Mittsverigebanan

Circuit History

The track was originally a joint initiative of the motor clubs in Härnösand, Sundsvall and Timä, which banded together to form a foundation to build the track. The local municipalities were also positive and supported the initiative.

Initially, a location at Sundsvall was favoured but ultimately it was concluded that land at Antjärn, right next to the E4 highway, was strategically better. Together, the motorcycle clubs and the municipalities applied for and were granted EU funds to build the track. It was among the first major infrastructure projects in the following after Sweden’s accession to the European Union.

After five years of planning and construction, the circuit was ready for racing in 1997. It quickly became popular, being the only such facility in the region and, at the time, the northernmost circuit in the country. However, it soon began to experienced financial difficulties. By 1999, just two years after its inauguration, the first operating company declared bankruptcy. This led to a new beginning in 2000 when the track passed to new ownership, with a company headed by STCC racer Mats Lindén purchasing Mittsverigesbanan for 5.2 million SEK. The track was renamed Midlanda Motorsport Park at this time.

Despite these efforts to stabilise the track's operations, the early 2000s were marked by instability. In 2003, the circuit faced another critical moment when it lost a significant deal in the traffic education sector, which had promised a steady income. This period saw various local entities expressing interest in rescuing the facility, culminating in the formation of a new management team by the end of the year. Ownership was divided equally among five shareholders.

Ownership turmoil and restructuring

From 2007 onwards however, the ownership landscape of Mittsverigesbanan saw numerous changes, as disputes over the future direction of the track brought division among the shareholders. Several sold up as result and over time, Gunnar Jansson emerged as a majority owner of the track’s holding company, with car dealer Göran Sörgren and some-time racing driver and healthcare worker Per-Erik Axelhult as minority stakeholders.

Despite this period of ownership turbulence, there was development of the track’s facilities. One of the priorities for Sörgren and Axehult was to try and gain a racing licence for the circuit. A major problem since its inception had been the downhill back straight, which proved something of a brake-killer for competitors and required a permanent solution as far as the racing authorities were concerned. The answer was to slow speeds into the final corner by inserting a new chicane on the back straight.

Despite opposition from Jansson, Sörgren and Axehult persevered with the plans, and a modified version of the chicane, now more suitable for racing, finally made its debut in 2013. This led to the track gaining approval from the Swedish Automobile Sports Federation — a major boost to the track’s credibility. Two and four wheeled racing events were only allowed to use the version of the course with the chicane from this point onwards.

Despite the optimism, behind the scenes there was unfolding drama. Within a year, there had been a spectacular falling out, with legal and financial disputes leading to Sörgren and Axehult stepping away from regular involvement with the facility, as the relationship with Jansson deteriorated beyond the point of return.

The legal and financial disputes continued over the next three years, with claims that Jansson was actively working against his co-owners eventually resolved in the district courts, in the favour of the two minority shareholders. By 2017, the situation had become dire, with Jansson announcing that the track was to be put into liquidation and eventually declaring bankruptcy once again.

Mittsverigebanan found itself put up for auction once more and there were fears it may close for good. However, a new consortium of owners emerged, with Per-Erik Norbäck, who has a long involvement with car parts firm Mekonomen, now the majority shareholder. Göran Sörgren and Per-Erik Axelhult retain a minority stake, alongside Mattias Norlén, a sawmill owner from Nyland with a strong interest in road racing; haulage company owner Tomas Ivarsson; and Ulrik Forsberg, who runs a company in construction and industrial services. The six enthusiasts have committed to reviving the circuit's fortunes.

New owners build for the future

Under the new ownership, substantial investments have been made to upgrade the facility to meet modern safety and operational standards.

During 2019, the main pits and driveway in to the area were asphalted, electrical connections were installed and a new control tower was built, Last but not least, a grandstand for over 400 spectators was also installed.

Other improvements include the installation of advanced LED screen systems for race control, the expansion of spectator areas, and significant upgrades to the track’s infrastructure. These enhancements are part of a broader strategy to not only enhance the race-going experience but also ensure the circuit meets international racing standards.

“The short history since we bought the track started with making the safety standard up to par,” explains Per-Erik Norbäck. ‘We have built new posts, rebuilt the chicane, installed safety nets on the pit wall and much more, all to meet requirements. This is work that has taken time and cost money but we have seen it as absolutely necessary to have an opportunity to get the track ‘back on track’.”

Further enhancements have been planned or are underway, including additional guardrails, advanced flag light systems, and improved drainage systems. These developments signify a strong future direction, focusing on both enhancing the facility and ensuring its financial sustainability.

Today, Mittsverigebanan continues to evolve, with a clear vision towards becoming a multi-use motorsports destination in Sweden, reflecting the passion and resilience of its community and stakeholders. The circuit is used mainly for club events, drifting, license courses and driver training.

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