Abandoned British racetrack looks unrecognisable in eerie pictures after it is reclaimed by nature
ABANDONED track Arena Essex Raceway has been rediscovered after it was “reclaimed by nature” following years of neglect.The track began hosting races way back in 1978 and staged competitive action for 40 years.Arena Essex Raceway has been rediscovered after being abandonedCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexThe unused circuit is overgrown with shrubbery and the track is clearly worn awayCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexThe chequered flag on the track is still visible despite years of neglectCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexThe stand is still there… justCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexThe track was rediscovered by 23-year-old explorer Chloe UrbexCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexThe floodlights are still standing but have been consumed by shrubberyCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexEvery September it hosted the oldest National World Final Championship – which attracted between 35 and 174 cars.It also put on “Banger Racing” on Sunday afternoons and Bank Holiday Mondays between March and November, as well as speedway and Demolition derbies.Prior to closing in 2018, it is understood the Purfleet course, located close to the Lakeside Shopping Centre, was great for a family day out.But it closed six years ago following “bad weather, lack of support from fans and increased insurance costs” and was sold to housing developers for £80million.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTDemolition on the track began in 2020, before those housing plans were scrapped in July 2023 when the land was sold for a different development.But it has now been re-discovered after explorer Chloe Urbex, 23, stumbled upon the track.During recent years of abandonment, it has become overgrown with greenery and shrubbery.The white lines on the track are still visible but are being worn away, while the stand is also a shell of its former self.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis is how the Essex track looked 11 years ago before racing stoppedCredit: AlamyBanger racing took place every Sunday and on Bank Holiday MondaysCredit: AlamyThis is a picture of Banger Racing at the track way back in 1989Credit: AlamySpeedway races were being put on until shortly before the track closed in 2018Credit: AlamyIt was a brilliant place for a family day outCredit: AlamyThe floodlights remain along with the chequered flag finish line, but it is hard to recognise it as the same track from years ago.Explorer Chloe told What’s The Jam: “This track sits abandoned just off an active go kart site.Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’ “It hasn’t been used for quite some time.”She shared photos of the overgrown Arena Essex Raceway on Facebook and received a number of responses from those who used to go there.One said: “Best track I’ve been on, this is where I learnt to drift, met so many people and the atmosphere was incredible!”Another added: “Such a bad shame for the banger lads and the drift lot over the last few years! I’m sure I speak for all that attended….. we want it back!”A third replied: “Spent all my childhood here. Shame it’s been forgotten.”And a fourth responded: “I actually miss this place! my favourite track and great people!”Fans sent in their tributes and memories from the trackCredit: Alamy More