The Pembrey race track was said to be three-time Formula 1 World Champion Ayrton Senna's favourite track; something of a feat given the fact he raced at such legendary tracks as Monaco, Spa Francorchamps and Monza. He still holds the unofficial lap record, from his time testing with the McLaren team.
The track itself is very flat, given the airfield nature of its location. This makes it difficult for drivers to navigate round its 1.5 mile length, but once you've got the hang of it, it's a satisfying place to go racing. It combines some very fast straights, sweeping corners, and a tight hairpin to trap the unwary.
The start is placed halfway along the Park Straight, with the vicious Hatchets Hairpin awaiting the unprepared. It's a tight acute angled right-hander, with a decent apex position squirting you out onto a very short straight to the Spitfires Corner, which can be taken full tilt. The never-ending left-hander, Dibeni Bend, awaits with its multiple apexes.
Another straight brings you to the deceptive Esses right-hander. It looks gentle enough, but many vehicles have come a cropper in the banking after drifting (or being pushed) onto the grass.
Another quick spurt brings the Brooklands Hairpin. By no means is it as sharp as Hatchets, but a good exit speed is essential to carry speed through the length of the Speedway Straight and right-handed Woodlands Corner complex down to Honda Curve.
Honda Curve is a right-angled right-hander which brings you back to the start/finish straight. Another good apex speed and position is essential as cars can overtake you on the Park Straight if you're slow out of the corner. One and a half miles, eight corners and you're back for another lap.
your comments
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Tony of Llanelli
I have raced at the circuit in a variety of cars; from MG BGT's to Mitsubishi Evo's etc. I have met quite a few famous faces at Pembrey over the years. What a place! And it's on my doorstep! It's a shame the BARC don't offer any track days; I'm sure track days would raise the profile of the track.
Tue May 26 12:04:56 2009
Geraint, Bridgend
If you want to get into the motorsport community go to www.msauk.org or call down to any motorsport circuit to get full advice about starting. Hope its a bit of help to you and I hope to see you race down Pembrey in the future.
Tue Jul 22 17:16:21 2008
James of Llanelli
I live really local and I've always had a burning desire to race! Love go kart racing abroad and I would say I'm quite good! I just dont know how to go about having a racing career...want to race anything, from lawn mower - banger racing! Please help me out and give me some information! Thanks James.
Wed Jun 11 13:23:05 2008
tracey from swansea
When are u going to be having California Superbike School down there? It would be great if we didn't have to tromp all the way up Donnington, and would certainly put Pembrey on the map.
Tue Dec 4 10:21:16 2007
kev aberdare
Good track. Underused - needs investment. Hopeless facilities.
Tue Aug 28 10:42:30 2007
Chris S. Wales
I have driven the circuit many times and one day may even get it right. It is a great circuit that rewards commitment and is very satisfiying to drive with a superb mix of challenging corners. Staff and facilities are very good and it's a shame that many more people don't make the trip West to enjoy both the racetrack and the area. Highly recommended, come to Wales and see what you've been missing!
Wed Aug 2 16:27:32 2006
Have you ever driven on the Pembrey circuit? Let us know your experiences.
