Sports Minister Randy Horton says a new motorsports venue could be in place as early as the New Year.

Motorcyclists and karters have been campaigning for a purpose-built facility for some time now after they were forced to leave their original home at Southside, St.David’s.

They have been allowed temporary use of a car park at Clearwater Beach but the sports’ administrators have long said the venue is entirely inappropriate for their use.

Members of the Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club were even banned from using that venue recently by former Sports Minister Dennis Lister after they moved back to Southside without consent.

However, Horton has since lifted the ban and it would appear the relationship between Government and motorsports is now on a better footing.

“We are working on a new spot for them,” said Horton last night. “My position is that I want to be able to see them in a space they are most comfortable with as soon as possible.

“We are working together with the BLDC (Bermuda Land Development Corporation) and DAO (Department of Airport Operations) and of course with the motorcycle association to see we have something in place early in the New Year.”

BMRC president David Jones said he was very pleased with discussions held with the ministry.

“In the past we were told ‘it’s coming, it’s coming, it’s coming’. But when is it coming?” he said. “Minister Horton has now said by next race season, which is September, which gives us a good feeling. Now we have something to look forward to.”

Meanwhile, racing gets back underway at Clearwater this Sunday on a newly expanded circuit after Government agreed to turn over the whole of the car park to the sport.

“We have reconfigured the track to make it a little more challenging for the riders,” said Jones. “Before it was just not challenging enough, it was almost just a loop.”

Jones said safety concerns had also been addressed.

“Whereas before the spectators were right next to the fence, now we are able to move the fence right back to the road and there will be no parking or spectating in that area,” he said. “The spectators will be on a grass area and will be at least 50 or 60 feet away from a crashing bike — they were right on top of it before. They will still be able to see everything, every twist and turn.”

Racing gets underway at mid-day on Sunday.