About the track
750 metres of smooth tarmac at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in east Devon, averaging eight metres wide — broad enough that overtaking is a real option rather than a hopeful lunge.
The published times tell you what kind of circuit it is: a 39.5-second lap record against 44 to 48 seconds for a good dry lap is a wide spread, which means experience pays off here more than at most hire-kart venues. Established over 50 years ago, it is affiliated to Motorsport UK and the ABkC, runs its own kart club with classes from Bambino to Gearbox, and publishes live timing.
It is a full day-out venue rather than a single-activity site: cafe bar and restaurant, a racing simulator, an indoor combat activity, and field space for camping if you are racing over a weekend.
Top speed of 45mph is the operator's published figure, not an independent measurement.
Racing your own kart
Membership of an ABkC-recognised club is needed to race. Local membership discounts entry and practice fees.
The lap, corner by corner
A long start/finish straight at the bottom and a fast sweeping section along the top, joined by two very different technical complexes. Almost all the lap time is decided by how well you exit onto that bottom straight.
The far-left horseshoe Long, constant radius
Heaviest braking on the lap. A big 180 rather than a hairpin, so it rewards one smooth arc over stamping on the brakes. Exit feeds a medium straight, so a slightly late apex is enough.
The switchback Tightest point
A hard direction change that doubles the track back on itself. Nothing to win here — the aim is to not lose time and to line yourself up for what follows.
Onto the top sweep Sacrifice entry
Opens onto the long fast run along the top. Late apex, get the kart straight, be patient with the throttle — you carry this exit speed a long way.
The far-right loop Momentum
Fast, wide and flowing. Brake early and lightly rather than late and hard — losing momentum here costs you the whole return leg.
The return loop Set up for 6
Deliberately give this one up. Take a wide, early line so you can position for the final corner, which matters far more.
Final corner onto the straight Money corner
The one that decides your lap. Brake deep, apex very late, get the kart straight early and be hard on the power before you have finished turning. Everything else is preparation for this.
Corner numbering is ours — the track does not publish names. Racing line derived from the layout, not telemetry.
The karts
- Sodi SR5 — senior, 14+ and 1.4m
- Sodi LR6 — junior, 8 to 13 and 1.2m
Sessions and prices
Set by the track. You book direct — we don't add a fee.
Good for
Planning your visit
Accessibility
- Spectators watch free of charge.
- Camping and camper van space on site, with hotels and B&Bs within 30 minutes.
Questions people ask
How young can children race?
Eight, in the junior Sodi LR6 karts, provided they are at least 1.2m tall. Junior versions of every race format run from that age at the same price as the adult events. Senior karts start at 14 and 1.4m.
Can I just turn up and drive?
Yes. Arrive and drive is £46 for two fifteen-minute sessions with all equipment provided. Booking ahead is advised because track time isn't guaranteed.
How much does a group race cost?
Sprint races run from £54 for ten laps up to £71 for thirty. A Grand Prix is £79 and the Ultimate Grand Prix £97. Race formats need at least six drivers.
How is endurance racing priced?
Per kart rather than per driver — £95 for one hour, £165 for two and £220 for three, with a minimum of six karts. Split between a team, that works out considerably cheaper per person.
How far do you actually race?
A ten-lap sprint covers about 4.9 miles, twenty laps 9.7 miles and thirty laps 14.6 miles.
Do I need to be a member to race?
Not of Dunkeswell's own club, but you need membership of an ABkC-recognised club to race. Local membership discounts entry and practice fees.
What racing classes run here?
Bambino for practice only, then Cadet, Mini, Junior, Senior, 177 and Gearbox.
Does it cost anything to watch?
No. Spectators can come and watch racing free of charge.
Can I stay overnight?
There is field space for camping and camper vans on site, and the operator lists hotels and B&Bs within half an hour.
How do I get there?
The circuit sits at Dunkeswell Aerodrome near Honiton, about twenty minutes from junction 26 of the M5 or ten minutes from the A30 Honiton bypass.
What else is there besides karting?
A racing simulator on Fanatec rigs from £40, one-to-one tuition from £85, and Combat Lab, a forest combat game for ages 5 and up at £22.50.
Getting there
Dunkeswell, Devon, EX14 4AH
01404 891 450
[email protected]
Where this came from
- circuit, lapTimes, karts — https://www.dunkeswellraceway.co.uk/track-karts/
- pricing, eligibility — https://www.dunkeswellraceway.co.uk/arrive-drive/
- group event pricing — https://www.dunkeswellraceway.co.uk/group-events/
- faqs, postcode, classes, directions — https://www.dunkeswellraceway.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/
- pricing, eligibility, kart models — https://flow.alphatiming.co.uk/dunkeswellraceway/book/products (Operator's live booking system — the most current source)