Discovering Cartagena
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Discovering Cartagena
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More Articles By Phillip Bruce www.raxomnium.com Try Some Desert Island Cruising
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The Story of the Cartagena Circuit The official history of the Cartagena circuit tells the following story: The idea of creating a permanent racing circuit in Cartagena was the idea of Cristóbal Conesa who, with his colleague Antonio Méndez, developed the initial stages of the project. Racing began in January 1992. Up until then, trials had been held on urban roads which was not satisfactory, neither for the participants or the big number of fans who were spectators. There was great enthusiasm for motorcycling in those days, in large part due to riders such as Manuel Hernandez and Miguel Angel Castilla. The seed of the idea that had been sown was quick to germinate. A group was formed with each member paying in half a million pesetas. This society started to work with 194 associates and an increase in capital a little later after the start of development. Today, there are 335 shares with a capital of more than a million Euros. On November 20, 1994, with the cutting of the traditional ribbon, the circuit was officially opened. Leading national and international riders, such as Jorge Martínez “Aspar” and Angel Nieto; local riders, such Manuel Hernandez, Miguel Angel Castilla; and others, including the first President of the Circuit, Cristóbal Conesa and the Mayor of Cartagena, José Antonio Alonso; made a ceremonial lap and the new track was under way. From that day until now, the work has gone on continuously to ensure that the track is one of the premier sporting venues of the region of Murcia. Amongst the events held have been the World Sidecar Championships, the Superprestigio event and the European and Spanish Motorcycle Championships. Motor racing also takes place at the circuit, and the Citroen and Renault Cups have been held there as well as the Spanish Superkarts Championship. Many famous riders have appeared at Cartagena, including Rossi, Checa, Sete, Jorge Martinez “Aspar”, Pablo y “Fonsi” Nieto, Alvaro Bautista, Melandri, Kaillo, de Puniet, Sabbatini, Poggiali, Porto and Dabon, amongst others. Major manufacturers of the world use the track for testing, including Triumph, BMW, Michelin, Bridgestone and Pirelli. Many Spanish, European and world championship teams make use of the track. Riders such as Manuel Alejandro Hernández, José David de Gea, Enrique Jerez and José Riquelme “Gallo”, have trained at Cartagena. In 10 years the hard work has borne fruit. Now José Miguel Martinez is the President of the Administration Committee for the circuit. The circuit is in a strong position today with a good future ahead. Over the summer of 2005 an extensive programme of improvement works costing more than 700,000 Euros was completed. These included the development of a race office in the control tower, construction of 12 new pit garages with associated facilities, construction of a new paddock, the asphalting of the parking area, an increase in the number of escape ways at the bends to improve safety for riders, extension of safety barriers and gravel beds, introduction of closed circuit television, improvement of service roads, ticket offices, information material, offices and other facilities. Everything is now in place for the Cartagena circuit to continue to develop as a top level international motorcycling and motor racing venue. Translated by Phillip Bruce, October 2005. More Info Here For Motorcycle Enthusiasts
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