Iconic UK go-karting track to shut in less than a fortnight after 24 years – and fans are ‘absolutely gutted’

A BRITISH racing track is set to close in less than two weeks’ time leaving the community “gutted”. The go-karting institution had been operating for more than 24 years. Established in 2002, the beloved track welcomed thousands of visitors over the years Credit: TripAdvisor The site had not given an official reason behind the closure Credit: TripAdvisor Lakeside Karting in Grays, Essex, is set to close permanently on September 23, as racing enthusiasts have one “last chance” to get back on the grid. Established in 2002, the circuit featured 900m of flat-out straights, twisting corners, and two hairpin bends, alongside a fleet of 30 go-karts. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Now, the beloved institution will host its final two races on September 17 and September 23. Although no official reason behind the closure was given, a spokesman for Lakeside Karting said: “After years of close racing, rivalries and battles around the Lakeside circuit, we’re down to the last two grids ever. “If you’ve raced in our league over the years, this is your last chance to get back on the grid and have one final battle around Lakeside. “And on the 23rd… when that chequered flag drops, that really is it.” However, on the neighbouring site of the former Arena Essex Raceway, Google has proposed to build a 52-hectare data centre “campus” – much to the opposition of the local community. Racing fans had previously called the site a “fantastic little track”, with “very friendly office staff”. Most read in Sport Others said they had “great memories of the always busy track”, and that it was best “place to bring people together from all walks of life to enjoy a spin in a go-kart”. One avid racer resignedly commented that they were “absolutely gutted” and that it was “so sad for the karters, parents and lovely staff”. While another argued: “It’s an absolute disgrace that two places of activity and entertainment have had to close in order to make way for another data centre.” Although Google acquired the former Arena Essex Raceway site in July 2023, proposed data centre plans have yet to be approved, meaning the future of the site remains unknown. Comment now