Biķernieki Complex Sports Base is a racing circuit and cross-country skiing course in the Biķernieku Forest in Riga.

Biķernieki Complex Sports Base

Logo of the Biķernieki Trase Circuit
High Speed Ring - Ātruma Aplis (1968–present)
Location	Riga, Latvia
Time zone	EET (UTC+2) EEST (DST)
Coordinates	56.9664°N 24.2215°E / 56.9664; 24.2215
Broke ground	January 1966
Opened	July 1966
Major events	Current: FIA World Rallycross World RX of Latvia (2016–present) FIA European Rallycross Euro RX of Latvia (2016–present) Former: Cup of Peace and Friendship (1968, 1984–1986, 1988–1990)
Large Combined Ring - Lielais Apvienotais Aplis (1968–present)
Length	5.949 km (3.694 miles)
Turns	28
High Speed Ring - Ātruma Aplis (1968–present)
Length	3.662 km (2.275 miles)
Turns	14
Ring of Skill - Meistarības Aplis (1966–present)
Length	3.580 km (2.225 miles)
Turns	21
Short Oval Circuit (1966–present)
Length	1.700 km (1.056 miles)
Turns	7
Website	www.bksb.lv

History

In 1962, the design of the track was started. Eduardu Kiopi was appointed director of the sports complex, and the project manager was Gunars Binde. A group of specialists were also invited: Peter Dzenis, Janis Roops, Karlis Rība and Vilnis Vasulis. During the first phase of the project, it was planned to create two circles which initially were to be used for motorcycle racing and kart racing.[1]

In January 1966 the construction of the circuit began. The first difficulties appeared as there were swamps and underground springs at the start line for the karts, so in places, constructors had to dig up to seven metres deep and fill it with several tens of thousands of cubic metres of sand. Because of the difficulty of building the track, many local volunteers were involved in the project. In July of the same year, the first races were held there, with motorcycle races in six different classes taking place.[1]

Fifty years later, a Rallycross circuit was created after Latvia won a contract to host a round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship. This circuit also hosts rounds of the FIA European Rallycross Championship and the FIA NEZ Rallycross Championship.

Layouts

See also

• Rallycross
• FIA World Rallycross Championship
• FIA European Rallycross Championship

References