BANGER racing fans have said farewell to the Ringwood Raceway as cars completed their last ever laps of the track.

The raceway, off Matchams Lane, is earmarked for a retirement village and hosted the last ever car meet at the weekend.

Hundreds of people attended or took part in the motor racing event, a tradition which has taken place since 1954.

READ MORE: Ringwood Raceway plans are back open for public consultation

One fan, Mike, said: “I’ve been going there for as long as I can remember with my dad. My son is eight and he has now been a few times as well.

“It’s always a good thing to go see, there’s always a good turnout, the crowd’s always well behaved.

“They are all like-minded people and I thought it’s such a shame all those people can’t get together there anymore.

“I just think it’s great, I am a car person and there’s so many like-minded people. Other than a football match or the Air Festival, where else do you see a group of like-minded people like that?”

READ MORE: Stolen cars smashed and impounded at Ringwood Raceway

As reported, the plans to turn the raceway into a retirement village were put back out for public consultation.

They were met with hundreds of objections and went out for consultation, which ended on July 27.

READ MORE: Ringwood Raceway at Matchams to close to motorsport

In a social media post for SOS Save our Stadium Ringwood Raceway, a spokesperson said: “We have a chance.

“We need your help: friends, family, drivers and spectators. A real BIG opportunity to make your statement.

“Your help now may just make a difference please help us. The more that comment the better our chances of saving the venue.

“Please note that currently the last event is due to take place on the weekend of Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August with everyone helping we may be able to overturn or stall things but without everyone helping we have no chance.”

And Mike agreed there should be an effort to save the track.

He said: “I just think it’s worth stressing there are a lot of people enjoying that place who would not want to take it away.

“It would be really good if there is enough people who go there, if there can be a true community effort so everyone can enjoy it for generations to come.”

The Daily Echo contacted Ringwood Raceway for a comment.