Three Sisters Circuit

About Three Sisters Circuit

Three Sisters takes its name from three towering spoil heaps that once stood on this former colliery site near Ashton-in-Makerfield, just outside Wigan. The land was reclaimed by the local council and opened as the Three Sisters Recreation Area in 1978, with the race circuit at its heart. Today it is one of the North West's best-known outdoor motorsport venues, licensed by both Motorsport UK and the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), and it hosts far more than karting — car track days, drift days, supermoto and motorcycle racing all use the same tarmac. For a rental driver, that means arriving at a genuine, full-size race circuit rather than a leisure loop.

The Circuit

The 1,500m layout has a reputation as one of the more technical and demanding circuits in the country. An extension opened in the early 1990s added real gradient: the track climbs away from the Conrod Straight up to the aptly named Coward's Summit before dropping back towards the pits. Combined with tight complexes and named corners such as Lunar Bend, it puts a premium on braking points, commitment and reading the camber — there are proper overtaking spots, but also plenty of places to lose time. It is rated intermediate to advanced, and rewards drivers who build up over a session rather than chasing one hot lap.

Who Should Visit

The circuit caters for a wide range, but who can race depends on the event: most regular sessions are adult sessions, with dedicated junior events running at set times — junior karting typically from age 6, and kart practice and open racing from age 8 — so families with keen young drivers should check the event calendar before booking. No experience or equipment is needed for rental sessions — you turn up, get kitted out and race.

It also runs a serious competition calendar: individual and team endurance events (the 3S40, 3S120 and six-hour 3S360 formats), summer and winter sprint racing, owner-driver track time and the long-running Bill Sisley kart school and club for juniors. That mix makes it a venue drivers return to and progress at, not just visit once.

Planning Your Visit

Three Sisters Circuit is at Three Sisters Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan — postcode WN4 8DD, close to the M6. There is a bar and food on site, and a small on-arrival parking charge has been noted by recent visitors. As an outdoor circuit, sessions often run in the wet — rain racing is part of the appeal — but it is worth checking ahead if severe weather is forecast.

Because the site shares its calendar between karting, car and bike events, availability varies day to day. Advance booking is recommended, particularly for weekends, group bookings and endurance rounds. Confirm current session times and prices directly with the circuit before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions