Croft Circuit - Map, Layout & Upcoming Events | MotorSportRadar

Croft Circuit

Croft Circuit

Location:

North Yorkshire, UK

Local Weather & Time


Upcoming at Croft Circuit

Upcoming at Croft Circuit
Croft
British Touring Car Championship
5 - 6 Sep

Track Info

Croft Circuit - Dalton-on-Tees, North Yorkshire, UK

Ex-RAF airfield turned national arena - clockwise - fast 2.127 mi / 3.423 km main course with 16 turns mixing long straights, big stops and the Sunny In - Sunny Out sweeps

First Race
3 Aug 1964
Opening meeting of the then Croft Autodrome drew 30,000 to 50,000 spectators. Earlier post-war events ran on the Neasham airfield course from 1948.
Circuit Length
3.423 km / 2.127 mi
Main circuit since 1997 redevelopment. Some event literature rounds to 3.38 km / 2.10 mi.
Turns
16
Corner set includes Clervaux, Hawthorn, Chicane, Tower, Jim Clark Esses, Barcroft, Sunny In, Sunny Out, Complex and Hairpin.
Lap Record
1:13.656 - Sergio Pérez (F3), 2008
Outright official race-lap on the 3.423 km layout in a Dallara F308.
Recent BTCC Qualifying
1:21.072 - Colin Turkington, 2024
New BTCC qualifying benchmark set during Croft weekend.

When was the track built?

Born from RAF Croft, the site hosted club races on the Neasham airfield course from 1948. A purpose-built circuit was completed in July 1964 and reopened after upgrades in 1995, before a major 1997 redevelopment extended the lap to 2.127 miles with new pits, paddock and spectator banks to lure top national series.

When was its first race?

The modern circuit’s first race meeting was 3 August 1964. Racing heritage on the airfield dates to 1948, when Darlington & District MC began organizing car and bike meetings.

What's the circuit like?

  • Fast entries, heavy stops: The lap knits together long full-throttle sections with big braking at the Chicane and Tower, punishing late brakers and poor traction.
  • Signature flow: Barcroft into Sunny In - Sunny Out is the heart-in-mouth sequence where commitment and car balance make lap time.
  • Technical finale: The Complex and tight Hairpin compress the field for passes and set up the run to the line.
  • Benchmark pace: Sergio Pérez’s 1:13.656 (F3) stands as the outright race-lap mark, while modern BTCC qualifying dips to low 1:21s.

Lap records and benchmarks (by series)

  • F3 - race lap: 1:13.656 - Sergio Pérez, Dallara F308, 2008.
  • British GT - GT1 race lap (historic): 1:16.759 - Tim Sugden, McLaren F1 GTR, 1999.
  • Porsche Carrera Cup GB - race lap (recent): 1:18.629 - Will Martin (992), 2025.
  • BSB Superbike - race lap: 1:19.695 - Ryuichi Kiyonari, 2007.
  • BTCC - recent qualifying: 1:21.072 - Colin Turkington, 2024 pole.

Why go?

Croft is the North East’s headline race weekend with BTCC as the star attraction. The layout delivers elbows-out tin-top action, rapid club racing and superb viewing banks close to the track, and its airfield DNA means you feel the speed from Barcroft through Sunny to the Complex.

Where's the best place to watch?

  • Clervaux grandstand: Overlooks T1 and the Hawthorn complex for first-lap scrapping and restart drama.
  • Hawthorn - Chicane banking: Classic out-brake zone with paint-trading on BTCC weekends.
  • Tower Bend: Deep braking after the back straight - decisive passes into the infield.
  • Complex - Hairpin: Tightest sequence on the lap, great for photos and last-lap lunges.

Not just one series - headline events at Croft

BTCC: A summer staple since 1997 with capacity crowds and three sprint races.

TCR UK and national GT/touring: Strong support cards keep the action constant through the weekend.

Rallycross heritage: From the 1980s through 1990s, Croft was the UK’s rallycross hub and still hosts high-profile events.

Transportation & Parking

Getting to Croft Circuit - Dalton-on-Tees, North Yorkshire

Best options are driving via A1(M) J57 - J58 then A167 to the signed entrance, rail to Darlington with a short taxi, and local bus 72 toward the circuit stop on West Lane. General event parking is free and Blue Badge parking is provided by the spectator banking after Hawthorn.

