Without compromising in the slightest on the beauty of its setting, Whilton Mill has been transformed from a Domesday Book-listed water mill into a hub for aspiring professional motor racing drivers – and more than a few competitive amateurs.
Whilton Mill Karting & Outdoor Activities is one of the UK’s premier venues for karting and motorsport events, and the work that has gone on over the past 30 years or more to transform a working farm into a racing venue that ranks among some of the best in the world was recognised at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards.
The venue took the Land and Development Award, sponsored by Moore, which is presented to a project that has had a significant impact on the county’s landscape, community or economy, and demonstrated long-term sustainability and delivered impressive outcomes.
It all began three decades ago when farmer Roger Ashby sat on his tractor, nursing a bad back, and wondering how long he could continue working the land that had been in his family for generations. There had always been an air of hospitality around the place, with farmers enjoying a pint in the old mill house while waiting for their wheat to be ground, but there was little sign then of what it might become.
The first sign of diversification was when Roger and his wife Sarah introduced some off-road buggies and clay pigeon shooting sessions for local groups. When winter set in and it was harder for the buggies to cope with the mud, a concrete track was laid and the success of the venture snowballed from there.
Within a few years, the Whilton Mill track was hosting national karting events for future champions, and, as its popularity grew, so did the track facilities and the hospitality offering. It became a popular venue for corporate events and social gatherings, with versatile spaces that are perfect for team-building and the additional activities such as clay pigeon shooting, archery and off-road buggy racing.
Daniel Whittemore, Executive Director at Whilton Mill Karting & Outdoor Activities, said:
“We’re extremely proud to have won the Land and Development Award category. Looking back, it’s incredible how Whilton Mill has grown from a dirt track to world-renowned go- kart venue attracting over 50,000 visitors annually. It’s a shining example of rural diversification that employs over 50 people from the locally community and has a significant impact on the local economy.
“Growth has come with consideration for the environment as Whilton Mill benefits from solar panels for energy and a biomass boiler for heat. Plus, most of the site remains as working farmland or green space for outside events. Many in the local community are not aware of Whilton Mill Kart Circuit and winning this award will help to raise awareness for all the exciting events and experiences available at this hub for karting and outdoor activities.”
A grant from the European Rural Diversity Fund in 2019 helped with building a best-in-class trackside restaurant and clubhouse and there are plans to develop further, with the owners currently looking at securing the investment to create a hotel within the old mill. Most weekends throughout the year see some form of competition, bringing competitors, support crews and family and friends to the area, so, combined with the existing 120-seater restaurant the venue would be the ideal place for an overnight stay.
As well as the competitive calendar, the current focus is on attracting local businesses to take full advantage of the facilities. Although the venue has hosted 7,500 people at its biggest events, it can accommodate anything upwards of 10 people. The track is designed to offer a combination of fast straights, technical corners and challenging elevations, while high-quality karts and full safety briefings make it as safe as possible for everyone, from complete beginners to regular karting fans. In addition, organisations like Rotary often use the facilities for fundraising challenges. Daniel said:
“It’s fun day out and we can combine meeting facilities with any of our range of activities to build a day for a business that wants to take its teams out of the office for a bit of competitive fun.
“The facilities are excellent, I think people often think they’ll come to a karting circuit and find a hut and a burger van – few people realise we have 100 acres of land, a 120-seater restaurant and an excellent clubhouse.
“Karting is something anyone can do. There are number of options on the circuit depending on how confident a driver is, but whether you’ve got experienced drivers or someone who’s never been in a kart before, they’ll have a good time. It’s a great way to create lasting memories and share a unique experience with colleagues, family or friends.”
Find out more about Whilton Mill Karting & Outdoor Activities on 01327 843822 or visit the website
