LIFE IN THE FAST LANE ON ISLAND
Anglesey Circuit hits 25 years
TODAY sees one of Europe’s most picturesque racing circuits celebrate its 25th anniversary, having developed into a popular and technically demanding venue for a variety of disciplines.
But where now stands Trac Môn at Ty Croes on Anglesey, where the roar of engines and the squealing of tyres are now familiar, it was once the sound of missiles being launched that was more commonly heard.
The land was formerly the Ty Croes army training camp, originally part of the Bodorgan Estate but having been subject of a compulsory purchase order by the Ministry of Defence.
Opening in 1941, the camp operated as No.4 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp – at the time a top secret research base for Britain’s guided missiles developed to bring down high-flying Soviet bombers.
But by 1992, the missiles had disappeared and the camp had downsized, becoming an RAF Air Defence Radar site, until it was fully decommissioned in 1995.
Bodorgan Estate managed to buy back a portion of the land in 1989, and a local farmer, Ned Jones, persuaded the Estate to permit him to test his rally car on the disused service roads of the old camp.
Things progressed quite rapidly and the Caernarvonshire and Anglesey Motor Club held their first Motor Sports Association permitted event stage rally on August 24, 1989.
It would, however, be another three years before the first circuit racing took place – the Wirral 100 Motor Club, on October 11, 1992.
Andrew Môn Hughes has worked at the circuit for 17 years as its press officer, but also fulfilling various duties.
He said that the difference between those early days and the facilities there now, is ‘almost unrecognisable’.
“There’s been a phoenomenal difference.
“To go from the one mile circuit we had at the start to what we have now, is testament to all the hard work that’s gone on here.
“The circuit now brings around 65,000 people to Anglesey every year, and while we’re looked at as a tourist attraction, you have to remember that this also feeds in to the local hotels and guesthouses, as well as cafes and restaurants that also benefit greatly.
“We just hope to develop as much over the next 25 years.”
The circuit’s biggest change in fortunes came in 1993 when Richard Peacock became involved, and over the next few years, with encouragement from the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) and guidance from the Motor Sports Association (MSA), he began to develop the facility into a fully licenced racing circuit.
This goal was achieved, and the BRSCC ran their first permitted event on the 1.057-mile long circuit 20 years ago, on June 21, 1997.
Over the next ten years, the circuit went from strength to strength attracting car racing, motorcycle racing, sprinting, stage rallies, supermoto and rallycross.
Ultimately, it was becoming too successful and so the decision was taken to totally reconfigure the circuit, with work on the £4.2m project being completed in May 2007.
The Anglesey Circuit that we know today opened on May 24, 2007, the first of two test days prior to anotherBRSCC event.
Over the last ten years, the circuit has continued to develop its infrastructure and facilities, the most significant of which is the pit complex comprising a three storey control tower and 22 double pit garages, completed in 2012.
Andrew added: “This constant development and the continued improvement, I think, offers a unique facility which is without a shadow of doubt, the most picturesque circuit in Britain.”