Arena Essex Raceway is now the leading track in the country in terms of racing action and spectator comforts. But we didn't get to this stage overnight, and the following is a brief history of the track since the 70's up to date.

The Arena-Essex Raceway Complex was the brainchild of local businessman and racing driver, the late Chick Woodroffe and from the remains of an old cement works overspill site the new quarter mile circuit (438 yards to be exact) opened its doors to the public in torrential rain on Mayday 1978.

Over the years many improvements have been made with the original shale surface being replaced by a super smooth and fast Asphalt surface.

The Raceway Tavern is a luxurious bar and lounge area with a balcony overlooking the circuit for a superb view of all the racing and all around the spectator viewing area are numerous food and drink outlets and race related shops.

Of the assorted Hot-Rod and Stock Car classes that race at Arena from all over the country and mainland Europe, the most popular form of racing is the Banger class which attracts anything between 50 and 150 competitors every meeting.

The motor racing side of the operation has run 39 meetings a year every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday continuously from March to October since 1978 and Motorcycle Speedway was introduced in 1984 and runs Fridays, again from March to October.

The racing at the Arena attracts spectators of all ages from young children to grandparents and is an excellent day out for all the family.

The circuit also hosts a number of other events during the year including The Rolling Thunder Shows on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month plus Pure Carma's Cruise Nights held periodically on a Saturday during the season.