Exclusive: 'New' race track for Scotlandposted in KNOCK22 | 03 | 2012

    SCOTLAND HAS A 'NEW' motorsport circuit, the first in the country for 40 years. In what is a first for the UK, Scotland's national motorsport centre, Knockhill, has been granted a licence to allow motorbikes and cars to race in an anti-clockwise direction (watch our exclusive video laps of Knockhill anti-clockwise).

    After an investment in excess of £100,000, the Fife circuit near Dunfermline is now one of only a handful of circuits in Europe which is allowed to hold events in both directions.

    Since it was opened, the undulating 1.3-mile circuit at Knockhill — which hosts rounds of the British Touring Car Championship, and the British Superbike Championship — has been run in a clockwise direction.

    The new licence means the circuit can also host races anti-clockwise, and the change introduces a completely new set of challenges for drivers.

    "We had very occasional use of the circuit in this format in the 70s and 80s," Derek Butcher, track owner since 1984, explained, "however, this is the biggest single change of use in the 28 years that I have owned it.

    "Building a new track from scratch is no longer a viable option due to the financial implications, so we had to be creative with our existing resources.

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    "While still requiring a significant investment — we've had to introduce a number of new run-off areas, and increase the safety — this is a cost-effective option to give Scotland a new track.

    "Knockhill is already known as one of the most challenging circuits in the UK, and now we've really upped the ante for the coming season."

    The new direction certainly changes the dynamics of the circuit. While the daunting high-speed Chicane is now tackled downhill, the famous Duffus Dip is now taken uphill, finishing with a fast, sweeping left-hander on to the start-finish straight.

    A new grid will be created to the east of the famous bridge which straddles the start-finish line, and a new set of start-lights — which will swivel to cover both clockwise and anti-clockwise races — is being installed.

    "We've invested a six-figure sum to change the safety infrastructure," Jillian Shedden, managing director of Knockhill explained.

    "This is a fantastic development for Knockhill and motorsport enthusiasts across the UK, as it effectively means there is a completely new track available. 

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    "We are constantly thinking of different ways to improve what Knockhill has to offer and this is the latest in a long-line of developments.

    "We have made significant structural changes to the venue to ensure the safety of competitors and spectators, no matter the direction of travel.

     "While reverse direction racing will provide added excitement for motorsport fans, members of the public will also be able to experience the new circuit first hand through our trackdays and driving and bike experiences.

    "Everyone at the circuit has worked incredibly hard to ensure we had the license ready in time for the season launch. 

    It is an exciting time for the circuit and we look forward to peoples' reactions — both professionals and amateurs — after they have experienced the new track.

    "We are phasing in the use and interest in the track layout this season and we fully anticipate it will account for about 25% of circuit activity within the next two to three years."

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    Jim McGill

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