A DORSET race track famous for hosting the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Lando Norris has received a reprieve from closure amid plans for a new holiday resort.

The Clay Pigeon Raceway, behind the George Albert Hotel on the A37 near Dorchester, is set to be demolished as part of plans to create a 226-chalet resort.

Plans for the park were recently approved by Dorset Council, sparking fears over the immediate future of the track.

However, the raceway has now confirmed karts will continue racing “for at least another two to three years” as the resort development begins.

A statement from raceway operators Lee Rennison, Barry Crook, Ian Rennison and the team, said: “Further to the granting of planning permission for the proposed holiday park and with discussions between the management and owners of Clay Pigeon Raceway, we are delighted to announce that we are still open for practice, hire karts, corporate events, sprints and all racing for at least another two to three years, and then year-on-year as the development moves on.

“Understandably, we realise the emotions that losing the venue can bring but we’re still here for all our enjoyment with the sport we all love and we are looking forward to the next few seasons race meetings.

“Hopefully we will see you all soon – past, present customers and organisers – and the owners, staff and management would like to thank you all for your support and are looking forward to seeing you all again for the next few years.”

Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, from Frome, is reported to have trained regularly at the Dorchester track, while fellow British F1 heroes Hamilton and Norris also raced at the Clay Pigeon Raceway.

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