Nutts Corner Motorsport Centre
Location
Nutts Corner, Crumlin, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Current Local Time
Track Info
Nutts Corner Motorsport Centre - Crumlin, Northern Ireland
Compact multi-purpose motorsport venue near Belfast - best known for karting, sprint racing and a long history of mixed-surface rallycross
When was the track built?
Nutts Corner has a complicated motorsport history because several different circuits have existed in the surrounding area. The modern Motorsport Centre is at Dundrod Road and developed into a permanent home for karting, sprint racing and other forms of motorsport.
Rallycross became an especially important part of the venue's identity in 1987, when Larne Motor Club moved its events to Nutts Corner with support from the circuit's then owner, Antrim Borough Council.
When was its first race?
The exact first competition at the modern Motorsport Centre is not clearly documented, so it is safer to use 1987 as the beginning of its well-recorded rallycross era rather than claim an uncertain opening race.
Nutts Corner soon became an important Northern Irish rallycross venue, hosting events ranging from European Challenge meetings to rounds of the British Rallycross Championship and the Ulster Rallycross Grand Prix.
What's the circuit like?
- Several layouts: Nutts Corner is a flexible motorsport complex rather than a circuit with one fixed lap. Different configurations have been used for karting, sprints and rallycross.
- Compact and technical: The paved layouts contain frequent changes of direction, hairpins and short acceleration zones, rewarding accuracy more than outright top speed.
- Mixed-surface rallycross: Historic rallycross added loose sections to the tarmac, forcing drivers to adapt as grip changed during each lap.
- Close to the action: Short lap distances mean competitors return quickly, making races relatively easy for newcomers to follow.
Racing history and benchmarks
- Historic rallycross layout: Motorsport UK listed Nutts Corner's rallycross course at 1.083 km.
- Road and sprint layouts: Motorsport UK has listed 1.495 km and 1.605 km configurations for the venue.
- 2000 Ulster Rallycross GP: Lawrence Gibson won the main final in his Metro 6R4 against a field containing powerful turbocharged machinery.
- British Rallycross: Nutts Corner hosted rounds of Britain's national championship, including major Ulster Rallycross Festival events.
- Modern use: The circuit remains active for kart racing and other motorsport, with Ulster Kart Club events continuing at the venue.
Why go?
Nutts Corner is a good example of grassroots motorsport in Northern Ireland. Instead of being built around one major international championship, the venue has supported everything from kart racers learning their craft to powerful rallycross cars and single-venue rally events.
Its compact nature also makes the action approachable for someone attending motorsport for the first time. Cars and karts appear frequently, braking zones are close together and the racing can usually be followed without waiting long for the field to return.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Start and finish area: A strong choice for race starts and for seeing competitors accelerate together before the field spreads out.
- Hairpin sections: Good for watching braking, overtaking attempts and drivers trying to carry as much speed as possible through the tighter corners.
- Mixed-surface sections during rally events: When an event uses loose-surface areas, these are the best places to see cars slide and drivers deal with sudden changes in grip.
Nutts Corner Motorsport Centre should not be confused with Nutts Corner Raceway, the separate stock-car oval located nearby on Moira Road.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Nutts Corner Motorsport Centre (County Antrim)
Plan your trip: driving or taking a taxi is usually the easiest option. The circuit is close to Belfast International Airport, while public transport requires a bus followed by a walk to the venue.
From Belfast
- Driving: normally the simplest way to reach the circuit. Head towards Nutts Corner and Belfast International Airport, then follow local directions for Dundrod Road.
- Taxi: a straightforward option if you do not have a car. Give the driver the full address, 11 Dundrod Road, Nutts Corner, Crumlin, BT29 4SR.
- Bus: take the Airport Express 300 towards Belfast International Airport, then connect with the 109A towards the Nutts Corner area.
Important: Nutts Corner Motorsport Centre is different from Nutts Corner Raceway. Using the full Dundrod Road address will help avoid arriving at the wrong venue.
Bus & public transport
- From Belfast: travel towards Belfast International Airport on the 300 service and change for the 109A.
- From Belfast International Airport: the 109A serves the Nutts Corner area.
- From Lisburn: the 109A also provides a connection towards Nutts Corner.
- Final walk: get off near Nutts Corner Road and allow around 20 minutes to walk along Dundrod Road to the circuit.
Bus timetables can change, especially in the evenings and at weekends. Check Translink before travelling.
From Belfast International Airport
- Taxi: the easiest option with luggage and normally a short journey because the airport and Nutts Corner are close together.
- Bus: the 109A can take you towards Nutts Corner, followed by a walk to the motorsport centre.
