Would Seem The End of Longcross

[Circuitmarshal]

From Barry Guess :-

Please be advised that it is with regret that I have to advise you of the cancellation of the 2007 Chieftain and Scorpion Sprints at Longcross following the decision of QinetiQ Management to withdraw the venue from ALL motor sport use.

This decision was confirmed this afternoon at a meeting between myself (as MSA Liaison Officer), Ian Davis (MSA) and the appropriate management at QinetiQ Farnborough.

The withdrawl is also effective immediately for all remaining motor club bookings for rallies (Craven MC / Sutton & Cheam MC / Rally Britannia / Bexley LCC / Oxford MC) and Sprint bookings (London Irish MC).

This situation is subject to an on-going discussion although it should be stressed that QinetiQ have stressed that they are unlikely to reverse their decision. Should there be any favourable development over the next few days then I will advise you accordingly.

I would ask that any queries or communications regarding this matter are directed toward me in the first instance.

Barry Guess

MSA Liaison Officer

BarryGCharlie@aol.com

[Suze]

Yes, unfortunately also saw this earlier - going to impact on lots of different types of events which is a shame.

[BertMk2]

Not good, Longcross is a great venue - and one of the few rally venues in the South East as well. Is there any indication of the reasons for this?

[Circuitmarshal]

Bert,
Think you will find that QinetiQ have been looking after the venue for a developer for the last couple of years.
If was said then when it was sold, that it would be when not if as regards loss of use.
Like you say a sad day for rallying in the South East.

[BertMk2]

I'd heard something about the site being sold off to developers so I guess that's it I really enjoyed Longcross - the gradient ramps and The Snake were great fun We were looking at the SCMC Mini Tempest as a possible first outing for the new car (assuming it's not done for Abingdon). I guess we'll have to start heading further afield now to find venues (more expense ).

[Circuitmarshal]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

I'd heard something about the site being sold off to developers so I guess that's it I really enjoyed Longcross - the gradient ramps and The Snake were great fun We were looking at the SCMC Mini Tempest as a possible first outing for the new car (assuming it's not done for Abingdon). I guess we'll have to start heading further afield now to find venues (more expense ).

How could it not be done?
Even more reason now, and of course I will be at Abingdon doing radio.

[leonidas]

Yes, development rumours have been going around for a while - I guess its finally happened now. Another blow for rallying in the south east - I guess its all about rising land prices.

Yet there is a massive market for motorsport in this region. I've often thought that if someone with vision could get together with car clubs and promoters there would be huge potential to develop a multidiscipline motorsport complex in the south east for those sports that are all struggling to find decent modern facilities (especially stockcars, rallycross and rallying). I know the stockcars have Wimbledon but there are rumours about that closing every year...

[Circuitmarshal]

Originally Posted by leonidas

Yet there is a massive market for motorsport in this region. I've often thought that if someone with vision could get together with car clubs and promoters there would be huge potential to develop a multidiscipline motorsport complex in the south east for those sports that are all struggling to find decent modern facilities (especially stockcars, rallycross and rallying). I know the stockcars have Wimbledon but there are rumours about that closing every year...

I said years ago about TV, Motorsport, Car manufacturers getting together and buying the place, but alas it didn't happen.
What we were using was only about half the site, if you go stright on through the gate where we turn right there is as much of the place again with office buildings ect.

[BertMk2]

[off topic]

Originally Posted by Circuitmarshal

How could it not be done?

Simple it all comes down to time and more importantly ££££££££

Originally Posted by Circuitmarshal

Even more reason now, and of course I will be at Abingdon doing radio.

Abingdon is great fun (if a little warm last year) we're aiming to be back for this year but it may be a bit sooner than our wallets can manage

[/off topic]

There must still be a need for sites like Longcross - so where are they going? Sites like that in the south east are doomed from a rallying point of view - especially ones that close to the M3/M4 corridor. The question now is where do the events that used Longcross go from here? Can alternative venues be found for all the events or are they just going to vanish?

[Suze]

I think alternative venues can be found - but things won't be the way we know them, and we may have to look further afield ie not in SE. Hopefully this potential trend of selling off venues will stop or at least leave us with enough decent venues to compete at.

[Circuitmarshal]

I'm sorry to say, I think your last word says it all Bert!

[BertMk2]

Talks are being held that may see Longcross back as a motorsport venue - apparently the door is not completely closed and things are progressing. It's just possible that events may be held there later this year Nothing is confirmed yet but at least there is hope.