It began as an idea formed by a group of farmers who lived in the beautiful area of the Rocky Mountains called Hill Fields. These men had a passion for Indy Car racing and decided that as well as watching their favourite sport on television, they wished to do something in which they could actively participate. And so, from this idea, plans were formed on how to transform their dream into a reality.
The first step was to approach the race organisers with their idea of bringing racing to the Rockies, a previously uncharted area where Indy car racing was concerned. The farmers themselves would provide the funds for building the road circuit, stands and barriers with additional money hopefully being obtained from sponsors. At first the organisers at Indy Car were reluctant to consider such an idea, but as the farmers gave more detailed plans of what they wished to do, so the organisers enthusiasm increased.
And so work began! In April 1996 work began on building the road circuit, which promised to be one of the most scenic in the world. In the distance you can see the spectacular snow-capped mountains, and drive past the sheep in the surrounding fields and traditional farmers' houses. Conifers are densely packed around the surrounding trackside, but with all these alterations going on, the everyday lifestyle of the farmers continues. We can see evidence of this from the high-level wooden bridge crossing the track for the transfer of sheep from one field to another. The barriers and stands were made from the wood of the surrounding woodland. To give the circuit a certain 'individual' feel, the farmers erected two huge sculptures as symbols of their herds over the road, one of a sheep and one of a pig.
Another sculpture was also erected on the roof of the stands. This was of a chaffinch, for years a symbol to the farmers of prosperity and a good harvest in the coming year.
The construction work has not been without its problems. Early on in the building programme, an avalanche caused by melting snow destroyed part of the cabin. No one was seriously injured. For the more suspicious amongst us, there were reported sightings of a ghost!! Twelve years ago, a man committed suicide when his fiancee left him for another man. It is said that his ghost still roams the surrounding land searching for his lost love.
Some of the major sponsors that have contributed to the building of this track have included Feathered Friends Food, Chip Juniors Hog Grub and Quadruped Assassins. A sponsors' entertainment cabin has been built, which gives an elevated view over a part of the track, containing a hotel and sports complex.
The track itself is 2.9 km in length and rivals most of the tracks in difficulty, providing a challenge to even the most experienced driver.
