Birmingham Wheels Park
Birmingham Wheels Park (formerly Wheels Adventure Park) is a dedicated motor sport park with short-track oval motor racing circuit and MSA[clarification needed] approved kart circuit, based in the Bordesley Green area of Birmingham, England. It is a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee[1], and controlled by Birmingham City Council.[2]
Contents |
[edit] History
The park was initially run by the West Midlands Probation Service.[2]
The circuit is a 330 metres (1,080 ft) oval, with spectator terracing surrounding two corners of the circuit along with the home stretch. Built with a cinder surface, after the Birmingham Brummies speedway team finished[when?], the track was red with tarmac. Today, run by Incarace, the circuit stages banger racing events. One of the most popular[citation needed] meetings is the annual Children in Need event, where drivers and spectators compete and raise money for the BBC's Children in Need appeal. This meeting regularly raises totals in excess of £10,000 for the charity.
The 970 metres (3,180 ft) International Kart Circuit is where Nigel Mansell started his motor racing career and is still recognised[who?] as one of the most testing in the UK. The Grand Prix Karting centre also features junior and practice circuits and runs events on the main circuit for companies, charities and groups as well as enthusiats.
[edit] Future of the circuits
The future of the site was thrown into doubt when[when?] plans were unveiled for the City of Birmingham Stadium. The large stadium/casino complex (which would also have been the new home for nearby Birmingham City F.C) would have been built on the Wheels complex, including the Birmingham Wheels circuit. However, with the city council not backing the bid, the future for the circuits looks safe for the time being.
[edit] See also
- Hednesford Hills Raceway Incarace short circuit
[edit] References
- ^ Company no. 1991870. Charity no. 701209
- ^ a b "About Birmingham Wheels Park". Birmingham Wheels Park. http://birminghamwheelspark.org/aboutwheelspark.php. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
