This project is being supported by a grant from the European Union’s Regional Development Fund Objective One
27 May 2007

New Anglesey circuit opens to wide acclaim

The completely rebuilt Anglesey circuit opened in style on Saturday (26 May) when the North Western Centre of the BRSCC ran the first races on the spectacular 1.55-mile coastal circuit.

The two-day meeting drew a record entry for Anglesey, with over 210 cars filling the paddock. Drivers in the Pre '90 classes in the North West Formula Ford Championship had the honour of being the first to race on the new track and it was Nigel Thompson who carved a place in racing history by winning the opening race.

Thompson (Van Diemen RF88) had to battle ahead of Lee Hannam (Reynard 88FF) for his first ever race win, while young novice Douglas Crosbie completed the podium in his Van Diemen RF88.

"This is my first ever car win. I've been quick all weekend and it’s the first time I've been on a level playing field with everyone else because I've only been racing a year," said Thompson. "I absolutely love the circuit. That's a race to remember!"

Fastest cars on track on the opening day were contenders in the 2000 class of the Stoneguard Mono Championship, which was won by Mark Harrison (Dallara F398). "It's a busy lap and the surface is great. These F3 cars really feel the bumps, so it's great for them. And there are plenty of passing places," said Harrison, who was touching 140mph before braking for the Rocket Complex. By the end of the opening day, the first outright lap record stood to Jeremy Timms (Van Diemen FX) in 1m07.768s, an average speed of 82.340mph.

Speaking on behalf of the organising club, Tom Dooley was full of praise the work done on the new track. "The run-off areas are fantastic, and that makes it an easier venue to run. People will want to come here and race and we've got the best entry we've ever had at Anglesey."
A Farrari 360 driven by Duncan Cameron
Watch the first filmed lap of the circuit in a Farrari 360 driven by Duncan Cameron on our first operational day of the new circuit