Address - Sat nav
Croft Circuit, West Lane, Dalton-on-Tees, DL2 2PL
Official postal address for navigation and taxis.
Nearest rail
Darlington Station
Fast intercity links. Final leg by taxi or local bus 72 toward the circuit stop.
Local bus
Route 72 - Croft Circuit stop
Stops on West Lane near the venue. Services are limited and may not run Sundays.
Road access
A1(M) J57 - J58 → A167
Follow brown Croft Circuit signs about 2 miles south of Croft-on-Tees.
Parking
Free on event days
Public car parking is free unless your event states otherwise.
Accessibility
Blue Badge parking by banking
Wheelchair users - Blue Badge parking near the banking after Hawthorn. Grandstand not wheelchair accessible.

Public transport - Darlington rail hub then bus 72 or taxi

  • Train: Travel to Darlington. From there take a taxi to the circuit or connect to bus 72 toward the Croft Circuit stop on West Lane.
  • Bus 72 notes: Services are limited, with daytime trips and reduced - no service on some Sundays. Always check timetables for your date.
  • Northallerton option: Alternative rail hub to the south with onward taxi - bus toward Darlington - A167 corridor.

Journey planners such as Moovit and Rome2Rio show step by step connections to the Croft Circuit stop.

Driving - straightforward from A1(M) via A167

  • From the north: Leave A1(M) at J58 Darlington, follow through town then A167 toward Northallerton. The circuit is signposted about 2 miles south of Croft-on-Tees.
  • From the south: Leave A1(M) at J57 for Darlington, then take A167 south as above to the signed right turn for West Lane - Croft Circuit.
  • Wayfinding tip: Some routes also reference A66(M) - A167 and local signs to West Lane. Follow brown circuit signs on approach.

Parking - free public car parks

  • General parking: Free of charge for spectators in the signed public car parks. Follow marshal directions on approach.
  • Blue Badge area: Reserved spaces close to the spectator banking along the straight after Hawthorn.

Camping - limited to participants

  • On-site policy: Spectator camping is not permitted. Camping is available only to competitors and for specific track day - test activity.
  • Nearby sites: There are numerous external campsites in the area if you are staying locally.

Taxis and rideshare

  • Set destination: Croft Circuit, West Lane, DL2 2PL. Staff route drop off - pick up to active gates on event days.
  • From Darlington Station: Typical taxi time is around 10 - 15 minutes in light traffic.

Walking from stops and car parks

  • From bus 72 stop: Alight at Croft Circuit on West Lane and follow the short signed walk to admissions.
  • From on-site parking: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks depending on your P zone and chosen viewing area.

Accessibility - Blue Badge parking near spectator banking

  • Facilities: Blue Badge parking near the banking after Hawthorn. Note that the grandstand is not wheelchair accessible.

Airports and longer trips

  • Teesside International MME: nearest airport with road transfer to Darlington then taxi - bus to the circuit. (Use rail to Darlington if arriving by train.)

Quick guide - what is nearest

  • Drivers: A1(M) J57 - J58 → A167, follow Croft Circuit signs to West Lane.
  • Rail users: go to Darlington, then taxi or bus 72 to the Croft Circuit stop.
  • Parking: Free public car parks with Blue Badge bays near the banking after Hawthorn.

Always follow the gate and lot on your e-ticket and check your specific event page for any temporary traffic plans, timetable changes and bus updates before you travel.

Nearby Activities

Things to do around Croft Circuit - Dalton-on-Tees - North Yorkshire (England)

Whether you are here for BTCC, British Rallycross, club racing, historics, test days or open pitlane, this fast airfield circuit sits between Darlington and Northallerton with castles, waterfalls, heritage railways and two national parks close by for non race days.

Motorsport at Croft
BTCC - British Rallycross - Club racing - Trackdays
2.127 miles 3.403 km on the main circuit plus a dedicated rallycross layout. Long straights into heavy braking at Tower and Complex, fast sweeps like Jim Clark Esses.
Typical peak window
April - October
Headline meetings land late spring to early autumn. Winters are mainly testing and selected experiences when weather allows.
Nearby hubs
Darlington - Northallerton - Richmond - Barnard Castle
Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are easy day trips. Durham and York are straightforward city add ons.
Event impact
Focused calendar - busy BTCC weekend
Local noise limits mean fewer major race weekends. Accommodation and pubs fill Friday - Sunday when BTCC or Rallycross are in town.

