Oval and stock car racing operator and promotor secured for new local motorsports arena

Further progress on a new multi-purpose motorsports arena in Swindon has been made with the appointment of Craig Robinson, a renowned oval, stock car and car show operator and owner of Ringwood Raceway in Hampshire.

Craig joins the Swindon Motorsports team after the recent appointment of Savills, one of the UK’s most prominent property agents, to lead the formal process of identifying and reviewing potential sites for the new multi-purpose arena.

The Swindon team say Robinson’s appointment adds an exciting new dimension to the plans for a new motorsports arena for the area.

Craig Robinson is a leading authority on oval racing, stock car racing, and racing circuits, having been involved in motorsports since childhood and even racing from the age of 14.

Robinson has 20 years’ experience as an oval racing promotor at the Ringwood Raceway in Hampshire, making him one of the UK’s longest-serving sports promoters. He has also been involved in the operation of the Swaffham Raceway in East Anglia, and previously operated two dirt raceways.

Craig’s other notable contributions to the racing world include founding the National Stock Car Association and being a founding member of the Outlaw Hot Rod Association, as well as creating the Rookie Banger World Championship.

Craig’s appointment to the Swindon Motorsports team is said to be an important development in securing a multi-purpose motorsports venue which will provide arena facilities for spectators and participants in all forms of oval racing, as well as speedway.

The Swindon Motorsports team say this will ensure financial sustainability and broaden the attraction of the new arena. The provision of the best surfaces and dimensions for arena-based racing will be achieved by the creation of a tarmacked, oval racecourse around the perimeter of the speedway circuit.

Commenting on his appointment, Craig Robinson said: ‘‘I am excited and inspired to work with Swindon Motorsports to bring oval racing, and all the amazing motorsports which come with it, to the proposed new multi-purpose arena.

‘‘I am confident that mine and my team’s two-decades of experience in promoting motorsports will be a real asset in moving forward this ground-breaking venture and securing a sustainable future for motorsports in the Swindon area. We will bring varied and exciting racing for spectators together with training and self-driving opportunities for those who want to get involved and experience the thrill of oval racing for themselves.

"We look forward to supporting the efforts of the wider team in identifying and securing a new location in the near future.’’

Terry Russell, Chairman of Swindon Speedway and Director of Swindon Motorsports, added: "This is an exciting and important step forwards in our journey towards a new sustainable home for the Swindon Robins. Craig’s unparalleled expertise and passion for all things motorsports makes him an ideal partner and we are delighted to welcome him to the team.  Oval car racing is a key element in the long-term sustainability of all motorsports, including the Swindon Robins.

"Throughout this process, we have been guided by our commitment to securing a sustainable future for speedway in the area. The involvement of partners like Craig, and the inclusion of oval car racing at the new arena, represents an important step forward in realising this ambition, and we hope that Robins supporters will continue to give their valued support for this exciting venture and help spread the word. Progress is accelerating.”