Darley Moor Airfield and Road Race Circuit is situated on a high plateau adjacent to the A515, two miles south of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England. The airfield is operated by Airways Airsports providing training in almost every type of leisure flying. The Second World War runway was transformed into Darley Moor Racetrack holding regular events since 1965[1] for motorbike and more recently cycle racing.[2]
The majority of the RAF concrete runways were converted into Darley Moor Racetrack by the West Midlands Racing Club initially taking a 12-month lease, laying a new surface and with an agreement that racing and practice would be restricted to a 6-hour period between midday and 6 pm.[1]
Set amongst farmland, the peripheral and centre areas are used for arable crops and grazing.
The circuit is now primarily used for motorcycle races and track days, run by Darley Moor Motor Cycle Road Race Club (D.M.M.R.R.C.) The track is also used for closed circuit road cycling events.[9]
The airfield is in "G" airspace. Proximity to East Midlands Airport places the ceiling at 4000 ftAMSL before restrictions apply.[10] The airpark covers 80 acres and while the main runway runs approximately north–south there are grass strips allowing takeoff/landing in all wind directions.
^ abMotor Cycle, 1 April 1965, p.411 Racing Line by David Dixon. "When a club goes to the expense and trouble to find a new circuit, members ought to give their support. I hear ... the West Midlands Club are in bother with their new Darley Moor circuit ... At a cost of £2,000 the track is being resurfaced but will not be finished in time for a meeting next Sunday ... out of 500 members only 20 stalwarts have answered a call for a work party to get the circuit in shape...the Good Friday meeting may also have to be cancelled. Darley Moor is on a 12-month lease, with an option on a five-year lease. To placate local residents, practice and racing will take place only between midday and 6 PM". Accessed 2013-08-12
