Arena Essex set to close at end of season

THE OWNERS of Arena Essex have announced that the home of stock car and speedway racing will be closing its doors at the end of the season.

A statement appeared on their website on Wednesday night.

Arena Essex is based off the A1306 near to Lakeside. It has been there since April 1978.

A statement from Arena Essex

“Our 40th celebration year has been challenging to say the least and with deep sadness we regret to announce it will be our last.

Contending with our great British weather with the first two months of the season seeing both opening events for the Rolling Thunder Show and King of the Ring events being cancelled due to freezing weather conditions and our own season opener being held in minus 11 degrees followed by a cold and miserable Easter weekend didn’t make for a great start to the year.

The Lakeside Hammers on a continuing downward spiral in terms of spectator support as well as having meetings cancelled not just due to weather conditions but ongoing issues with the BSPA to contend with also heavily impacted the Raceway’s income.

The above along with the amount of investment needed to just maintain the stadium plus the continued increasing costs for compliance, insurance and health and safety has led to the Raceway no longer being financially sustainable and therefore with great sadness and a heavy heart we have to advise 2018 will be the last racing season for the Woodroffe family.

The final event to be run bringing Arena Essex Raceway’s gates to a close will be on Sunday 4th November with the 27th Firecracker.

The family would like to thank all those who have supported us over the last 41 years, drivers, spectators, site hirers, sponsors, suppliers, concession holders and not least our hardworking an dedicated Arena Essex Team.

Join us in our final three months in celebration of the last 40 years

Lesley Wootten

Speedway outfit Lakeside Hammers have indicates that they will be making an announcement on Thursday.

More reaction to follow.