Mallory Park forced into administration
Noise nannies triumph and the future of a classic track hangs in the balance
Back in the glory days...
In August of this year, Mallory Park Motorsport Limited (MPML) was taken to court on the charges and found guilty. Whilst the right was given to taken the decision to a higher court, the decision's direct corollary was that Mallory was reduced to 84 operational days a year (40 racing Sundays, 40 testing Wednesdays and four racing Saturdays); to be profitable, it needed to be open for 160 days a year.
The events that followed have a horrible predictability to them. With Mallory Park unable to open, track and experience days had to be cancelled. With fewer events being held, Mallory was receiving less income. Then, despite an advancing three-stage recovery plan with the council's approval, a refusal from the land owners to 'make a substantive offer' on reducing the rent forced the plan to be halted.
84 opening days a years wasn't enough for Mallory
The process is being undertaken by Kingston Smith and Partners LLP. Its representative Ian Robert said: I will be working with all the stakeholders to ensure that Mallory Park will see racing again. I hope the administration process can assist in finding a solution which will be beneficial to all parties concerned."
If the residents maintain their staunch opposition to a fully functioning Mallory Park, the track's future looks bleak. Unsurprisingly, an e-petition is already up and running here with nearly 35,000 signatures. You will be kept updated as and when we hear any more.
[Pictures: LAT Photographic]
Am I also right in understanding that the circuit only operated on certain Weds, Sat and Sun? No running Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri, ever? And that this is restricted to at most 84 days per annum? Ouch.
What about non-motorsport stuff as a booster - they had a couple of evening triathlons etc, perhaps more of these events would help keep it viable?
I'm just down the A303 from Thruxton and they have one of the lowest noise level restriction in the country and can also only run 12 race events a year.
But the track has been there (in race form) since 1950.
I wonder how many of the locals that complain have lived there since pre 1950?
(Off-topic - great shot of Baby Bertha. Surely one of the most outrageously brutal-looking racing machines ever devised, but sexy as hell, and hugely successful in the hands of dear old Gerry.
)I'm just down the A303 from Thruxton and they have one of the lowest noise level restriction in the country and can also only run 12 race events a year.
But the track has been there (in race form) since 1950.
I wonder how many of the locals that complain have lived there since pre 1950?
Next thing they'll start whinging about electrical cars making to much tyre noise above a certain speed as well!!!
IMO, the builders of any news houses near the track would have knocked up some cheapo buildings overnight, with no additional sound proofing or sound barriers and then just shrugged their shoulders at the noise problem, citing it's not their fault.
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