Choosing a Driving Experience at Croft Circuit

No on the day pressure to purchase expensive accident damage waiver at registration. The price you see is the price you pay.

Croft is one of the most challenging race tracks in the UK and a fully licensed FIA venue - not a disused airfield.

No 70mph speed limits or numerous "cone chicanes" to keep the speed artificially slow.

You drive on the full 2.1 mile circuit as used by the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and other top class championships plus we have all the expected venue spectator facilities.

CIRCUIT LENGTH

Croft circuit is one of the most challenging circuits in the UK with high and low speed corners and a reputation as a real driver's circuit. It is also one of the longest in the UK at 2.1 miles per lap - something to consider when comparing us with our competitors!

MORE REASONS TO BUY FROM CROFT

• We have over 20 years experience operating driving days and experiences
• Buying direct from us means cutting out 'the middle man' (agencies) and saving money
• We don't use an airfield for our driving experiences (driving up and down a disused runway)
• We use the full Croft race circuit, 2.1 miles per lap - one of the longest circuits in the UK
• We don't have a complicated call centre, our office is based at Croft so our customers can always speak to the same member of staff - and our staff are always happy to help!
• Easily accessible from road, rail and air

CIRCUIT HISTORY

The first records of racing at Croft date back to the 1920s, but it was after the Second World War that Croft circuit became a significant motorsport venue.

At the beginning of the Second World War an airfield named RAF Croft was built on the site now occupied by the circuit. RAF Croft also known as Croft Aerodrome, was mainly used as a bomber airfield. It was home to a number of different aircraft types including Wellington, Lancaster, Whitley, Stirling and Halifax bombers.

Croft Aerodrome was home to a number of squadrons including 419 Squadron from Canada. The platforms at the nearby Eryholme railway station were often crowded with airmen and ground crew during the war years. The verges along the public access road to Croft Aerodrome were used to store racks of bombs and other military equipment, a fascinating attraction to local children at the time.

During the late 1940s and into the 50s, Darlington & District Motor Club held Motor Race Meetings on various layouts utilising the runways and perimeter roads and then in 1962 Bruce Ropner and fellow enthusiasts bought half the venue at public auction, completing a track on the site in July 1964. The first meeting on 3 August 1964 attracted a crowd of between 30,000 and 50,000 people.

Over the years the circuit has played host to many famous names and has hosted national and international meetings. In December 1967 Croft began hosting Rallycross. Whilst Rallycross was considered to be a winter sport, circuit racing continued.