Famous karting track used by F1 world champions could be demolished for luxury holiday village
There is anger today after it was revealed that the karting circuit that helped Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris launch their F1 careers is in danger of closing.
The owner of the Clay Pigeon entertainment complex in Dorset plans to turn the land into a luxury resort.
The development means building on the highly regarded racetrack where F1 drivers cut their teeth with hundreds of holiday homes.
2009 Formula 1 World Champion Button trained regularly at the venue in the early years of his career.
Lewis Hamilton won his first race on the 815-meter track earmarked for demolition.
And current F1 World Champion Lando Norris started karting at the age of seven at Clay Pigeon Raceway.
Landowners have applied for a planning application to change the use of land close to the A37 near Dorchester and create a five-star resort.
Dorset Council confirmed on Tuesday that a decision on the future of the site at a planning meeting had been put on hold after the local district council did not have the opportunity to comment on the application.
Paul Chick, who has worked at Clay Pigeon Raceway for more than 35 years, called on planning officials to reject the proposals.
He said that the track, where motorized karts can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour, is one of the best tracks in the country.
He warned that his loss would be “a devastating blow not only to British motorsport but also to the local community”.
He said: “Clay Pigeon Raceway has been part of the British motorsport scene since the late 1950s and is one of the most important grassroots karting circuits in the country.
“Lando Norris started his racing career there, it was Jenson Button’s home track and Lewis Hamilton won his first race at Clay Pigeon.
“Very few tracks in the UK can claim such a legacy.”
He also disputed the developer’s claim that the circuit was no longer valid.
He said: “The track is now busier than ever.
“Race meetings attract hundreds of competitors and spectators from across the UK and are recognized as one of the best karting circuits in the country.
“For many young drivers, this is where their motorsport journey begins.
“If this circuit is lost, it will be lost forever. Motorsport venues of this importance cannot easily be recreated elsewhere.”
Mr Chick also hoped Motorsport UK, the governing body along with Sport England, would also be consulted.
Beyond motorsport, Mr Chick argues the venue is an integral part of the local economy and community life.
He said: “Clay Pigeon is not just a racetrack, it is a community asset.
“Throughout the year the venue hosts charity events raising thousands of pounds for good causes. Hundreds of spectators, families and competitors come to the area on race days, supporting the local economy and breathing life into the community.”
John Russell runs Bridport Bandits, a youth motorsport project that also uses the circuit.
He said: “That would be a huge blow. I don’t even know where we’d go instead – I don’t know what other tracks there are. We’ve never really looked but we’ll definitely have to give it some thought.”
Developers behind the scheme say their plans include timber holiday homes, as well as landscaped areas, a wildlife pond and hotel amenities.
They argued that the new leisure area would create jobs, boost the local tourism economy and reduce noise pollution on protected land.
They stated that the plan would be phased and the kart track would likely be removed in later stages.
Dorset Council is expected to make its decision on the matter later.
