Karting circuit where F1 world champions raced under threat

"The owner of the Clay Pigeon leisure complex in Dorset plans to redevelop the land into a luxury holiday village. The development would mean building over the highly-regarded race track where the F1 drivers cut their teeth with hundreds of holiday lodges."

"Button, the 2009 Formula One World Champion, trained regularly at the venue during his early career. Lewis Hamilton won his first race on the 815 metre long circuit now earmarked for demolition. And Lando Norris, the current F1 World Champion, began karting at Clay Pigeon Raceway at the age of seven."

"Dorset Council confirmed on Tuesday that a decision over the site's future at a planning meeting has been put on hold because the local parish council has not had the opportunity to comment on the application."

The Clay Pigeon leisure complex in Dorset, a renowned karting circuit instrumental in developing multiple Formula 1 champions, is threatened with closure. The site's owner plans to redevelop the land into a luxury holiday village featuring hundreds of holiday lodges and a five-star resort. Jenson Button, 2009 F1 World Champion, trained regularly at the venue during his early career. Lewis Hamilton won his first race on the 815-meter circuit. Lando Norris, the current F1 World Champion, began karting there at age seven. The owner has submitted a planning application to change the site's use. Dorset Council postponed a planning decision after the local parish council requested time to comment on the application.

Read at www.independent.co.uk