Clay Pigeon Raceway, the West Dorset karting track which helped to launch the careers of world champions Lando Norris and Jensen Button, is to be closed and turned into a holiday park.
Dorset councillors approved plans to demolish the circuit near Dorchester, along with a static caravan park and a disused clay pigeon shooting ground, to make way for 226 chalets.
A Dorset Council planning committee heard pleas to reject the plans, including one from Motorsport UK, but voted to approve the proposal.
The raceway, founded in the late 1950s, was built on a disused Second World War military hospital and, according to its website, has hosted nearly every major championship to tour Britain.
Acclaimed karting coach, Rob Dodds of BKC Racing, mentored Norris along with a host of other champion drivers.
Rob said: “I’m very disappointed, it’s a sad day for motorsport in the UK.
“Clay Pigeon has helped so many young boys and girls get into racing and it’s so disappointing that we won’t get future generations coming through from there.
“As a business involved in the sport, I’m naturally bound to be disappointed, but we can always go fishing further afield and will adapt. I feel most sorry for the young people who won’t get the chance to get into karting.
“Dunkeswell Kart Club is out of the way, but they have new owners who are investing heavily in the circuit. I’m heavily involved at Forest Edge Kart Club in Andover.
“At BKC, we go all over the UK and the world, but it’s much harder to justify the travel if you’re new to karting and you don’t have a circuit on your doorstep. It’s a big loss for Dorset.
“I’ve been going to Clay Pigeon for over 30 years and have met hundreds, probably thousands, of people that I still call friends.
“It has helped to re-shape so many lives and gives young people such focus. They come out as really grounded girls and boys and it’s sad to know that it will come to an end this year or in 2027.”
A Motorsport UK spokesperson said: “Motorsport UK is naturally disappointed by the decision to approve the redevelopment of Clay Pigeon Raceway, a proposal we opposed through the planning process and before the planning committee.
“For decades, the circuit has played an important role in British motorsport, helping develop competitors at every level – including drivers who have gone on to compete at the very highest levels of the sport.
“We respect that the decision rested with the planning authority, but we know this is a hard outcome for the club, its volunteers and the many people who campaigned passionately to save the circuit.
“Grassroots venues are the foundation of motorsport in the UK, and Motorsport UK remains committed to working with clubs, circuit operators and partners to support opportunities for people to participate in our sport and to safeguard its long-term future.”
Clay Pigeon Raceway is off the A37 between Dorchester and Yeovil.
The 815-metre Clay Pigeon Raceway is a popular drivers’ circuit with technical corners and short, fast straights which truly test true driver ability.
The original track was built by joining the hut concrete bases together with tarmac to make a 500-metre track.
When a karting club was established in Blandford and a Royal Automobile Club permit had been obtained, the first official race took place on Sunday, May 5, 1963.
The use of the land for clay pigeon shooting dates back to 1977. The shooting ground has been vacant since 2015 because lead shot was found to contaminate the land, eventually leading to its closure.
The adjacent field is now occupied by ground mounted solar panels whilst the former shooting ground remains as undeveloped grassland.
Read more about Clay Pigeon Raceway
F1’s World Champion Lando Norris discovered his passion for driving at Clay Pigeon Raceway