Short oval motor racing is a fun day out for all. Race meetings usually consist of between 12 and 15 races.
We race, come rain or shine.
Racegoers are more than welcome to bring a picnic, maybe some chairs or a blanket to sit on, on the spectator bankings.

New to Autospeed?

If you are a first time visitor to any of our tracks, here are a few tips... Remember – this is very much an outdoor pursuit, and weather conditions are a key factor of the day. For further information on each race day, check the website – especially the detailed meeting previews.

Smeatharpe Stadium

The track is high up in the Blackdown Hills located next to an old WWII airstrip and is therefore exposed to the elements. Always remember to bring additional clothing to keep warm and a brolly (these can be left in your car where you can easily pop back out to collect if the weather turns wet). There is a limited amount of spectator viewing area which is under cover.  Although there are some limited seating options in the area on the home straight, the majority of the track is surrounded by grass banks so you might wish to bring your own chairs to sit on and enjoy the atmosphere that is unique to short oval motor racing.

There is a Disabled Parking section in the car park.  This is accessed from the entrance to the car park at the Honiton end (west) of the stadium.  From the Disabled Parking area, there is a tarmac path to the turnstiles.  Once inside the stadium, less than 25 metres from the turnstiles, there is a ramp leading up to a Disabled Viewing Area.

Hot and cold food is always available from one of our numerous mobile caterers, as well as ice-creams; snacks; jacket potatoes; sweets; and hot or cold drinks from our very own tuck shop. We also have a mobile bar present at the majority of our meetings throughout the season.

The track shop is always open where you can browse and purchase clothing, photos, magazines and other memorabilia which could be a souvenir of your day - just remember to come back again!

United Downs Raceway

The track is located in disused tin mine area and can at times be a little dusty, so come prepared. We recommend you bring additional clothing during the colder times of the year, and you are always welcome to bring your own chairs.

Limited parking within the raceway is available where you can watch the action from the comfort of your own vehicle but please note, during bigger meetings, arena parking does become limited.

There is a trackside area for Disabled Parking - admission to this area for blue badge holders.  Wheelchair users are advised that the terrain can be rocky and uneven in places, but from where vehicles park in this area, to a position for viewing would be a very short distance of under 25 metres.

Hot and cold food food is available as well as ice-creams; snacks; jacket potatoes; and hot or cold drinks.

We also have a mobile bar present at the majority of our meetings throughout the season.

Pit Access

To further your enjoyment of, and involvement in, a short oval motor race meeting, there is always full access to the Pits Area. Always take care, as there are many moving vehicles, but racegoers can have a wander around the Pits Area, taking photos if you so wish, as you marvel at what goes on behind the scenes, with drivers repairing and preparing cars for their next race.

Raceday Information

A full PA system is in place at all of our tracks which provide you with commentary for each race, and official results at the end of the race. Our commentary team will give you a brief overview of each Formula on show and a full background to the race itself but Always remember to purchase a programme as this is packed with information and will indicate how many races are run during any given meeting.

If you are a first time visitor, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of information and detail that goes in to running a full meeting. Don't worry though, as any member of the Autospeed team will be more than happy to answer any questions you have, and more than likely, a seasoned racegoer standing nearby will do likewise.

When you get home, please feel free to contact Autospeed via our detailed website and provide your feedback on your day with us - we are always looking for ways to help improve your experience with us.

Raceday Timings (for a typical start time of 1.00pm)

Typically, we would recommend you arrive between half an hour to an hour before the event. That way, you can catch the last period of pre-meeting Practice, which typically runs from 11.30am to 12.30pm. By taking in a few minutes of the pre-meeting Practice, you will be able to familiarise yourself with surroundings. This will give you an indication of the speeds of the cars, and the noise and sight of the racing - spectators are quite close to the track.

At any stage of the race meeting, you can enter the Pits Area, where it is possible to get right up close to the race cars and drivers.

At 12.50pm, weather permitting, there is a Grand Parade, ahead of the first race at 1.00pm.

More Questions?

If you have any other questions please read our FAQ section. If we still have not answered your question, please feel free to drop us an email via the contact page on the website.