Circuit Nogaro — Roulage moto piste 🇫🇷

Motorcycle Track Day at the Nogaro Circuit

The Paul Armagnac circuit in Nogaro, in the Gers department, is the first permanent circuit in France, inaugurated on October 2, 1960. With over 60 years of motorsport history, Nogaro is a major venue for motorcycle track day and track days in the Southwest. Its technical 3.64 km track, its 1 km straight alongside the airfield, and its friendly Gascon atmosphere make it a popular circuit for motorcyclists of all levels, from beginners to experienced riders.

History of the Nogaro Circuit

The Nogaro circuit was created in 1960 by Robert Castagnon, an Armagnac producer and creator of the Rallye de l'Armagnac (1953), and Paul Armagnac, a racing driver who gave his name to the circuit. They obtained a plot of land from the Nogaro airfield, managed by Jean Armagnac (Paul's father), to create an initial circuit of 1,752 meters.

The circuit evolved over the decades: extended to 3,120 m in 1973, widened to 12 meters in 1987, and then lengthened to its current length of 3,636 m in 1989. New pit boxes were built in 2007 under the impetus of André Diviès.

Nogaro's motorcycle history is rich: the first motorcycle races date back to 1954 (on roads), the famous Coupes de Pâques started in 1968, and the circuit hosted the first French Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1975. Since 1981, Nogaro has been a key event in the French Superbike Championship. The circuit also hosts the Ultimate Cup Moto, the Nogaro Motor Festival, and the Classic Festival.

Track and Characteristics of the Nogaro Circuit

The Nogaro circuit extends over 3.64 km and offers 14 turns (9 right, 5 left) in a clockwise direction. The track is 12 meters wide with a moderate elevation change of 6 meters.

The highlight of the track is the airfield straight, 1 km long, which runs alongside the grass runway of the Nogaro airfield. Motorcycles reach speeds of over 250 km/h there. At the end, a hard braking zone leads to the first turn, followed by a series of technical curves. The Caupenne Snail, an emblematic turn of the track, is renowned for its technicality and overtaking opportunities.

The surface of the Nogaro circuit is specific: a draining surface on the straights and ruflex in the turns, offering optimal grip even in wet weather. This particularity makes it one of the few circuits where you can ride with confidence on a wet track.

Riding Tips at Nogaro

To optimize your lines at the Nogaro circuit, here are the key points:

• Airfield straight: maximize your acceleration out of the last turn. Position yourself on the left of the track to prepare for braking into the first turn.
• First turn: be progressive with your braking — this is the most frequent area for running off the track. Aim for a late apex for a better exit.
• Caupenne Snail: this technical turn rewards patience. Wait for the apex before accelerating, the exit is faster than you think.
• The 5 left turns: these are overtaking opportunities, use them in races or to work on your weaknesses during track day.

For a first track day at Nogaro, focus on consistency before speed. The track rewards fluidity and good positioning more than brute force braking.

Access and Practical Information

The Paul Armagnac circuit is located on Route de Caupenne, 32110 Nogaro, in the Gers department (Gascony).

• By car: A65 motorway, exit 6 (Nogaro), then follow the signs for "Circuit". Approximately 1h30 from Toulouse or Bordeaux.
• Nearby airports: Pau-Pyrénées (60 km), Tarbes-Lourdes (70 km), Toulouse-Blagnac (140 km)

The sound limit at the Nogaro circuit is 102 dB. Check that your exhaust complies before your track day — a dB killer may be necessary for racing exhausts.

Why Ride at the Nogaro Circuit?

Nogaro combines history, technique, and conviviality. The first permanent circuit in France, it offers a track that tests all aspects of motorcycle riding: pure speed on the 1 km straight, hard braking, technical sections at the Caupenne Snail, and a unique surface that ensures good grip in all conditions. The family atmosphere of the track days, the spacious paddock, and the quality of the infrastructure make it an ideal choice for progressing and sharing your passion for motorcycle track day.