MORE than 1,400 people have backed an online petition calling for motorsport to return to Arlington Stadium.
The campaign was started by resident Jesse Wilkes following the announcement that racing would no longer continue at the Hailsham venue.
Mr Wilkes, who has attended banger racing at Arlington for 16 years, described the stadium as far more than simply a place to watch motorsport.
He said: “It’s a tradition that brings together racers, fans and entire communities.
“For over 60 years, Arlington has been a beacon for banger racing in England, creating memories for countless families and fuelling the passion of motorsport enthusiasts.”
The petition argues that the loss of racing has removed an important part of local culture and will affect competitors and supporters across the country, as well as people living in the Eastbourne and Hailsham areas.
It also describes Arlington as one of the country’s best-attended stock car racing venues and says other tracks do not possess the same history or atmosphere.
Mr Wilkes is calling for local councils, businesses and other stakeholders to explore whether racing could be restored through partnerships, community support and crowdfunding.
He stated: “Bringing Arlington back is not an impossible task.”
“With adequate community support and collaboration with local authorities, we can explore options such as partnerships with local businesses and crowdfunding opportunities to ensure the sustainability of the track upon its reopening.”
Spedeworth Motorsports announced that racing at Arlington had ended after it was told by the stadium’s owners that they no longer wished to host oval racing events.
The promoter said it was ‘extremely disappointed’ by the decision, having staged its most recent meeting at the venue just one day before receiving the news.
Joint owner Eric Dugard subsequently told the BBC that the decision resulted from “ongoing serious infrastructure problems” affecting the health and safety of spectators and competitors.
Mr Dugard said more than £250,000 had already been spent upgrading the stadium’s electrical system and extending its parking facilities, but considerable further work would be necessary.
Among the most pressing issues was the replacement of approximately 600 metres of wire mesh fencing surrounding the track, which is intended to protect spectators from debris.
Mr Dugard said addressing the problems would take many months and involve costs that made Arlington’s future as a motorsport venue commercially unrealistic.
The owners are now evaluating what other events could be held at the stadium.
Despite those challenges, Mr Wilkes hopes the strength of public support will encourage further discussions about the track’s future.
He said: “Let’s stand together to restore Arlington Stadium and continue the tradition that has brought joy and adrenaline to so many.”
