Rockingham’s new owners steer circuit towards its best year ever

Rockingham in Northamptonshire, Europe’s fastest motor racing circuit, is on course for its best year ever as a result of a cash boost from its current owners.

Corby Developments Limited acquired the majority shareholding of Rockingham in late 2005 and has since implemented a £5 million development plan to transform it into the UK’s most modern, purpose-built motor sport facility.

Critical to Rockingham’s recent success has been the rapid expansion of its facilities beyond the original oval race track. As well as adding multiple in-field race circuit configurations, fresh investment has resulted in new 4x4 off-road courses, a challenging rally stage and a city driving course. Rockingham also now boasts extensive, modern conference and banqueting facilities, which can cater for up to 500 delegates.

The development work shows no sign of abating – an all-new, state-of-the-art wet grip test facility is opening in autumn this year, and all of this investment is already reaping rewards. The site has attracted a record number of corporate customers in 2006, and the facility’s financial performance is now ahead of all targets.

Chairman Len O’ Hagan is not surprised by the continuing success at Rockingham. “We have invested £5million in just 12 months, and a lot of hard work has gone into raising the breadth and quality of the facilities we have here. We’re very proud of Rockingham as it is today, and we’re committed to developing our venue further, in harmony with the local environment.”

The number of races now being held at Rockingham is further evidence of the circuit’s growing success, and the new infield International Super Sports Circuit has cemented Rockingham’s popularity as a racing venue. This year has already seen the British GT, 2006 Pickup Truck Racing Championship, SCSA Third Round and the Rockingham VSR Championship.

The next racing event will be the OvalFest on 9 and 10 September and tickets can be purchased from the website ovalfest.co.uk.

Rockingham is centrally located and 75 per cent of the UK population can reach Rockingham within two hours by road.