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Birmingham Wheels Park

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Coordinates: 52°28′50″N 1°51′45″W / 52.48058°N 1.86244°W / 52.48058; -1.86244
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Birmingham Wheels Park (formerly Wheels Adventure Park) is a dedicated motor sport park with short-track oval motor racing circuit and MSA 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]

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 Champion of Champions event, where the UK's top Unlimited National Banger drivers compete, from across the country.

The 970 metres (3,180 ft) International Kart Circuit is where Nigel Mansell started his motor racing career. The Grand Prix Karting centre also features junior and practice circuits and runs events on the main circuit for companies, charities and groups and club members as well as enthusiasts.

Future of the circuits

The future of the site was first thrown into doubt when in 2006 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 Oval circuit. However, with the government shelving the introduction of 'super casinos', the future for the circuits looked safe for a while.

The charitable trust that runs the site has around a 98-year lease but Birmingham City Council continue to have their eyes on the land to build more homes to meet the high demand for social housing in the City. Although the Trust was brought into profit in 2012 the Labour run Council seem intent on engineering its demise in order to grab the 47 acre site for housing projects.

There is a danger that this great facility could be lost although as of January 2013 Cllr Bob Beauchamp is still fighting hard to keep and grow the Park on behalf of residents and sports enthusiasts nationwide - see Evening Mail http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/businesses-at-nechells-wheels-tracks-in-protest-386545.

See also

References

  1. ^ Company no. 1991870. Charity no. 701209
  2. ^ a b "About Birmingham Wheels Park". Birmingham Wheels Park. Retrieved 10 September 2011.

52°28′50″N 1°51′45″W / 52.48058°N 1.86244°W / 52.48058; -1.86244

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