East Londoner wrote:Not F1-related, but I need to vent.
The bathplugging NIMBY brigade in this country have struck again. They're trying to get Mallory Park circuit in Leicester shut down because of the noise levels. I swear these sort of people deliberately move near to circuits and entertainment venues, just so they can have a big whinge and kick up a fuss. If the place was there before you moved there, don't bathplugging complain!![]()
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Well hold on a second, don't be so quick to blame the villagers. Going by this article, the actual argument centres on whether the circuit can operate on its existing 92 days per year, which the owners say isn't viable, or extend it to 160 days a year. The discussions going on are to determine what the local residents feel is most appropriate, with some seemingly for the extra days, and others against it. What complicates the matter is that the circuit owners have been made an offer for the land by housing developers, so they may well sell up if they can't make money from the circuit. I suspect however that judging by the small size of Kirkby Mallory, the local residents would be averse to any large-scale developments ruining the character of the village. Bear in mind the land taken up by the track is at least double the current size of the village.
The sad fact for Mallory though is that nothing major goes there any more. British Superbikes last went there in 2010, and they haven't had any other major series visit for ages.
I last went there for the Triumph Live event in 2011 which was pretty good, albeit not much actual racing going on. I have fond memories of the place as well - in 2002 as a 12 year old I went with my dad to the BSB race and we came across Neil Hodgson and Steve Hislop just casually having a chat round the back of the paddock. Got both to sign the programme which now proudly sits framed, above my bed!