New Irish track seeks car races

THE OWNERS OF THE LAKE TORRENT CIRCUIT IN Northern Ireland are hopeful of securing a headline carrace meeting after securing its first major event for 2019.

Work on the £30 million Northern Irish track is under way, and those behind the project are confident that many major events could follow the lead of the World Superbike Championship in signing up to race at the Coalisland venue, which is 40 minutes from Belfast.

“We are evaluating all potential race events including touring car, single-seater and GT race championships, and we will make further announcements as soon as we are in a position to do so,” said David Henderson, the driving force behind the 2.23-mile circuit. “Lake Torrent has broken ground and we are now working towards completion in early 2019. We have a comprehensive programme of construction and a wealth of experience within the team.”

Ben Willshire, the managing director of circuit architect Driven International, added: “On site we are doing a lot of earth moving and preparation work and it’s full steam ahead now. Hopefully there’s more event announcements to come over the next year. It [World Superbikes] is a blue-riband event and it gives everyone some focus too – we know that’s happening and we know what standards to build the track to.”