Family friendly highlights near the circuit

  • Raby Castle - Staindrop: Stately rooms, deer park and adventure playground. Easy half day between sessions.
  • Head of Steam Railway Museum - Darlington: Stockton and Darlington Railway heritage with hands on exhibits. Pair with a town center stroll.
  • Locomotion - Shildon: Big railway halls and rolling stock under cover. Great rainy day option for train fans.
  • Lightwater Valley - near Ripon: Theme park with family rides and outdoor play zones in season.
  • The Forbidden Corner - Coverdale: Quirky labyrinth of tunnels and follies in Wensleydale. Timed tickets recommended.
  • Preston Park Museum and Grounds - Eaglescliffe: Victorian street, river walks and a skate - play area.

Popular family venues use timed entry in school holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.

Culture hits and rainy day winners

  • Bowes Museum - Barnard Castle: French chateau style museum with decorative arts and the famous Silver Swan automaton.
  • Richmond Castle and Easby Abbey: Norman fortress above the Swale plus abbey ruins on a riverside walk.
  • Durham city: Cathedral and castle on a peninsula, riverside paths and cafés for a bigger indoor - outdoor mix.
  • York day indoors: National Railway Museum, Jorvik Viking Centre and the Minster if you add more time.
  • Green Howards Museum - Richmond: Compact military history stop right on the market square.

Eat and drink like a local

  • Market towns - Richmond and Northallerton: Bakeries, butchers and delis for paddock picnic supplies. Try pork pies, sausage rolls and Wensleydale cheese.
  • Country pubs - Teesdale and Swaledale: Hearty roasts, game in season and proper puddings. Fireplaces in cooler months, gardens in summer.
  • Masham breweries: Theakston and Black Sheep visitor centres pour local ales. Designate a driver if tasting.
  • Seafood detour: If you head to the coast, Whitby and Saltburn fish and chips are crowd pleasers after qualifying.
  • Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables in Richmond, Barnard Castle and village inns book quickly on BTCC weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.

Active outdoors between sessions

  • High Force and Low Force - Teesdale: Short riverside paths to classic waterfalls. Best after rain but can be sprayy underfoot.
  • Aysgarth Falls - Wensleydale: Three tiered falls with easy woodland loops and picnic spots.
  • North York Moors edge: Roseberry Topping or Sutton Bank for quick viewpoint hikes and glider views.
  • Hamsterley Forest: Family cycle trails, play areas and shaded walks on warm days.
  • Tees Barrage White Water Centre - Stockton: Book raft or paddle sessions, or stroll the riverside if you prefer it dry.
  • Coastal air: Saltburn pier and cliff lift with a broad beach for toe dips and sand time if you add a short drive.

Easy day trips if you are extending your stay

  • Richmond - 20 to 30 minutes. Castle, falls, market square and riverside walks.
  • Barnard Castle - 30 to 40 minutes. Bowes Museum, castle ruins and Tees views.
  • Durham - 35 to 55 minutes. World class cathedral and cobbled peninsula.
  • York - 60 to 80 minutes. Railway Museum, Minster, Shambles and city walls.
  • Whitby - North York Moors coast - 70 to 100 minutes. Abbey headland, harbourside fish and chips and moorland crossings.
  • Wensleydale - Swaledale loop - 45 to 90 minutes. Waterfalls, dry stone walls and cream teas on classic dale roads.

Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Waterfall sites and theme parks may require dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.

When to go and what to expect

  • Peak motorsport - Late spring through early autumn hosts BTCC, Rallycross and packed club calendars. Hotels and inns around Darlington, Richmond and Northallerton fill Thursday - Sunday.
  • Weather - Big sky and changeable. Expect bright sun with brisk winds on the open banks, quick showers and cool evenings. Pack layers, a light rain shell and sunscreen.

Practical notes during race weeks

  • On site operations: Public experiences and kart sessions may pause or run limited hours on headline weekends. Check the weekly schedule.
  • Ground and shade: Exposed airfield setting with long walks between Tower, Complex and Sunny In. A small folding chair or blanket and refillable bottles help on warm days.
  • Viewing picks: Jim Clark Esses for commitment, Tower for late braking and the Complex for overtakes and photos.
  • Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, waterproof footwear for dewy grass and a warm layer for breezy grandstands.

Opening hours, seasonal programs, museum - park ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.

Hotels & Accommodation

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