The ex-airfield of Castle Combe is an incredibly fast, bumpy track used by road racers testing for the Isle of Man TT. Here’s how to make the most of this 1.85 mile circuit…

Track Attack

YOUR GUIDE TO MASTERING THE BEST OF BRITISH CIRCUITS

1 Folly

As you come onto the tiny start/finish straight, you’re going to want to be near enough hugging the white line on the left, using all the track and already looking as far ahead as you can see into the distance. Depending on the bike you’ll either be flat stick through here (in about fourth gear, so it’s quick!) or just rolling off on entry, before tipping in at the 100 yard corner sign which is where the new tarmac starts.

Carrying speed through Folly is vital for a quick lap time, so take a deep breath and dig deep, aiming to hit the apex where the cars have destroyed the grass and there’s just dirt. It’s incredibly bumpy mid-corner so keep that in mind, and even when you’re cranking a lot of lean angle you’ll want to be gassing hard to the very edge of the track on exit and up towards Avon Rise.

2 Avon Rise

As you’re firing up through the gearbox and heading towards Avon Rise, you’ll want to be floating back over to the right side of the track for the optimum trajectory, aiming to be on the white line on the right hand side of the track just before the 150 yard board (or where the cars have destroyed the grass, again…). Quarry Corner will be coming up fast and you’ll be braking hard with some lean angle over a pretty bumpy stretch, so make sure you get your body position set up nice and early, trying not to be too harsh on the brakes to keep the bike as settled as possible.