Mas du Clos

Overview

Mas du Clos Circuit is a private racing track nestled in the picturesque countryside of central France, near the commune of Saint-Avit-de-Tardes in the Creuse department. This hidden gem sits approximately 45.94°N latitude and 2.30°E longitude, surrounded by the rolling green landscapes of the Limousin region. The circuit offers a challenging layout for motorsport enthusiasts with its combination of technical corners and elevation changes that test driving skills while providing a serene backdrop of French rural beauty.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

The Mas du Clos track extends to approximately 3.0 kilometers (1.86 miles) in length and features a layout designed to challenge drivers at all skill levels. Its configuration includes a variety of corners ranging from tight hairpins to sweeping bends, with a notable straight that allows vehicles to reach considerable speeds before braking heavily for the following technical section. The circuit's natural elevation changes add to its complexity, creating blind corners and camber variations that demand precise driving techniques. The track surface offers good grip in dry conditions, though it can become particularly challenging during wet weather, adding another layer of complexity for drivers to master.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

Despite its private status, Mas du Clos offers several amenities for participants and visitors. The circuit includes a paddock area where teams can set up and prepare their vehicles, along with basic pit facilities for service during track days. There are viewing areas that take advantage of the natural terrain, allowing spectators to observe multiple sections of the track from single vantage points. While not equipped with the extensive facilities of larger commercial circuits, Mas du Clos maintains its charm through its intimate setting and focus on the pure driving experience rather than spectator accommodations. The circuit's private nature means it's primarily used for exclusive track days, driving courses, and private testing rather than large public events.

History

Mas du Clos Circuit was created by Pierre Bardinon, a renowned Ferrari collector and enthusiast, who developed the track on his estate in the 1960s. Bardinon, whose collection of rare Ferrari racing cars was considered one of the most important in the world, built the circuit primarily as a personal playground to exercise his prestigious vehicles. Over the years, the track hosted numerous private events and became somewhat legendary in European motorsport circles as an exclusive venue where fortunate enthusiasts could experience driving in a pure, nostalgic setting. Though never a venue for major international competitions, Mas du Clos earned its place in racing heritage through its connection to Bardinon's extraordinary Ferrari collection and as a symbol of passionate motorsport enthusiasm. The circuit has maintained much of its original character throughout the decades, preserving a piece of motorsport history in the heart of France.