The Fastest Road in Leeds? Welcome to Elland Road
Elland Road is more than just a famous street name in Leeds; it is a location synonymous with speed and history. While most know it as the home of Leeds United FC, this urban route recently witnessed one of the most unusual speed challenges in modern motorsport: a head-to-head race between Premier League footballers and an F1 car.
Located in the Beeston area of Leeds, West Yorkshire, the road itself serves as a major artery for fans and travelers alike. However, the real spectacle took place inside the stadium gates, where the grass pitch was temporarily transformed into a short track for a high-stakes drag race between man and machine.
| Location Facts: Elland Road (Leeds) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire (UK) |
| Nearby Road | M621 Motorway |
| Surface | Paved (Urban) / Grass (Inside Stadium) |
| Event Type | F1 vs. Footballer Speed Challenge |
The F1 Challenge: Racing on the Elland Road Turf
In a unique crossover event backed by Red Bull, three of Leeds’ fastest players—Willy Gnonto, Largie Ramazani, and Isaac Schmidt—raced against the Red Bull Racing RB7 F1 car. The race covered a short sprint from one penalty box to the other. Despite the RB7 struggling for traction on the slippery grass, the sheer horsepower of the Formula 1 machine eventually overtook the athletes after a 180-degree turn on the turf.
Driving to Elland Road: Access and Logistics
For those planning a road trip through West Yorkshire, Elland Road is easily accessible via the M621 motorway. The area around the stadium becomes extremely busy on match days, so visiting during the week is recommended for those who want to see the venue where this F1 experiment took place. While the urban road itself is a standard city route, its connection to high-performance events makes it a unique stop for speed enthusiasts visiting Leeds.
Note: While you can’t drive an F1 car across the pitch yourself, stadium tours offer a look at the site of this historic sprint between Leeds United and Red Bull Racing.
Pic: https://www.leedsunited.com/en/news/leeds-united-players-take-on-oracle-red-bull-racing-f1-car-in-drag-race-at