SERIOUS infrastructure and safety problems have made the future of motorsport at Arlington Stadium financially unviable, its joint owner has said.
Eric Dugard told the BBC that the decision to stop racing followed concerns affecting the health and safety of spectators and competitors.
The explanation comes after Spedeworth Motorsports announced it had been informed that future oval racing events at the Hailsham venue would cease with immediate effect.
Mr Dugard said more than £250,000 had already been spent in recent years upgrading the stadium’s electrical system and extending its car parking facilities.
However, he said ‘a considerable number of areas’ would require further work before racing could proceed during the 2026 season.
Following meetings with structural engineers from East Sussex County Council, numerous issues were identified at what Mr Dugard described as ‘a rural stadium that’s been built upon and patched-up over decades’.
One of the most pressing problems is understood to be the need to replace around 600 metres of wire mesh fencing surrounding the track.
The fence is designed to protect spectators from debris thrown up during races. Mr Dugard told the BBC that the stadium’s insurance would not cover a serious accident while a suitable replacement had not been found.
He said: “Just to address these problems would take many months and entail a huge cost, which would make the stadium’s future as a motor sport venue unrealistic as a viable business.”
The owners are now considering alternative uses for Arlington and evaluating what other events could be held at the stadium.
Arlington has staged spectator motorsport for more than 60 years, including stock car racing, banger racing and motorcycle speedway.
Spedeworth Motorsports said it was told of the owners’ decision on Friday, just hours after the latest meeting had taken place on Wednesday evening.
A spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed by the decision, not only as a business, but as real fans of the venue.
“We have decades of memories there and were hoping to create plenty more in the years to come.”
The promoter said tens of thousands of drivers and racing enthusiasts had visited Arlington during its long history.
