United Downs Drive
By kind permission of Autospeed Promotions
Catherine organised some fantastic routes for our trip to United Downs Raceway on 26 June. We had 8 turnouts who enjoyed their day out and it was lovely to be joined by Lisa who began Oliver’s driving career with help from club members.
We were lucky with the weather, avoided predicted showers and had a lovely breeze to keep the flies away from the horses. After the drive we all sat down for a bite to eat while the horses tucked into their haynets.
Routes
Long Route
The long route of 7.4 miles which took everyone from the racetrack out towards Perranwell, via Cusgarne and Frogpool. 3 loops on the route ensured that we were able to take in as much of the lovely countryside as possible.
5 Mile Route
A shorter figure of 8 route of 5 miles was also available to members.
We try to cater for all our members so there was also a short walking route which circumnavigated the track – ideal for novices and horses in training. Along with the tracks massive car park, it was an ideal opportunity to practice travelling your horses and get back to it after a couple of years off!
Want to know more about our planned drive-outs and events? Check out our Facebook page.
More About the Venue
We are very grateful to Autospeed for letting us use the main car park of the Raceway for our meeting. They were delighted to host an alternative to motor sport for a change.
Unfortunately the Raceway is under threat of closure after 60 years of motorsport. It began as a kart track in the early 1960’s and over the years had opened up to all formulas including Formula 2 Stock Cars, Junior Ministocks, Hot Rods and the ever popular Bangers. The track has a unique shape due to the position of the pit gate, which includes a dog leg straight and the solid steel fence has claimed a lot of victims over the years – none of that easy Armco here!
The track was scheduled to close in 2021 to make way for a rum cask maturation biome, with plans to further develop the site after this phase. This would end short oval racing in Cornwall and we would lose a facility used by generations for over half a century. Luckily Autospeed have been granted a reprieve but the track is still under threat.
An online petition was set up to show support for the track and has over 10,000 signatures. You can find the petition to save the track here
In the meantime racing is still continuing and you can find out more about the race meetings at United Downs by checking out Autospeed’s Website
Gallery
Take a look at some photos from our day at United Downs
Contact Us
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