- Hire car: useful if you are attending several days of motorsport or staying outside Belfast.
Driving & parking
- Navigation address: 11 Dundrod Road, Nutts Corner, Crumlin, BT29 4SR.
- Approaching the venue: follow temporary event signs and marshal instructions where provided, as entrances or traffic arrangements may change for larger meetings.
- Parking: check your ticket or event organiser's instructions before travelling, particularly for busy motorsport weekends.
Accessibility
- Contact the venue or event organiser in advance if you require accessible parking, step-free access or assistance.
- Consider travelling by car or taxi if walking long distances is difficult, as the nearest useful public bus stop requires a walk to the circuit.
- Event layouts can vary: ask which entrance and parking area are closest to your viewing or activity area before arriving.
About Nutts Corner Motorsport Centre
Nutts Corner Motorsport Centre is a permanent circuit near Crumlin in County Antrim. Its international track measures more than 2 km and the venue is used for karting, driver experiences, testing and other motorsport events.
Its rural location means arriving by car is generally easier than using public transport, particularly for early starts or events finishing later in the day.
Always check the organiser's latest timetable, admission, parking and access information before travelling, as arrangements vary between events.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Nutts Corner Motorsport Centre (Crumlin, Northern Ireland)
Nutts Corner is home to Northern Ireland’s largest outdoor karting circuit, set in the countryside between Crumlin and Belfast. Away from the track, you can explore woodland waterfalls, walk beside Lough Neagh or head into Belfast for museums, wildlife and the city’s famous Titanic story.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Crumlin Glen: Follow a woodland trail beside the Crumlin River to waterfalls and the small historic Cockle House. The full route is around 1.8 miles and makes an easy change of pace after time at the circuit.
- Antrim Lough Shore Park: Head to the shore of Lough Neagh for open space, waterside views and a nautical-themed play area for younger children.
- Belfast Zoo: Set on the slopes of Cave Hill, the zoo is home to more than 100 animal species and also offers wide views across Belfast Lough.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Titanic Belfast: Learn how RMS Titanic was designed and built in Belfast through interactive galleries on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard.
- W5: Belfast’s hands-on science and discovery centre is a strong choice with children when wet weather rules out a longer outdoor trip.
- Crumlin Road Gaol: Explore a 19th-century former prison and learn about its history through the cells, underground tunnel and other preserved areas.
Eat & drink away from the circuit
- Crumlin: The nearby village is the easiest option for cafés, takeaway food and a straightforward meal without travelling into Belfast.
- Belfast city centre: Head into the city for a much wider choice of restaurants, pubs and cafés, particularly around the Cathedral Quarter and city centre.
- Try local favourites: An Ulster fry makes a filling breakfast, while soda bread, potato bread and a traditional stew are easy introductions to Northern Irish food.
Get outdoors around County Antrim
- Crumlin Glen: The riverside and woodland paths are the closest easy walking option, with waterfalls, wildlife and picnic areas along the route.
- Antrim Castle Gardens: Explore historic formal gardens, ponds and Clotworthy House before continuing towards the nearby Lough Neagh shore.
- Lough Neagh: Antrim Lough Shore Park provides an easy introduction to the enormous lake, with paths linking towards the castle gardens.
Northern Irish weather can change quickly, so a light waterproof layer and shoes suitable for damp paths are useful even when the forecast looks good.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Belfast: Combine Titanic Belfast with the waterfront, city centre and St George’s Market for an easy full day from Nutts Corner.
- Cave Hill & Belfast Castle: Head to north Belfast for woodland walks and elevated views across the city and Belfast Lough.
- Antrim & Lough Neagh: Pair Antrim Castle Gardens with Lough Shore Park for a relaxed half-day focused on gardens and lakeside scenery.
- Causeway Coast: If you are extending your stay, the Giant’s Causeway and the wider north Antrim coastline make a rewarding full-day drive.
Good to know when visiting Nutts Corner
- Do not confuse the two venues: Nutts Corner Circuit is at 11 Dundrod Road. Nutts Corner Raceway, used for stock-car racing, is a separate venue on Moira Road.
- Book karting ahead: Session formats and availability vary, particularly for groups and busy weekends, so check with the circuit before travelling.
- Check before watching: A working motorsport venue is not automatically open for casual spectating. Confirm testing, race meetings or public activities in advance.
- A car is useful: The circuit and nearby countryside attractions are spread out, so driving is the simplest way to combine Nutts Corner, Crumlin, Antrim and Belfast.
Karting sessions, motorsport activity, attraction opening hours and visitor access can change - check current information before travelling.