Is Silverstone Track Time Worth £40? Complete Guide to the National Circuit for TRAX & Ford Fair 2026

Why choose Silverstone for your next Track Time?

Silverstone is synonymous with British motorsport. For a flat fee of £40 per session, the TRAX event on 16 August 2026 and the Ford Fair on 23 August 2026 give drivers the chance to put their own cars on one of the country’s most iconic circuits. Whether you are a first‑time track‑day rookie or a seasoned enthusiast, knowing the National Circuit’s layout will help you extract confidence and enjoyment from every lap.

Although the National Circuit is shorter than the 3.66‑mile Grand Prix layout, it still packs several of the venue’s most famous corners – Copse, Maggotts, Brooklands, Luffield and Woodcote – into a compact 1.64‑mile loop. Mastering each of these sections is the key to a successful day.

Preparing for the day

Before you head to the circuit, make sure you have read the essential preparation guides on our site:

• How to Prepare Your Car for a Track Day
• Track Session Prep Guide
• Best Affordable Track Car Projects

These articles will help you and your car arrive ready for the challenge.

What to expect on arrival

Track Time sessions start in the assembly area behind the Medical Centre. After signing in and attending a mandatory safety briefing, you will queue in a designated holding bay. A safety car will lead the first few laps, allowing you to get a feel for the track without the pressure of competition.

Use these opening laps to:

• Learn the circuit layout
• Check mirror positions
• Warm the tyres and brakes
• Monitor tyre and engine temperatures
• Confirm that all car systems feel normal

When marshals deem conditions safe, the safety car will exit and your full Track Time session will commence.

Silverstone National Circuit Corner Guide

1 – Copse Corner

Copse is a fast right‑hander at the end of the pit straight. It demands a light, progressive brake before a late apex, then a smooth throttle application to carry momentum onto the following straight. Turning in too early will compromise the exit and may force you wide.

Because Copse is high‑speed, a stable chassis makes a big difference. Many drivers upgrade to quality suspension – for example the Bilstein B14 or B16 – to reduce body roll and improve confidence.

2 – Maggotts

Maggotts separates the National Circuit from the Grand Prix layout. Though less complex than the full Maggotts‑Becketts sequence, it is a crucial braking zone that leads onto Wellington Straight. Brake in a straight line, rotate the car early and aim for a clean, steady exit rather than an aggressive approach.

Effective weight transfer here highlights the importance of a well‑tuned suspension and chassis balance.

3 – Wellington Straight

After Maggotts you have a chance to open the throttle. Use the straight to gauge your speed, check mirrors for approaching traffic and settle the car before the heavy braking zone at Brooklands. Remember, smoothness beats outright speed on a track day.

4 – Brooklands

Brooklands offers one of the circuit’s best overtaking spots. Heavy braking is required, but the apex arrives later than many expect. A patient entry, followed by a gradual throttle increase, will give you a strong exit onto Luffield.

5 – Luffield

Luffield is a long right‑hander that rewards precise inputs. Keep the car tight on the inside, avoid early throttle, and listen for tyre squeal – excessive noise indicates you are over‑driving the corner. A well‑balanced suspension helps maintain grip throughout the turn.

6 – Woodcote

Woodcote is a fast, flowing corner that leads onto the pit straight. Minimise steering input, keep momentum, and look far ahead. Many drivers find that relaxing their grip reduces unnecessary corrections and improves stability.

7 – Start‑Finish Straight

Completing the lap on the start‑finish straight gives you a clear view of your progress. Each lap will reveal reference points and allow you to refine your line. The quickest drivers are usually the smoothest, not the most aggressive.

Fast facts about Silverstone

National Circuit length: 1.64 mi

GP Circuit length: 3.66 mi

National Circuit corners: 6

GP Circuit corners: 18

Track Time cost: £40 per session

TRAX date: 16 Aug 2026

Ford Fair date: 23 Aug 2026

Key tips for getting the most from the National Circuit

• Drive with smoothness and precision; the circuit rewards technical skill over brute force.
• Prioritise exit speed on Maggotts and Luffield – these corners feed the longest straights.
• Keep an eye on mirrors; Silverstone’s width can hide cars, and awareness helps avoid dangerous “lunges”.
• Use the day to learn how your car behaves under braking, steering and weight transfer – the knowledge improves both track and road performance.

Optimising your chassis set‑up

Many drivers chase extra horsepower before addressing the fundamentals. In reality, tyre grip, brakes and suspension have a greater impact on lap times. A well‑tuned suspension improves stability under braking, steering response and overall driver confidence.

TRAX’s Track Time is supported by Bilstein. Their range – from OEM replacement dampers to performance‑focused B14, B16, EVO S, EVO SE, EVO T1, EVO T2 and EVO R – can help you extract the most from your chassis, whether you’re on the road or the track.

Ford owners – a quick note

If you are attending Ford Fair, remember that Track Time is designed to be safe and enjoyable for drivers of all abilities. Accidents are rare, but should they occur, the event is backed by Ford Accident Management, which uses approved repair methods and genuine parts to restore a vehicle to factory standards.

Booking your Silverstone session

Ready to get on track? TRAX returns to Silverstone on 16 August 2026 – tickets and Track Time sessions are available at TRAX’s website. A week later, Ford Fair takes over on 23 August 2026, with its own Track Time slots accessible via the Ford Fair site.

Before you set off, revisit the preparation guides listed earlier to ensure a smooth, unforgettable day at one of the UK’s most celebrated motorsport venues.

We’ll see you on the grid.

Track guide sourced from Fast Ford magazine. Words: Alex Nevill & Jamie King. Photos: Fast Ford archive.