Mallory Park is preparing to open its gates for the first time since the race track almost went to the wall last year.
On Saturday, March 1, the circuit will mark its official reopening with a Meet the Team open day featuring motor-sport celebrities.
Stuart Hicken and Eddie Roberts stepped in to save the circuit in Kirby Mallory before Christmas.
"It's going to be a day for all fans of Mallory Park and petrol heads everywhere," said Stuart. "And entry is free."
Many of the stars who raced them will also be on hand to chat about their exploits.
They include motorcycle racer John Cooper, 76, in whose honour Mallory Park's John Cooper Esses were renamed.
"His famous upset victory in 1971, when he beat then world champion Agostini, is part of Mallory folklore," said Stuart.
Joining him will be reigning World Superbike champion Tom Sykes, speedway world champ Tai Woffinden and Sam Lowes – World Supersport motorcycle racing champion.
Stuart said: "We're very excited by the prospect of welcoming such big names."
Stuart, who is also owner of the new Buildbase BMW Motorrad UK British Superbike team, will be introducing his new rider, three-time British Superbike champion Ryuichi Kiyonari.
There will be a Formula 1-style pit walk where fans can meet the stars and have a chat.
Stuart and Eddie, a former Isle of Man TT winner, formed Real Motorsport Limited to run the track in December after Mallory Park (Motorsport) Limited, was placed in liquidation.
Stuart said: "We've been coming here since the 1950s and have some great memories.
"I didn't want Mallory Park to become a gravel trap or a building site."
The open day will not feature racing. Five motorcycle events have been confirmed, starting on March 16, but the changes in ownership have been too late for the circuit to be included in most sports' fixtures for 2014.
"Our priority is getting everything up to spec for the following season," Stuart said.
"The track is in excellent shape but the rest of the site has been neglected. By next season, it's going to be a lot smarter."
Other plans include attracting cycling, triathlon and horse trial events, as well as music concerts.
Stuart said: "We've got 370 acres and want to make full use of them. There's lot of hard work ahead but there is a real buzz about the place."
Mark Jarvis, 34, from Coalville, who raced British Superbikes at Mallory in the late 1990s, said: "I'm impressed by what the owners are doing.
"It would have been a huge shame to lose a much-loved circuit with such a great history."
Gates open at 10.30am on March 1. There will be a collection on the day for military charity 353.
Read more:
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Stars-line-circuit-reopening/story-20665914-detail/story.html#ixzz2uMemfDVm
