The Lotus Test Circuit

Situated right beside Lotus headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk UK, the official Lotus test track is where the Lotus Cars Cycle League Race League is held.

Originally, this site served as an airfield which was constructed in 1942 by the U.S. Air Force. The FIA-homologated circuit has recently been completely rebuilt, providing a totally new and improved test track that provides the ideal facilities for racing.

Interestingly, the main straight was the original World War 2 runway and the clubhouse overlooking the track was formerly the control tower, which is a listed Heritage building. The old airplane beside the clubhouse is a contrasting feature that remains a lasting memory of the rich military history brought about by visiting American squadrons.

The LCCRL

In early 2006, Group Lotus PLC kindly granted permission for their Test Track at Hethel to be used for cycle racing and the Lotus Cars Cycle Race League (LCCRL) was set up to turn the opportunity into reality. As we move into our 10th season at the circuit, the LCCRL and all the riders who have benefitted from racing at Hethel are indebted to Lotus for their continuing support.

The aim of the LCCRL is to provide access to competition for all ages and abilities, from under 8 year old novices to elite senior racers, in a safe environment and at a reasonable cost.
From the ten evenings and one race per night in 2006 our use of the Lotus test track has expanded to include racing for youth riders of 8 to 16 years, A Go Race event for 4th category riders and novices and a senior event for experienced racers. The number of competitors has almost doubled over the years but thanks to the superb track there is still room for a few more!

In 2010 the LCCRL expanded its activities outside of Lotus for the first time using the Norwich Airport Park & Ride for five Sundays of racing and coaching. Local clubs ran the events on the day which was well attended by the youth riders. However, the short, tight nature of the circuit lead the seniors to comment that “it was a bit like playing a football match on a tennis court’. In an ambitious move away from mainstream events, LCCRL took on the promotion of the revamped Gas Hill Gasp in 2011. Running as part of the Norwich Lord Mayor’s Celebrations, the GHG saw 2000 spectators crammed shoulder to shoulder up the steep hill to watch the competitors battle it out four at a time.
2013 saw the LCCRL busier than ever with ten Wednesday evenings of racing at Lotus; the Boudicca Ride Sportive on 19th May; the Gas Hill Gasp on Friday 5th July now sponsored by Alan Boswell Financial Planners; and the new Elveden Races with 5 days of racing on the 3.7 mile circuit on the private roads of the Elveden Estate. With the increase in interest that is likely to be generated by the Olympics, LCCRL are pleased to be expanding the part they play in supporting cycling in Norfolk & East Anglia.
In 2015 the Boudicca Sportive & Gas Hill Gasp continued under other organizations and the LCCRL returned to just cycle racing at Lotus.
LCCRL relies on help from local cycling club members, friends and relatives to enable the Lotus League to operate. LCCRL is extremely grateful to all the volunteers who have helped out over the years and looks forward to seeing you again – and hopefully some new faces too!