Spectating at Aintree

We are pleased to welcome spectators to all of our events at Aintree, access being gained off Melling Road just before crossing over the Blue Anchor canal bridge.

Practice usually starts just after 9.00am, all competitiors having the opportunity of taking two practice runs. Then we are normally straight into the first of the timed competitive runs after which we stop for 45 minutes for lunch. The second and third timed competitive runs start at approximately 1.45pm and, if we get time, we offer competitors a fourth timed run, although this last run does not normally count towards the results on the day.

All timings are approximate and subject to change dependant on the prevailing conditions on the day.
The charge for admission is: Adults £5.00, children under 16 and car parking are both free. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Various spectator areas are available including close to the start areas, unfortunately it is not possible to access some parts of the circuit. However, the entire paddock is open to spectators - so you can get really close to the drivers and their cars.

Please note that for saftey reasons, pets (even well behaved dogs) are not permitted at any of our motorsport events at Aintree.

What is Sprinting

Sprinting is one of the oldest forms of motorsport, having been established in the 1890’s. The cars start one at a time, competing against the clock and the fastest driver wins. Well OK, it’s not quite as easy as that. It’s obvious that someone driving a roadgoing Mini is not going to stand a chance of beating one of the Formula 1 engined racing cars, so we split the cars into classes of similar vehicles.

In the morning, each driver is given two practice runs, at an interval of about an hour. Although the times for these practice runs are recorded, they do not count toward the results.

Then the competition really starts, with the first of two more timed runs per driver. You’ll notice that some cars are shared by two drivers, the first competing at the beginning of his (or her) class. After everyone has taken two runs, time permitting, we shall then try to give everyone yet another timed run as a final attempt for each driver to set his or her overall fastest run of the day. If the event has gone particularly well, we often then offer competitors a fouth timed run, although this last run does not count towards the results on the day.

How are the times measured?

The start line crew line up each car at the start, and as the driver sets off, the car breaks a beam of light to start a very accurate clock that times the car until it passes through another beam at the finish line. The elapsed time then reveals who is the quickest driver.

Where do the cars go?

Leaving the start, preferably without too much wheelspin (doing that only wastes time!) there is a 250 metres straight before the first corner, a sharp left hander called Country Corner. 230 metres further on is Village Corner, a banked right hander which has to be taken just right to get a slingshot out along the 450 metres long Valentines Way. Bechers Bend is next and is incredibly intimidating as it starts quite tightly but quickly opens out. It lasts for nearly 450 metres, and even the slowest cars will be doing around 75mph on the exit. Get it right and you gain important extra speed to take you on to Railway Straight, over 600 metres long, but to avoid excessive speed & in the interest of safety, our finish line is just half way along, opposite Country Corner. The cars then slow down & return to the paddock. Today’s sprint course is 1847 metres from start line to finish line.

How do I know who’s fastest?

We set up two digital displays at the start. One showing the time for each car, the other its speed as it crosses the finish line. Listen out for the commentator too. He knows most of the drivers and will no doubt have his own ideas about who is likely to win each class. However, at every event there will be several drivers out there who have not been to Aintree before, so there may be a few surprises for the regulars!