1941 — The Airfield
RAF Edgehill
The kart club shares the airfield with the present Shenington Gliding Club. Flying started from the site in 1941 as RAF Edgehill. Initially Wellington bombers used the airfield for flying practice, occasionally supplying aircraft and crew for operational bombing raids. A memorial stone is situated near the entrance to the kart circuit. The airfield is perhaps more famous for being the site of the test flights of the first jet-powered aircraft — in 1942, amongst great secrecy, the tiny Gloster E28/39 came for its trials.
1958 — Karting Arrives in the UK
A New Sport is Born
Kart racing was brought to the UK in 1958 by American airmen based here. After a successful demonstration at Silverstone in 1959, British rules were drawn up and soon large crowds were coming to meetings across the country.
1959 — The Beginning
Banbury Kart Club Founded
The local club was originally called Banbury Kart Club, inaugurated in 1959 by a Mr John Cooper who bought karts for hire. These were augmented by competitors' own karts.
February 1960 — First Race
5,000 Spectators at the First Meeting
The first meeting was held on Shenington (Edgehill) airfield in February 1960. Five thousand spectators came to see the twenty or thirty drivers competing — in those days there were not so many demands on leisure time. The facilities in the village did a roaring trade on that first weekend and indeed on many others.
1960–1961 — World Championship
Hosting Rounds of the First World Championship
During 1960 and 1961, the club held rounds of the first World Championship, which had its final round in Nassau, Bahamas. The other rounds were in Italy and the USA. Many famous drivers such as Graham Hill raced karts during this period.
1960s — The Mansell Era
A Future F1 Champion Begins
The club joined forces with Solihull to become the Solihull and Shenington Kart Club in the mid-sixties. During this period, Nigel Mansell CBE, born in nearby Upton-on-Severn, was a regular competitor — first in Juniors and then in the 210 National class.
1970s — A New Identity
Shenington Kart Racing Club
During the seventies the club adopted its current name, Shenington Kart Racing Club. The track settled on its current site. Pietr Klaassen formed a new committee and made it a members-only club to stabilise finances. The club passed through the chairmanship of various persons, including Chris Hodgetts, subsequently a British Touring Car Champion.
1990s — Expansion
Wilkins Corner & Circuit Evolution
In the early nineties the track was extended to include Wilkins Corner, named after one of the long-time racers who competed at Shenington for many years. The club continued to grow under the chairmanship of Steve Chapman, and later Mike Coombs from the late nineties to 2012.
2004 — Modern Facilities
Café Corner Opens
New toilets and the members' clubhouse were opened in 2004 near Café Corner, officially opened by club President Nigel Mansell.
Today — A Premier Circuit
65 Years & Counting
'Sheny', as it is affectionately known, is considered one of Britain's premier circuits, regularly holding major championship meetings. The circuit is registered as a Grade 3 heritage motor racing venue in LARA's register. Shenington offers two configurations: a 1018m layout for direct drive karts and an extended 1211m circuit for gearbox classes, with professional live streaming of every championship round from 2026.
