This is so devastating to see. A huge fire erupted at Lydden Hill race circuit today, with smoke billowing from the paddock ahead of the track hosting the World Rallycross Championship this weekend.
The fire broke out in the garage of rally legend Sebastian Loeb’s Special One World Rallycross team.
Videos on social media showed flames that engulfed the entire area – destroying the team’s trucks and electric cars, which were due to be on track tomorrow.
WATCH: Fire at #LyddenHill ahead of this weekend's round of the @FIAWorldRX.
Video was taken at approximately 9am this morning.
🎥@KTMV_Kent pic.twitter.com/VH0afqxL5V
— Bartholomew Hall (@BartholomewHll) July 21, 2023
Nine fire engines were called to the circuit shortly after 8:30am this morning to battle the blaze, and the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
WRX released the following statement: “A fire broke out in the Special One racing team area at Lydden Hill this morning ahead of the FIA World Rallycross Championship event at the track.
A huge blow for the @FIAWorldRX community as fire caught on in Special ONE Racing’s team area in Lydden Hill.
All gone, including the Lancia Delta evo RX1e cars. Absolutely heartbreaking 💔
📸 unknown #WorldRX pic.twitter.com/RZko3gKuve
— Emīls Grintāls (@EmilsGrintals) July 21, 2023
“Fire crews are on-site.
“The venue is not open to the public today, and no injuries have been reported. Further updates will be communicated as we continue to assess and monitor the situation.”
Lydden is the track where rallycross – a form of motorsport where small pack of cars contest short, sharp races on circuits that are half gravel and half tarmac – was invented back in 1967. This weekend is the first time it’s hosted the category’s world championship since 2017.
We’re just thankful that everyone at the track is safe and well!
