TRACK IN TIME
Abandoned British racetrack looks unrecognisable in eerie pictures after it is reclaimed by nature
Scroll down for some throwback pictures of the track when it held weekly racing
ABANDONED track Arena Essex Raceway has been rediscovered after it was "reclaimed by nature" following years of neglect.
The track began hosting races way back in 1978 and staged competitive action for 40 years.
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Every September it hosted the oldest National World Final Championship - which attracted between 35 and 174 cars.
It also put on "Banger Racing" on Sunday afternoons and Bank Holiday Mondays between March and November, as well as speedway and Demolition derbies.
Prior to closing in 2018, it is understood the Purfleet course, located close to the Lakeside Shopping Centre, was great for a family day out.
But it closed six years ago following "bad weather, lack of support from fans and increased insurance costs" and was sold to housing developers for £80million.
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Demolition on the track began in 2020, before those housing plans were scrapped in July 2023 when the land was sold for a different development.
But it has now been re-discovered after explorer Chloe Urbex, 23, stumbled upon the track.
During recent years of abandonment, it has become overgrown with greenery and shrubbery.
The white lines on the track are still visible but are being worn away, while the stand is also a shell of its former self.
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The floodlights remain along with the chequered flag finish line, but it is hard to recognise it as the same track from years ago.
Explorer Chloe told What's The Jam: "This track sits abandoned just off an active go kart site.
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"It hasn’t been used for quite some time."
She shared photos of the overgrown Arena Essex Raceway on Facebook and received a number of responses from those who used to go there.
One said: "Best track I've been on, this is where I learnt to drift, met so many people and the atmosphere was incredible!"
Another added: "Such a bad shame for the banger lads and the drift lot over the last few years! I'm sure I speak for all that attended..... we want it back!"
A third replied: "Spent all my childhood here. Shame it's been forgotten."
And a fourth responded: "I actually miss this place! my favourite track and great people!"
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