Silesia Ring

Circuit History

The Silesia Ring was conceived with the ambition to create a world-class motorsport facility in Poland. The choice of location was strategic, taking advantage of an existing airfield at n Kamień Śląski, 15 km southeast of Opole. This airfield had a previous motorsport history, having hosted races of the Polish Formula 3 Championship from 1996 to 2004 on a temporary track laid out on the runways. The region’s industrial heritage and central European location further reinforced the decision to establish the track here.

Early history of the airfield

The airfield has an interesting history in its own right. Its origins date back to the early 20th century when the area was part of Germany. During World War II, the airfield was used by the German Luftwaffe as a base for fighter planes defending industrial areas in Upper Silesia. After World War II, when the region became part of Poland, the Polish Air Force took control of the airfield. Throughout the Cold War era, the airfield remained an active military installation, used for training and as a base for Polish Air Force operations.

Following the end of the Cold War, the airfield’s military significance diminished, and it was decommissioned by the Polish Air Force in the early 2000s. For several years, the airfield remained largely unused, with discussions about its potential future uses. In the 2010s, plans were developed to repurpose the former military airfield for civilian use, with a focus on motorsports.

Construction and development

Construction of the Silesia Ring commenced in 2015, with a clear vision to meet international racing standards. The design of the track incorporated modern safety features and amenities, ensuring it could host a wide range of motorsport events. The track was completed in 2016, and its final layout offered a blend of high-speed straights and technical corners, providing a thrilling experience for drivers.

The track stretches over 3.6 kilometres (2.24 miles) and includes 15 turns. The starting straight is 560 metres long and 15 metres wide, while the narrowest part of the track is 12 metres wide. The longest straight extends to 730 metres, allowing for significant speed. The pit lane comprises 25 pits, accommodating numerous teams and events simultaneously. Additionally, with the help of four short connections, the track can be configured into seven different routes, making it highly versatile.

The Silesia Ring officially opened in September 2016 with a grand ceremony that drew motorsport enthusiasts, local dignitaries and media. From its inception, the track garnered positive reviews for its design and facilities.

In its early years, the Silesia Ring became a popular venue for track days, corporate events, and driver training programmes. The modern facilities, including pit garages, a control tower, and hospitality suites, made it an attractive location for a variety of automotive events, including manufacturer days for Porsche and BMW. The track has also become a hub for car manufacturers and racing teams for testing and development. 

In addition to the motorsport track, the Silesia Ring is part of a larger sports park that includes an active airfield, a golf course, a shooting range, and an extensive off-road facility with numerous track combinations for car and motocross. These additional facilities have broadened the appeal of the complex, making it a versatile destination for various sporting activities.

Driver training programmes, safety courses, and corporate events have further diversified the activities available at the Silesia Ring, ensuring a steady stream of visitors throughout the year.

Recent developments

In recent years, the track has also become a favourite spot for motoring clubs and private individuals seeking a top-tier track experience.

One minor modification came in early 2018, when the pit lane was extended along the full length of the start/finish straight, with cars now entering the track from mid-way along Turn 1.

Looking ahead, the Silesia Ring aims to continue its growth and development. Plans are in place to enhance the facilities further, potentially extending the track and adding new amenities. The management team remains committed to maintaining the highest standards, ensuring that the Silesia Ring remains a premier motorsport venue in Europe.

They have also endorsed an official, Laser-scanned version of the track for Assetto Corsa, meaning you can hot lap virtually before you even arrive at the venue!

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