Cllr Don Waldon delighted after Mildenhall Stadium, in West Row, hosts racing for first time since huge fire in July 2024

A councillor is delighted after racing returned to a motocross stadium for the first time since a huge fire 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, with 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.

On Saturday, the stadium reopened for oval motorsport and thousands of race fans attended the event, which featured a three-figure entry of drivers across the Unlimited National Bangers, 1300cc Stock Cars and UK Barn Finds Historic Stock Cars.

West Suffolk Cllr Don Waldron, who lives in West Row and represents The Rows, said: “I’m delighted and very pleased that Mildenhall Stadium has finally reopened.

“It’s extremely positive news and we’re all glad it’s back because it’s a huge community asset.

“It’s very important as it brings money and business to the area as well as helps promote our little village.

“I know the community is dead chuffed to see it back open again.”

Due to such a high number of cars that were entered, the start time on Saturday was moved forward to 4pm, with more than 150 cars packed out in the pits.

A spokesperson for Mildenhall Stadium said: “What a sensational night of racing it was as West Row returned on Saturday; with the Supreme Championship once again proving itself as a must-see for banger fans.

“Our thanks go out to every single person who has played a part in reopening the venue after last year’s devastation, as well as to every driver, race fan, official and staff member for making it such a fitting event to reopen this much-loved venue.”

Deane Wood, Spedeworth Motorsports managing director, said last week the stadium was an ‘iconic’ track in the oval motorsport ranks.

He said: “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.”