Venni-Amberwich Circuit (UK)

### Basic Info:

In the north of England lies the remarkable Venni-Amberwich Circuit, conceived by Ken Wentworth, an automotive enthusiast. Founded in 1980, the circuit quickly established itself as a favorite throughout England, securing a special place in the hearts of motorsport aficionados.

## History:

##### **The History of Venni-Amberwich Circuit (V-A Circuit)**

In the heart of Northern England, nestled among the rolling green hills and scenic landscapes, the Venni-Amberwich Circuit stands as a testament to both the indomitable spirit of motorsport and the enduring legacy of a visionary.

##### **The Visionary Founder: Ken Wentworth (1980s)**

The story of Venni-Amberwich Circuit begins with the dream of a local legend, Ken Wentworth. Born into wealth, Ken was a passionate racing enthusiast, his heart forever tethered to the adrenaline-soaked world of motorsport. In the early 1980s, he decided to turn his vision into a reality by building a race track that would rival the best in the country.

Amberwich Circuit was born, and it was designed to be a meandering masterpiece, a symphony of twisty, blind corners, and sweeping straights that challenged even the most skilled drivers. This, Ken believed, was the true essence of British racing. The character of the British tracks, filled with twisty and blind corners, was widely believed to be the reason behind the country's reputation for producing some of the fastest and most talented drivers in the world.

##### **The Sole Proprietor: Ken's Legacy and Its Abrupt Halt (2001)**

For over two decades, Amberwich Circuit thrived under Ken's watchful eye. He was not just the owner but the heart and soul of the track. He oversaw every detail of its management, ensuring that the legacy he had created remained untarnished. His unwavering dedication was the lifeblood of the circuit.

However, in 2001, a profound tragedy struck the track and the motorsport community. Ken Wentworth passed away, leaving behind a void that seemed impossible to fill. His only son, Ray Wentworth, was too young to take over the complex business operations, and Ken's hands-on approach meant that there was no one else in the organization who fully comprehended every aspect of running the business. With the departure of Ken, the track's once-thriving operations came to an abrupt halt, leaving motorsport enthusiasts in the region bereft.

##### **The Revival: Venni and Ray's Vision (2015)**

In 2003, the local government, recognizing the importance of the historic circuit, stepped in to work with the Wentworth family to prevent bankruptcy. It was then that a twist of fate took place. The circuit was sold to a golf and leisure company, Venni. They decided to build a golf field and a horse race track within the expansive grounds of Amberwich.

To the relief of motorsport enthusiasts, the original track layout, with its challenging curves and iconic features, was preserved. The open spaces surrounding the circuit were ingeniously used by various car manufacturers and the golf company, providing ample parking space.

After years of the circuit's sale to Venni, Ray Wentworth, now more experienced and mature, found himself immersed in a profound emptiness when he saw that the place his father had dedicated much of his life became a parking area. Determined to rescue the essence of the place that had long been the heart of his family's automotive passion, Ray embarked on a long journey. He initiated intense negotiations with the Venni company,

In 2015, as Venni felt that motorsports in the UK were making a comeback, they decided to collaborate with Ray and restarted the racing track business. After years of negotiations and extensive renovations, the Amberwich Circuit roared back to life in 2018, rebranded as the Venni-Amberwich Circuit. The track was a phoenix reborn from the ashes of obscurity.

##### **A New Beginning: The Club Layout (2018)**

The renaissance of the V-A Circuit saw the introduction of a club layout, designed to accommodate club-level racing events. This alteration breathed new life into the business, and once again, the paddocks echoed with the roars of powerful engines and the cheers of racing enthusiasts.

However, challenges remained. A notorious chicane at turns 10 and 11, once a defining feature of the original layout, had become a subject of much contention. Modern chassis could withstand the jolts and bumps of racing over the chicane's high curbs, but they exacted a heavy toll on the vehicles over time. To forgo the chicane meant losing precious tenths on the lap time, and every driver was compelled to take the risk.

The general manager of the V-A Circuit, Ray Wentworth, is actively considering a reshaping of the chicane, keeping a watchful eye on the ever-evolving demands of motorsport.

As the Venni-Amberwich Circuit continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of unwavering passion and a testament to the enduring legacy of Ken Wentworth's vision. In this corner of Northern England, the heart of motorsport beats strong, with the promise of new chapters yet to be written on the storied asphalt.