Proposed 3.8 billion kroner racetrack in Padborg could bring thousands of tourists and new jobs

A planned 3.8 billion kroner motorsport complex in Padborg, southern Denmark, could triple tourism and create hundreds of local jobs if approved, according to a new proposal presented to Aabenraa Municipality.

The **Circuit of Denmark** project, which includes a modern racetrack designed to eventually host Formula 1 races, is estimated to generate **382,000 additional overnight stays annually** and support **628 full-time jobs**, as outlined in a press release from the initiative, **CODE – Circuit of Denmark**.

Aabenraa’s mayor, **Jan Riber Jakobsen**, called the proposal a transformative opportunity for the region. *”There’s no doubt a project of this scale will change our area,”* he said. *”It will attract new jobs and potentially triple our current tourism numbers.”*

However, Jakobsen stressed that local residents will be consulted before any decisions are made. *”We have a standard procedure for involving people in new developments,”* he said, acknowledging past noise complaints from Padborg Park, an existing motorsport venue. *”The initiators are very aware of this, and starting from scratch allows us to incorporate measures to mitigate such issues.”*

Former race car driver **John Nielsen**, a native of South Jutland, welcomed the project, calling it a *”huge boost”* for Danish motorsport. *”An international-level track would elevate Denmark’s and South Jutland’s profile significantly,”* he said. *”If other countries can do it, why not here?”*

While the track would not initially meet Formula 1 standards, organizers aim for future certification. The proposal remains in early stages, with public input and regulatory reviews pending.