Roy Johnson, whose son Roy Junior is a keen go-karter and once raced against Formula One ace Max Verstappen and met Lewis Hamilton, spoke to the Express & Star about the multi-million pound development

It is expected to create at least 20 jobs.

Dudley-born Mr Johnson, who owns and runs Fishley Park Leisure in Pelsall, wants to build a 1,200-metre track on the land which sits north of Wyrley Common and south of the A5 Watling Street in Norton Canes near Cannock.

Mr Johnson and his architect Ron Oliver are waiting for the plans to go to planning committee where a decision will be made.

Roy Johnson's son, Roy Jnr, with Lewis Hamilton in 2010

If approved, the scheme will cost around £3 million and take a couple of years to build, with Mr Johnson pledging to take a hands-on approach, saying he will be 'getting on a digger like the old days'.

The land is owned by the Wallace Estate, more commonly known as the Wyrley Estate, with whom Mr Jonhson already has a strong working relationship as Fishley's pitch and putt land is rented from them.

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How the pair will work on the go-kart complex is yet to be decided, but options include the estate paying for the complex and Mr Johnson running it for them or Mr Johnson renting the land.

Speaking about the effect the complex will have on the local economy, Mr Johnson said: "Me and my son are off to a race weekend.

"This will cost me £80 a night for me and my son for three nights in the hotel, £240. Then we will have to chip into the mechanic that will probably be another £150. Then I have got to feed the mechanic, feed my son, me, the missus.

"This is an example of a monthly race meeting which we are hoping to have. Some of the bigger teams have some eight people. That is eight people spending that, £4,000 plus."

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Mr Oliver added: "An event could bring in some £200,000 to the economy in just one weekend. One event a month and you are looking at £2.4 million."

Mr Johnson said: "It will be a premier facility, aiming to be one of the best.

"If the local council wanted to put a firework display on or a fete, we can accommodate that.

"We want to work with society and the community, trying to be a real integrated part of what they want to do. I have been on this for three years and I do not want to upset anybody."