The Lara racetrack near Samokov opens a new chapter for motor sports in Bulgaria (Photos + Video)

The construction of the new Lara racetrack near Samokov is progressing rapidly, driven by significant private investment in this specialized segment of Bulgaria's entertainment and sports industry. Although the exact value of the project has not been disclosed, the goal is to develop a world-class multifunctional facility to meet the growing demand from motor sports professionals and enthusiasts.

How did it all start, and why Samokov?

Although Bulgaria already has several racetracks serving various motor sports disciplines, none currently matches the scale, international standards, and multifunctionality planned for the Lara track.

The idea for the LARA track arose spontaneously but quickly took shape as a facility where professionals and enthusiasts could pursue their passion," said Zara Kiziryan, CEO of GBS Energy Solutions EAD, in a written statement to Economic.bg.

The project is fully privately funded by shareholders including Glavbolgarstroy (represented by the chairman of the holding company's board of directors, Kalin Peshev) and Divela Investments Ltd. (represented by Dimitar Tsotsorkov, chairman of the supervisory board of Asarel-Medet).

Although no specific investment figures have been disclosed, Zara Kiziryan emphasizes that from a purely financial perspective, the venture would be challenging to justify based solely on commercial logic. Instead, the project is primarily motivated by the desire to create a safe, modern environment for motorsports and high-speed driving outside public roads.

This objective is inherently invaluable and worthwhile, despite the significant size of the investment. If we relied solely on financial models, we would never have embarked on this project," she stated.

The decision to situate the track near Samokov considered multiple factors, including terrain suitability and proximity to the capital city (approximately 40 minutes away). The natural characteristics of the Rila Mountains and proximity to resorts like Borovets and Belchin provide excellent accommodations and facilities for competitors, teams, and spectators. Investors also aim to boost local employment beyond the active winter season, enhancing the area's attractiveness year-round.

The Samokov municipality actively supports the project, significantly aiding its approval and preparation process. According to the investors, this proactive role of local authorities has facilitated swift progress and established favorable conditions for implementation.

Details of the project and new jobs

Тhe complex covers an area of approximately 35 hectares (350 decares) and will include diverse infrastructure for competitions, training, spectator events, and technical support. Key buildings and facilities on-site will feature:

• An administrative building with a reception, café, and shop;
• Pit facilities, including eight double pits, race control, briefing and training rooms, a restaurant, and spectator stands;
• A fully equipped medical center and service block;
• A helipad for emergency and logistical purposes;
• Storage halls for motorcycles and cars;
• Open areas for recreation and connectivity between functional areas.

Operations at the facility are expected to create around 50 permanent and temporary jobs. Positions will span specialized management, operational staff, technical teams, track marshals, medical personnel, and maintenance workers.

The racetrack itself will be 4 kilometers long and 12 meters wide, widening up to 15 meters at key turns. The track design combines dynamic driving elements, including fast straights, technical corners, and elevation changes, to offer an authentic racing experience.

Certified to meet FIA (International Automobile Federation) and FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) standards, the Lara track will be capable of hosting international competitions. Its modular layout allows for more than 15 different track configurations, accommodating everything from professional races to amateur events and training sessions.

Significant emphasis has been placed on safety, with extensive runoff zones, drainage systems, a race control monitoring room, strategically placed marshal posts, and efficient communication systems.

Who is building the track?

The construction involves highly experienced companies specialized in motorsports infrastructure. The track design and oversight are managed by the international company Driven International, known for their involvement in notable projects like the Mandalika Street Circuit in Indonesia, Buddh International Circuit in India, and the Silverstone Rallycross Circuit in the UK.

Consulting input is provided by Italy's Race Academy, contributing expertise on track layout, safety standards, pit areas, race control, and internal logistics. Their extensive experience with driver training and professional track management enhances critical functional aspects of the complex.

The architectural design and coordination with local regulatory standards are overseen by Bulgaria's renowned architecture studio IPA – Architecture and More.

Glavbolgarstroy serves as the main contractor responsible for the construction work.

Schedule and future prospects

Construction completion is targeted for the end of 2025, with the track expected to become fully operational for the 2026 racing season.

Initially, the track will host races from Bulgaria's National Motorcycle Championship and events within the Balkan Motorcycling Union (BMU)—a federation that includes motorcycle organizations from Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Turkey, North Macedonia, Cyprus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova.

With morning and afternoon sessions available daily, the facility can host up to 111 sessions per month, totaling over 1,300 annually at full capacity. These sessions will include open track days for enthusiasts, professional training, practice sessions, test days, and racing competitions.

Beyond racing events, Lara aims to become a center for safe driving initiatives, offering training programs for young drivers and skill enhancement courses for experienced motorists. The overarching goal is clear: to provide a controlled, legal environment that reduces dangerous practices such as illegal street racing.

We want to significantly decrease street racing. We're planning various training initiatives and academies to educate drivers and improve skills. We're already connecting with industry professionals who can provide valuable expertise," Zara Kiziryan explained.

In the long term, FIA and FIM certifications will open opportunities to host international racing events. Although no specific world championship bids exist currently, the facility will be fully capable of meeting such high-level requirements.

Currently, realistic interest comes mainly from private racing teams, clubs, and international event organizers seeking modern infrastructure and accessible locations for training camps and competitive weekends. Proximity to Borovets, Belchin, Samokov, and Sofia further enhances Lara's appeal as a combined sports and leisure destination.

Translated with DeepL.