Crossword Genius

Race track in Italy by second city (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

imola

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'race track' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'italy by second city' is the wordplay.
'italy' becomes 'i'.
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'second' becomes 'mo' (both are short periods of time).
'city' becomes 'LA' (Los Angeles).
'i'+'mo'+'la'='IMOLA'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for imola that I've seen before include "place for GP" , "GP's place" , "Italian motor-racing circuit" , "race here?" , "Grand Prix circuit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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