Silverstone announce plans to open new go-kart track in autumn

Silverstone will be opening a new go-kart track adjacent to their main race circuit later this year.

Backed by investment from the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), Kart Silverstone will feature as part of the new Silverstone complex.

The 1,377-metre track boasts six different configurations, allowing for everything from elite-level race meetings to casual sessions for families and children from the age of six.

The track will include building on the Bridge and Priory corners that used to form part of the full Grand Prix circuit between 1991 and 2009.

Kart Silverstone will play host to full karting events as well as more casual affairs like corporate events, team-building days, and group activities.

The infrastructure is part of recent developments at Silverstone, which includes the building of hotels and the Escapade resort.

An official opening date has not yet been confirmed, with Silverstone confirming the plan to open the track in the autumn.

Designed with input from BRDC figures including President and former F1 race winner David Coulthard and former F1 driver Anthony Davidson, the track will be fully licensed to host FIA international kart events and is expected to welcome over 160,000 visitors a year. 

The centre will also feature a rooftop deck with views across the circuit as well as a pizza place, bar and food & drink options.

Stuart Pringle, CEO of Silverstone said, “This commitment by our owners, the British Racing Drivers’ Club, marks a significant milestone in Silverstone’s transformation into a world-class, year-round motorsport and leisure destination. Kart Silverstone supports the BRDC’s mission to nurture new talent while also enhancing our visitor experience and expanding our product range.” 

Davidson added, “Karting is where every racing journey begins. To see Silverstone and the BRDC invest in something of this quality is truly exciting. I’ve no doubt it will inspire the next generation and maybe even lead some drivers to the very F1 circuit that surrounds it.” 

Current F1 star George Russell also praised the look of the site, with the Mercedes driver revealing he had been given the chance to tour the complex.

He said, “I visited Silverstone recently and had the chance to tour the future karting circuit. It’s incredibly impressive – I am confident it will become one of the premier karting facilities in the world, and a venue that all of British motorsport can be truly proud of. I am excited to get out on the track once it is open and support the next generation of young racers just starting out and chasing their motorsport dreams, just as the BRDC has done for me.”