About the track
Stretton Circuit is a 950 metre outdoor track in rolling countryside on the edge of Leicester, built and extended over the years rather than laid out in one go. It weaves around banks, trees and buildings, with high and low speed corners, chicanes and hairpins, grass run-off, raised kerbs and tyre walls either side.
It is priced consistently and clearly, which is rarer than it should be. Fifteen minutes is £30 and thirty is £45 across adult, junior and family sessions, so £2 a minute or £1.50 depending on what you book. The best value is the Full GP at £70, which buys 50 minutes of track time across practice, qualifying and a 30-minute race, working out at £1.40 a minute with trophies included.
The pit lane viewing area is a genuinely good feature. It sits between the circuit on one side and the pit lane on the other, so waiting drivers and spectators are in the middle of everything rather than watching from behind a fence.
One scheduling quirk to know about. Junior parties are advertised Monday to Friday in spring and summer, because weekends in those months are busy with stag and hen groups which the operator describes as boisterous. Weekend junior bookings are possible on request, but you need to ring and ask.
It is also open to owner drivers and riders, who can take the circuit exclusively by the hour at £300 or for a full day at £2,000, with a maximum of twelve vehicles on track.
Racing your own kart
Sessions and prices
Set by the track. You book direct — we don't add a fee.
Good for
Opening hours
Junior parties are advertised Monday to Friday during spring and summer, because weekends in those months are busy with stag and hen groups. Weekend junior bookings are possible on request.
Planning your visit
Accessibility
- The pit lane viewing area puts spectators between the circuit and the pit lane, which is an unusually good vantage point.
- Risk assessments are available to download for local authority and youth group bookings.
- Indemnity forms can be downloaded in advance where prior consent is needed, or signed by a group organiser on everyone's behalf after the briefing.
- Family sessions put a whole family group on track together, which not every circuit allows.
Questions people ask
How young can children drive at Stretton?
Eight, in cadet karts, provided they are at least 1.2m tall. Junior karts start at 10 and 1.4m. Family sessions are 8 and over and put a whole family group on track together.
Can my fourteen-year-old use an adult kart?
Their own sources disagree. The site's FAQ says senior karts are 16 and over, but the booking system sells adult arrive and drive and every race format from 14. Ring the circuit on 0116 259 2900 to confirm before booking for a 14 or 15-year-old.
What does a session cost?
Fifteen minutes is £30 and thirty minutes £45, whether adult, junior or family. A party package for five or more is £30 or £42.50. Race formats run from £45 for a Sprint to £70 for the Full GP, which at 50 minutes of track time is the best value per minute they offer.
Which format gives the most track time?
The Full GP at £70: ten minutes practice, ten qualifying and a 30-minute race, so 50 minutes in total with trophies included. Endurance runs longer still, up to 1 hour 50 for teams of four, but that time is shared between drivers.
Can we all drive together as a family?
Yes. Family arrive and drive is for a single family group of 2 to 10 drivers, from age 8, all on track at the same time. Ordinary sessions split groups of 10 or more.
Can we book a junior party at the weekend?
Junior parties are advertised Monday to Friday during spring and summer, because weekends are busy with stag and hen groups that can be boisterous. Weekend bookings for juniors may be possible subject to other events, so ring reception.
How many karts are on track at once?
A maximum of twelve. Groups of ten or more booking arrive and drive are split into separate sessions.
What deposit do I need to pay?
£10 per person, with the balance payable on the day. Larger groups can hold a provisional date first. Local authority, youth group and large company bookings can be settled on account by arrangement.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Your deposit carries over to a future date only if you give at least 72 hours' notice and the circuit manages to resell your slot. If either condition is not met the deposit is forfeited.
What should I wear?
Suitable footwear with no open toes or heels. Race suit, gloves and helmet are provided, but the suits are not waterproof, so if the circuit is wet bring a full change of clothes and an old pair of shoes.
What happens when I arrive?
A safety briefing recorded by the National Karting Association, then a second briefing specific to Stretton covering braking points, racing lines and kart control. Every event starts with an installation lap behind a marshal before your timed laps begin.
Can I bring my own kart or bike?
Yes. Owner drivers and riders can book the circuit for exclusive use, £300 an hour or £2,000 for a full day, with a maximum of twelve vehicles on track. Visiting championships need proof of adequate insurance.
Getting there
Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 2FG
0116 259 2900
Where this came from
- eligibility, deposits, policies, briefing — https://strettoncircuit.co.uk/faq/ (Operator's own site)
- circuit — https://strettoncircuit.co.uk/the-circuit/ (Operator's own site)
- pricing, formats, group sizes, owner hire — https://flow.alphatiming.co.uk/strettoncircuit/book/products (Operator's booking system)