THE OWNERS of Arena Essex have announced that the home of stock car and speedway racing will be closing at the end of the current season.

A statement on the team’s website revealed the 40th year of the club would be its last.

“We are saddened, but not surprised, by the decision of our former landlords, who were this year’s tenants of Arena Essex, to opt to not continue the operation into 2019.

“We are heartened, nevertheless, by our ongoing talks with the new landowners and considerable support for Speedway to continue in the area.

“While the track is still in situ we will talk to them about the continuation of Speedway at Arena, given the success of this season, the increased attendances from 2017, and the exciting plans formulated by the BSPA (British Speedway Promoters Association) for the 2019 season.

“In the meantime, it’s business as usual and the next three months of action with our terrific young team of 2018 to enjoy, while we continue to work steadfastly on securing our long term future.”

The final event to be run bringing Arena Essex Raceway’s gates to a close will be on Sunday, November 4 with the 27th Firecracker.