When Birmingham City Council announced their plans to bulldoze this 40-acre motorsport venue, to make way for industrial units, we were keen to get involved and show our support.

Birmingham Wheels Park has been the sporting home to National and World Champions since it was created in 1984. The Park is a unique facility offering sporting opportunities in the heart of Birmingham – the traditional home of the motor industry. The Park offers the local community, including youngsters, a safe and inclusive place to experience many wheeled sports. From Inline Skating and Karting, to Drifting, Stock Car Racing and Rallying. Each discipline has its own enclosed arena with spectator areas where friends and family can safely watch.

The importance of such a venue to the community cannot be overstated. In a time where our children are being lost to drugs, alcohol and crime, having a safe place to get involved and enjoy a sport could not be more important. Add to that the current crises, teenagers dealing with anxiety, mental health and depression – did I say how important this venue is!

We were invited to take our Rover 200 rally car to do live demonstration runs throughout the day. We were joined by other rallying friends who also brought their cars. Local councillors, news reporters and the media were all invited to attend and everyone was keen to put on a good show.

As the afternoon progressed, the rally stage became very busy with spectators. The public were offered many passenger rides throughout the day, with both children and adults taking up the opportunity. I’ve never seen so many smiles on faces!

Our 9-year-old nephew, Riley, had the rare chance to sit in the passenger seat with his Aunty Lucy while hurtling around a rally stage. He now wants to be my Co-driver when he turns 14 and he can’t stop watching the in-car footage.

My only regret from the day, is that we didn’t have time to visit the other areas of the park and experience the passion that is also prevalent in the other motorsport disciplines. One thing is for sure, all areas of the park were busy and the public were deffinately interested in what goes on at this iconic venue.

Watch the in-car footage of the gravel stage here: