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 Olympic year and our 7th year 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 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 coaching and racing for youth riders, 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 five 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 were 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. Norwich City Council have asked LCCRL to run the event again in 2012 and the date has been fixed as Friday 6th July.

2012 will see the LCCRL busier than ever with twelve Wednesday evenings of racing at Lotus; the Boudicca Ride Sportive on 10th June; the Gas Hill Gasp and a cyclo cross at the World Horse Welfare, Snetterton in the 2012/2013 cyclo cross season. 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.

LCCRL relies on help from local cycling club members, friends and relatives to enable the Lotus league and all the other events 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 – in 2012!