Mondello Park’s on-going development works continue apace as the Kildare circuit prepares for another exciting circuit racing season in 2007. Upgrading work is currently underway on the drainage systems with some resurfacing also on the list. The drainage up-grade has been prompted by the cancellation of Mondello Park’s British Superbike round last May, due to unprecedented levels of rainfall. There was a general acceptance at that time that no race track could have handled the deluge and still provided a circuit safe for motorcycle racing. Furthermore, virtually every other sporting event in Ireland was either cancelled, abandoned or where possible postponed. Nonetheless, Mondello Park’s management are determined to do all they can to prevent a recurrence at any time in the future. Managing Director John Morris explained: “when the event was cancelled last year, we made a commitment to look at every aspect of the venue, to see if we could do anything differently in the future. We undertook a full review of the circuit’s drainage system and identified areas where we felt we could extend, re-route or install additional drainage, which should help dissipate water from the track surface more efficiently than before” The drainage system upgrade is currently ahead of schedule and has also seen moling under the track at strategic points to alleviate the possibility of water running across the circuit. Along with improving conditions for competitors, the hospitality area used for BSB and BTCC events is also to have a new drainage system installed. Morris again explains: “The lower part of the BSB hospitality paddock was particularly badly affected last year but our engineers have identified a way to drain this area into one of the outlet pipes taking water off circuit and we’re confident this solution will be completely successful”. Mondello Park is also planning some more resurfacing for late March, just in time for the recommencement of circuit racing activities. In addition, spectators will also see an improvement in facilities around the main straight grandstand, where any soft margins have been replaced by tarmac and there will be some improvement work carried out in the main bike and car parks before this years feature events.