The
Test and Tuition Circuit at Blyton Park has proved to be a
popular addition to the list of leisure facilities in the East Midlands, attracting thousands
of visitors in its first full year of operation. The regeneration of the former
RAF Blyton by entrepreneur and lifelong car enthusiast Richard Usher has
resulted in the creation of a unique facility where car enthusiasts can enjoy
their cars and learn the art of car control in a purpose built environment.
Blyton Park comprises over two
miles of new surface laid on the runways and perimeter track of the old
airfield making up multiple circuit layouts.
These circuits were designed by ex-touring-car driver Eugene O’Brien,
now a professional driver coach, John Barker a founding editor of EVO magazine
and Richard Usher himself. The main
purpose of the facility is to encourage drivers to learn their cars’
capabilities by taking instruction in either their own car or one provided for
them. Blyton Park is not a racing
circuit as such but it is licensed by the MSA (the governing body of British
Motorsport) for sprint events against the clock.
Blyton
Park Driving Centre officially opened on May
4th 2011. Since then the venue has welcomed an incredible
array of vehicles and owners, including over 100 pre-war cars on “The Flying
Scotsman” Classic Trial, the first ever Brabham Formula One Car and both the
new McLaren MP4-12C and Ferrari 458 Italia road cars. On July 1st
over 300 Mazda MX 5’s set a new world record for convertible cars on a circuit.
In addition, the unique nature of the track has attracted vehicle manufacturers
and racing organisations including Audi UK, Mazda Europe and
Caterham who have used the track for engineering work and vehicle evaluation.