UK racing track used by famous F1 drivers to become new holiday park with 226 chalets and upgraded hotel
YOU could soon have a staycation at a racetrack that has hosted Formula 1 stars.
Clay Pigeon Raceway near Dorchester is soon being demolished to make way for 226 chalets for a holiday park.
The karting track was once used by F1 drivers Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button at the start of their careers.
The racetrack is also home to a disused clay pigeon shooting ground, hence the name and a caravan park.
Little details have been revealed about what the holiday park would be like and if the racetrack would be kept, though in addition to the 226 chalets, the George Albert hotel will also be expanded.
The racetrack has been open since the 1950s and was built on the grounds of a disused World War II military hospital.
It stretches 815 metres in total and, according to its website, has hosted nearly every major championship to tour the UK.
There is also an onsite cafe.
Visitors could head to the track and try out karting, with different options for adults and juniors.
The track is also home to Motorsport Hub, with a pit area, professional timing systems for races and even a spares shop.
Events planned for this year will go ahead as planned including the Daniel Ricciardo Series which is a UK-based karting championship that the former F1 driver launched back in 2019.
Dan Parker, head of Karting Motorsport UK, told councillors: “The venue has played an important part in British karting for decades and has supported the development of competitors, officials and volunteers, clubs and all their families throughout the south west and far beyond.”