Mildenhall Stadium in West Row set to host racing for first time since massive fire caused ‘significant damage’ in July 2024
A motorsports stadium is set to host racing again for the first time since a massive fire caused ‘significant damage’ eight months ago.
Emergency services were alerted to a fire in a workshop at Mildenhall Stadium, in Hayland Drove, West Row, at about 5.30pm on July 30, and crews remained at the scene overnight until 3.30am.
The incident saw 32 appliances from Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire dispatched to the scene over 24 hours.
Since the fire, the barn at the Mildenhall Stadium has been rebuilt and new steel-plated fences have been installed around the edge of the circuit.
The stadium reopens for oval motorsport on Saturday and thousands of race fans are expected to attend the event, which features a three-figure entry of drivers across the Unlimited National Bangers, 1300cc Stock Cars and UK Barn Finds Historic Stock Cars.
Deane Wood, Spedeworth Motorsports managing director, said: “Saturday marks the historic re-opening of Mildenhall Stadium after it was devastated by a fire in the summer.
“We know how much people love Mildenhall Stadium and I’ve got such a soft spot for it myself.
“It’s an iconic track in the oval motorsport ranks. Drivers and race fans travel, not just from across the country, but from mainland Europe to compete and spectate here.”
“I just love this sport and I’m not one to mess around, so getting the venue reopened as soon as possible was a must. We’ve actually still got plans to improve things further as the weather improves and we have more time, but for now it’s all about Saturday night’s racing.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked to make Saturday happen and I hope to see faces new and old at the venue as the season progresses.”
Due to such a high number of cars being entered, the start time has been moved forward to 4pm, with more than 150 cars set to pack out the pits.
“Seeing so many drivers enter is quite special,” said Mr Wood.
“We’re sure they’ll put on a good show for everyone, although I’m not sure the new fence will be in a pristine condition after such an event.
“All of those drivers battling it out in such a confined space on the shale is like nothing else.”
