Motorsport has a long, storied history, filled with iconic races and legendary circuits. While many famous tracks like Silverstone, Monza, and Daytona remain in use today, several once-legendary motorsport venues have faded into obscurity, abandoned due to financial struggles, safety concerns, or simply changing times. Despite their closure, these circuits hold a special place in motorsport history, representing an era of raw racing and unforgettable moments. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most historic motorsport venues that have disappeared.
Brooklands: The Birthplace of British Motorsport
Brooklands, located in Surrey, England, is often referred to as the birthplace of British motorsport. Opened in 1907, it was the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit. Its unique banked oval layout quickly made it a favourite among speed enthusiasts, and it hosted countless car and motorcycle races throughout the early 20th century.
However, Brooklands was not just a racetrack—it was also a hub for aviation, with a long history of aeroplane manufacturing and testing. During World War II, the track’s importance in aircraft production meant it became a target for enemy bombings, and large sections of the circuit were damaged. After the war, the cost of repairing the track, along with changes in racing safety standards, led to its closure in 1939.
Today, parts of the circuit still exist as part of the Brooklands Museum, where visitors can walk the remnants of the famous banking and relive the pioneering days of British motorsport.
Reims-Gueux: A Forgotten Gem of French Racing
The Reims-Gueux circuit in northeastern France is another storied motorsport venue that has vanished from the racing calendar. First used in 1926, Reims was a fast and dangerous circuit, known for its long straights and sweeping corners, making it a favourite for high-speed racing. It hosted Formula 1 races from 1950 to 1966, with legendary drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio, Mike Hawthorn, and Stirling Moss battling on its roads.
Reims’ charm came from its simplicity—public roads temporarily closed off for racing with minimal safety barriers. However, as Formula 1 and other racing series began prioritising safety and more modern facilities, Reims became outdated. The final race took place in 1972, after which the track was abandoned.
Today, remnants of the old Reims circuit still stand, including the pit buildings, grandstands, and advertising boards. These ghostly relics offer a glimpse into the golden era of French motorsport, where racing was raw and unforgiving.
Avus: Berlin’s High-Speed Danger
Berlin’s AVUS (Automobil-Verkehrs- und Übungsstraße) was one of the fastest and most dangerous circuits in motorsport history. Built as a public road in the 1920s, it doubled as a racing circuit, featuring two incredibly long straights and a steeply banked hairpin turn at one end. The track’s design encouraged incredible speeds, but its lack of safety features made it perilous for drivers and spectators alike.
AVUS played host to various motorsport events, including Grand Prix races, touring car events, and even the German Motorcycle Grand Prix. Its high speeds made for thrilling racing, but the track’s banking and lack of modern safety measures led to several deadly accidents. Over time, it became clear that AVUS was simply too dangerous for competitive motorsport. The last major race was held in 1999, after which the track was permanently closed to racing.
Today, AVUS is part of a major motorway in Berlin, and while the steep banked turn still exists, it serves as a haunting reminder of a bygone era of high-risk, high-reward racing.
Montjuïc Park: The Risky Streets of Barcelona
The Montjuïc Park circuit in Barcelona was a stunning yet dangerous street circuit that wound through the city’s historic park. Hosting races from the 1930s to the 1970s, Montjuïc was known for its picturesque surroundings, with views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, but also for its treacherous layout, which included narrow roads, sharp turns, and elevation changes.
Montjuïc hosted Formula 1 races in the 1970s, but its lack of safety features made it extremely dangerous. The 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, marred by a horrific accident that claimed the lives of five spectators, was the final straw. After this tragedy, the track was deemed too dangerous for modern racing, and major motorsport events ceased to be held there.
Today, Montjuïc Park is a peaceful area for locals and tourists to enjoy, but its motorsport legacy remains a part of Barcelona’s racing history. The roads that once echoed with the roar of engines are now quiet, though their legacy lingers in the minds of motorsport fans.
Riverside International Raceway—America’s Forgotten Track
Riverside International Raceway, located in California, was one of the most iconic circuits in American motorsport during its heyday. Opened in 1957, Riverside hosted a wide variety of races, from NASCAR to Formula 1, sports car racing, and even endurance events like the 24 Hours of Riverside. Its challenging layout, featuring fast straights and technical corners, made it a favourite among drivers.
However, Riverside’s location in the rapidly growing area of Southern California eventually led to its downfall. By the late 1980s, pressure from real estate developers grew, and in 1989, the track was sold and demolished to make way for a shopping mall and residential development.
Despite its disappearance, Riverside holds a special place in American motorsport history, remembered for its thrilling races and legendary moments, including wins by racing greats like Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, and Richard Petty.
Though these historic motorsport venues have disappeared from the racing world, their legacy remains alive in the memories of fans and drivers alike. These tracks were part of a different era of racing, where speed and bravery often outweighed safety and modern amenities. While we can no longer watch races at these iconic venues, they will forever be etched into the history of motorsport. As fans, we can only hope to preserve their memory and celebrate the role they played in shaping the sport we love today.
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