European Le Mans Series Comes to Silverstone
If you’re looking for something a bit different to do with the family this September, Silverstone might just have the answer. The European Le Mans Series returns to the circuit this weekend, bringing four hours of endurance racing, a huge grid of cars, and a fair bit going on beyond the track itself.
What Is the European Le Mans Series?
The main event is the Goodyear 4 Hours of Silverstone, part of the European Le Mans Series. It’s the series’ second consecutive year back at Silverstone after a six-year absence, and it sees the world’s top endurance racing teams battle it out over four hours of racing. The grid is a big one too, with 47 cars competing across four classes: LMP2, LMP2 Pro/Am, LMP3 and LMGT3. For the teams involved, there’s a serious prize on the line as well, with an automatic invitation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans up for grabs.
Dates and Times
The event runs across three days:
- Friday 11 September
- Saturday 12 September
- Sunday 13 September
Full session times are available on Silverstone’s timetable page, which is worth a look if you want to plan your day around a particular session or the main race itself.
What Else Is On Across the Weekend
It’s not just about the racing. There’s a fair bit else happening across the weekend if you fancy making more of a day of it.
ELMS Charity Run
On Friday 11 September at 18:50, there’s a Charity Run around a 5.891km lap of the full Silverstone Circuit. Everyone taking part gets an exclusive Charity Run T-shirt, and all proceeds go to the Luca Guintoli Foundation, which supports families affected by childhood cancer and funds research. Tickets start from £10 and can be added as an extra when you buy your ELMS tickets, or booked directly.
Behind the Barriers and Paddock Access
If you want to get a bit closer to the action, there’s a Saturday Pit Walk and Main Straight Walk from £27, giving you access to the teams as they prepare, plus autograph sessions and behind-the-scenes moments. Sunday and Weekend ticket holders also get access to a grid walk and autograph session as part of the open paddock experience.
Fanzone and Camping
There’s also a Fanzone running across the weekend (Silverstone says more details on this are coming soon), and if you fancy making a proper weekend of it, camping is available at the Ridings, the closest campsite to the circuit, with pitches available from Thursday through to Monday.
Beyond the Track
Silverstone has plenty on site to fill the rest of your day too. Kart Silverstone offers karting for all levels from £30, Silverstone Museum has exhibits covering the history of British motorsport, and Box Box Pizza is open for a pit-stop bite serving sourdough pizzas and light bites.
Tickets
General admission ticket pricing isn’t listed publicly on Silverstone’s event page — you’ll need to head through their booking system for full details on cost. Extras like the Charity Run (from £10) and Behind the Barriers (from £27) can be added on separately.
The details in this guide are based on information from Silverstone’s official website and were correct at the time of publication. Details can change at short notice, so it’s worth double-checking directly with Silverstone before you travel.
If motorsport isn’t usually on your radar for a family day out, this could be a fun way to shake things up for the weekend — just make sure you book quickly given how close the dates are. For more ideas on what’s happening across the county, take a look at my guide to things to do in Northamptonshire for families, or sign up to my weekly newsletter so you never miss what’s coming up.
