Rockingham Motor Speedway was once a beacon of motorsport in the United Kingdom, claiming the title of Europe's fastest racing circuit. Located in Rockingham, Northamptonshire, England, the venue was a hub for professional and club races, driver training, and exhibitions. Despite its promising start, the speedway faced financial difficulties and eventually closed in 2018. This article explores the history of Rockingham Motor Speedway, from its construction
to its eventual closure.
Construction and Opening
The construction of Rockingham Motor Speedway began in late 1999 on a brownfield site known as the Deene Iron Ore Quarry. The site was transformed into a banked oval with the intention of bringing American-style oval racing to Britain. After nearly ten years of planning and 23 months of construction, the speedway opened its doors on January 15, 2001. The official opening ceremony was held on May 26, 2001, with Queen Elizabeth II in attendance.
Rockingham was the first banked oval constructed in Britain since the closure of Brooklands in 1939. The venue boasted a seating capacity of 52,000 and featured a unique combination of road circuits within its vast infield. These circuits were designed for both national and international use, making Rockingham a versatile racing venue.
Major Events and Achievements
Throughout its operational years, Rockingham Motor Speedway hosted a variety of major racing events. The CART Rockingham 500 was held in 2001 and 2002, marking the first time Champ Cars raced in England. The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) was a regular fixture at the speedway from 2003 to 2018, along with other notable series such as the British GT and BRDC British F3.
Rockingham's oval circuit was renowned for its speed, with the unofficial lap record set by Tony Kanaan in 2001 at an average speed of 215.397 mph. The speedway's design allowed for multiple track configurations, accommodating a wide range of motorsport disciplines, from touring cars to motorcycles.
Closure and Legacy
Despite its initial success, Rockingham Motor Speedway faced financial challenges and entered administration in 2017. The venue hosted its final motor race on November 24, 2018, marking the end of an era for British motorsport. In 2021, the facility was purchased by Constellation Automotive for £80 million.
Today, Rockingham's legacy lives on through its influence on British motorsport and its unique contribution to the racing landscape. While the speedway no longer hosts races, its impact on the industry remains significant, serving as a reminder of the ambitious vision that brought American-style racing to the UK.
