Top ten places to go on track days

Here’s our round-up of some of the best locations to go to for track days,with lighter nights upon us and the prospect of all the summer days coming up – not to mention all of the glorious bank holidays – we know the thoughts of many of you car enthusiasts will be turning towards track days.

Getting out onto a dedicated race track is a feeling like no other, especially if it gives you the opportunity to drive a real beast of a car that really allows you to put the pedal to the metal.

But where are the best tracks to head to for a great driving experience and the chance to show off your skills?

Here, we’ve rounded up our top ten faves – however, remember there are lots more available and so it’s well worth doing your research to find out if there’s one near you that you haven’t yet heard about. We’ve also included some tracks abroad, in case you want to combine your driving tour with a holiday in the sun.

1.       Silverstone Rally School

There can’t be a petrolhead alive who hasn’t heard of the iconic Silverstone in Northamptonshire, thanks to its status as the home of British Motorsport. It also prides itself on its range of facilities for non-professionals too though. Try driving a Subaru Impreza or one of the other vehicles as your pals watch on from the elevated viewing gallery. You can also ride alongside a pro driver if you book it in advance.

2.       London Rally School

The circuit here has both loose and sealed surfaces so you’ll feel just like a rally driver, plus tyre hazards on the corners simulate the obstacles the real pros face. What’s more, all instructors have competition licences if you want lessons, so you will benefit from their wealth of expertise.

3.       Leeds Raceway

Specially designed for supercar driving, you can book scores of motoring experience days at this track, all on a newly refurbished surface complete with fast corners and long straights. There are some gorgeous vehicles available too – Lamborghini Gallardo or Aston Martin DB9, anyone? This might be the best place to go if you want to feel like a Top Gear presenter.

4.       Brands Hatch

Kent-based Brands Hatch is also a huge name in British motorsport and is regularly upgrades to ensure you get the best track day experience possible. You can take your own vehicle or book a driving experience in one of theirs – whichever way, it’s sure to be a day to remember.

5.       Goodwood

Located in West Sussex, you’ll be among a roll call of motoring greats if you head on a track day here. Legends like Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart have tested their mettle at Goodwood, yet there’s no cliquey atmosphere that means you have to be the best of the best to join in.

6.       Donnington Park

If you’re in the north of England, heading to Derby’s Donnington Park could be the ideal day out, as it provides some of the most challenging track day surfaces anywhere. It has hosted various Grand Prixes and the atmosphere is something to savour for both motorists and bikers.

7.       Cataluyna Race Circuit

Over to Barcelona now, Cataluyna Race Circuit offers lots of fast straights together with some tricky corners and so deserves its status as a world class circuit. It has licences for both MOTOGP and Formula One and so this might be the place to go if you want to do some celebrity-spotting too.

8.       Croix en Ternois

If you like to holiday in France, see if you can convince your fellow travellers to incorporate a trip to Croix en Ternois. Show off how well you can take tight corners in the sunshine and enjoy the history of the place, which has good spectator facilities too.

9.       Le Mans Circuit

No track day article would be complete without a mention of Le Mans, also in France. There are two smaller circuits within the one huge one, where you can race tracks of different lengths. Again, take your own vehicle or rent one of their supercars.

10.   Estoril

If you like a challenge, then Estoril in Portugal is the place to be. It’s got really long corners and some tricky chicanes, but will be ideal if you’ve got a bit of track experience behind you and want to build your skills.

Which track will you choose for your day out this summer?