Rockingham set to become car-storage and auction centre

More information has emerged about the use of Rockingham after the circuit was sold last week. New owners Rockingham Automotive LLP are set to turn the loss-making 250-acre site into one of the largest car-storage, de- fleeting and auction centres in the UK, effectively sealing its fate as a trackday and racing venue and potentially dashing any future comeback.

Current Rockingham boss Peter Hardman said: “The team at Rockingham have done a tremendous job running the circuit and the facility over the last five years. However, it has been reluctantly concluded that motorsport activities are unlikely to produce an economic return for the new owners.”

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Closure of the circuit will free up land to process up to 20,000 cars a year, but could create up 200 jobs for the local area. Bike trackdays and bookings are carrying on until the end of 2018, with the circuit last hosting British Superbike racing in 2003.

Rockingham was opened in 2001 but has struggled to be commercially viable from the outset. After considerable changes, the circuit was able to save money last year although the business still lost £500,000.

Watch our 2017 superbike shootout video at Rockingham on YouTube