The first steps towards the construction of a motor sports complex on airport property have been taken, with the Department of Airport Operations applying for planning permission to construct a wire fence around the area.

"We have to fence it off to make sure our aviation assets are protected," explained Airport Operations acting general manager Lester Nelson.

Government allocated the 20-acre lot to the Bermuda United Motorsports Federation (BUMF) last year. The area, which Mr. Nelson explained is where the go-carts used to race near Clearwater Beach, will be surrounded by an eight-foot barbed wire fence to separate it from the airfield.

In this year's Budget Government allocated $301,000 to build the track, which Sports Minister Randy Horton has indicated should be completed by September.

Right now there is a temporary asphalt plant there for use during the airport's current runway repavement project, said Mr. Nelson. That project is expected to wind up in May, at which time work on the new motor sports complex will begin.