Mallory Park, the classic short circuit in England, faces possible closure because of a growing schism between the track and local residents over noise and use complaints.
Local authorities are reportedly now enforcing a 1985 agreement which would severely limit the number of "noise days" that Mallory can offer for track, race and test days. Track ownership has decided selling the land for a housing development may be the best use of the facility and the two sides are now set to face off.
Mallory isn't a world renown Grand Prix circuit like Donington Park or Silverstone, but its historical place in racing should never be forgotten. In 1971, one of the most memorable races in the history of motorbike racing took place at Mallory when jug-headed everyman John Cooper on his BSA beat the perfectly groomed fingernails almost off Giacomo Agostini and his exotic MV in Mallory's Race of the Year. There really isn't a modern equivalent to Cooper's triumph that day: Ago was the most successful rider of his generation and Cooper was a blue collar scratcher who raced primarily in the UK because that's all his resources allowed.
Locals screamed themselves voiceless, urging "Moon eyes" Cooper on.
