ROCKINGHAM CLOSURE THREATENS RECORD BID
Volvo group searches for new venue for world’s biggest marque convoy
AVolvo club that wanted to use Rockingham Motor Speedway to smash a 570-car parade record is looking for a new venue following the decision to close the circuit.
Organiser, Stuart Mills, had shortlisted the Northamptonshire track as suitable to challenge the existing cavalcade bar, set in 2010 by Volvo Forum and Auto Boss in Katowice, southern Poland.
Volvotuning.net’s proposal was accepted by Guinness World Records last week; Stuart is now looking for alternative locations for upwards of 600 Volvos old and new.
Stuart said: ‘ We are very saddened by the news and see closure as a dark day for fans of motor sport and motoring in general.
‘ We hope to confirm a 2019 date, location and rules for the record attempt by the end of September. There is still time to book a track day at Rockingham before the end of the year – so reach for your helmet and send the circuit off in style.’
CCW reported last week that the site will cease hosting motor sport events at the end of the year, and is set to be used as a car storage site. The Corby venue – the UK’s only USstyle oval racetrack – has been used for various classic events, including a world record gathering of MGs that was organised by the MG Owners’ Club three years ago.
The circuit’s closure continues the decline of motor racing venues across the UK. Drag racing in particular is struggling: York Raceway is still fundraising to re-open its doors for the rest of its season; North Weald Airfield no longer hosts eighth and quarter-mile runs after a noise complaint; and Dunsfold Aerodrome ( home of Top Gear) had housing development confirmed in late 2016.
There is one positive outcome earlier this year, however: Greater Manchester’s Three Sisters circuit has been revived and new management installed.