Rockingham
There is no other racing venue in the UK quite like Rockingham. Half a decade since its opening, the US - style oval venue has suffered a turbulent time, but seems to have found a niche as a corporate venue that hosts motorsport, rather than as a race track that hosts the odd corporate event.
This is no bad thing, as the circuit offers facilities that, in many ways, dwarf those offered at more famous venues. The scale of the main grandstand is awe-inspiring. Sadly, the days it is full are few and far between. As a track day venue, it poses an intriguing challenge, being anti clockwise (most corners are left handers) and banked.
Rockingham has over a dozen potential circuit layouts - it could actually run three events at any one time thanks to the maze of asphalt available. I'm going to focus on the International Circuit, which comes in two configurations (see below) as this is used for most race events and track days. I'm not going to offer any advice on the oval circuit, as I know more about croquet techniques than NASCAR skills. If you have the opportunity to drive the oval, may I point you in the direction of the definitive guide to oval racing: Days of Thunder, available at your local Blockbuster.
Rockingham Motor Speedway, Corby, Northants, NN17 5RR
Lap distance: Long - 2.560 miles (4.118 km), Short - 2.450 miles (3.934 km)
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