Anglesey redevelopment pushes ahead
The construction work on the total redevelopment of the Anglesey circuit is running ahead of schedule as the dramatic new track takes shape. A massive re-profiling of the venue is nearing completion and the foundation level for much of the new track is now in place as the £4 million project heads towards completion in May 2007. The first race meeting on the new track is scheduled for the Bank Holiday weekend, 26/27 May.The redevelopment is one of the biggest track construction projects in the history of British motor racing and promises to make the North Wales circuit one of the finest drivers' tracks in Britain. Four track options will be available, from a 2.1-mile international circuit to a club circuit of just under a mile. The 1.55-mile 'coastal' circuit is likely to prove popular for race meetings, while a 1.2-mile national circuit is also being built. Virtually none of the existing track, which has been in use for nearly a decade, now remains.The new Anglesey will offer a driving experience at least the equal of the leading UK venues, with a 12-metre wide track and a state of the art surface. Substantial gradient changes and a 10 degree banked hairpin are some of the other features that track boss Richard Peacock has incorporated into the new layout. Spectators will have unrivalled viewing, with much of the circuit complex visible from the major spectator banking. In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy the track's sensational position on the dramatic Anglesey coastline and with extensive views to the mountains of Snowdonia.With two temporary quarries within the site, no materials have had to be taken from the venue or brought in, thus minimising the impact of the work on the local environment.The track layout has been designed to encourage overtaking, with a long straight followed by a tricky uphill left-hander (Rocket). A downhill series of bends has the flavour of the corkscrew at Laguna Seca, while a long sweeping flat-out corner, called Church, will be one of the quickest corners in the country."We want drivers to enjoy driving at Anglesey and we've designed a track that will be a real challenge," says Peacock. Peacock envisages running at least half a dozen race meetings each season as well as events for motorbikes, sprints, rallies and track days. "Last year, the circuit was in use for about 45 weekends of the year," he says.