chicane. Highlights include: the tricky complex from West 2 to 6; the "quicker than it first looks" South East 3 & 4 pairing; and the fast West 12 which is the last corner (although after the pit entrance). West 12 also generally provides some entertainment when you're waiting in the pits (there is plenty of run off on the outside to use if you get into trouble - best not to go off on the inside as there is a gravel trap and some Armco to protect those in the pit lane).
Noise limits (101db static & 87db drive by - 20m) are strictly adhered to. Worth putting your cat back in if your car's a bit loud!
Top tip: the lack of reference points means it's very easy to misjudge where to brake/turn in etc. To help out, turn-in and apex cones are used on most events. By all means use these when you first drive the circuit, then during the day work what what best suits your car and driving style. Also for some reason at Bedford it's very easy to get fixated on the car in front (which means if he/she goes off you probably will too!) so concentrate on your own lines etc.
|
Words kindly provided by Andrew Kell (ajk)
|
 |
Closest Fuel Station
Petrol is available on-site or back in Bedford at Sainsbury's (8 miles). |
|
 |
Accommodation in the Area
The Moat House hotel in the centre of Bedford has been used numerous times with ample parking at the rear. |
|
|
Need Your Help
Please feel free to u2u me if you have any suggestions, corrections, updates to this guide. We want to make them as useful as possible and for that we need your help.
|
|
|
|
