A new chapter has begun for Thruxton Circuit after the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) agreed the sale of its interests in the Thruxton race circuit operating companies to the venue’s owner, Alex Thistlethwayte.
The agreement sees ownership of the circuit businesses transfer to Alex Thistlethwayte, who acquired the freehold of the Thruxton estate in 2024. The BARC had previously held leases on the race circuit, skid pan, kart centre and other facilities across the wider estate, with those agreements due to run until 2037.
Despite the sale, the BARC has confirmed it will remain headquartered at the Hampshire circuit, where it has been based since 1968. The club will also continue to organise race meetings at Thruxton, extending a relationship that has now spanned 58 racing seasons.
BARC Chairman Tony Scott Andrews said the agreement marks an exciting opportunity for both organisations.
He said: “Alex took over the freehold from Henry Pelham in 2024 and he has been keen to shape it into a destination airfield, circuit and leisure facility.
“The sale of our interest in the Thruxton circuit businesses releases significant capital for the BARC, resulting in a strong financial position for investment in our membership and race programmes, as well as exciting new initiatives to see the club well into the future. At the same time, it allows Alex the flexibility and control to invest in the circuit and its facilities in order to realise his ambitions for the venue.
“We are proud to be able to hand over a thriving asset built by the club since establishing this as our home in 1968. The BARC will continue to be based at Thruxton and we will remain an integral part of the circuit’s future.”
Alex Thistlethwayte paid tribute to the BARC’s role in shaping one of Britain’s most iconic racing circuits and said he was looking forward to building on its legacy.
He said: “The BARC has invested its time, money and considerable effort to make Thruxton what it is today – a fabulous circuit, full of history, with a special affection within the racing community. What BARC and its staff have created here over the years is a large part of what attracted me to buy the site in the first instance.
“Significant investment in both the airfield and circuit as a combined facility will elevate Thruxton as an attractive destination, whether you are a flyer, a driver or a visitor. It’s really exciting and I am delighted that we will continue to work closely with the BARC here at the club’s home.”
Work is already underway on a major new clubhouse development, which will feature an executive chef-led restaurant, prestige cocktail bar, diner and an on-site beer tap room, creating a new hospitality destination alongside the motorsport venue.
Attention will now turn to further investment in the circuit itself, with ambitions to establish Thruxton among the UK’s premier motorsport venues while building on the circuit’s rich heritage and close relationship with the BARC.
The transition is expected to be seamless for customers and visitors, with all staff employed by the Thruxton businesses remaining in their existing roles and all contact details staying the same.