TWO events at a motor racing circuit are expected to attract thousands of people to the region.

Croft Circuit, near Darlington, is holding Truckfest, the largest road haulage festival in Europe, on May 30 and 31.

On Sunday, July 19, it will host the Modified and Performance Car Show.

Both events are expected to attract bumper crowds, and local motorsport enthusiasts believe they will help maintain the viability of the circuit and inject tens of thousands of pounds into the local economy.

The circuit hit the headlines earlier this year when it was forced to cancel events and pay costs and damages after it lost a court battle over noise complaints from neighbouring residents.

Truckfest will showcase hundreds of trucks, many of them with customised livery and interiors.

There will also be demonstrations from the British Truck Racing Association, and a celebrity appearance from Rick Yemm, the star of the TV show, Ice Road Truckers.

Two monster trucks will also be crushing cars.

At the Modified and Performance Car Show, visitors can pay to take their vehicle round the Croft track, or complete three laps in a car driven by a trained racing driver.

There will also be club stands, a Best on Show competition and demonstrations from modifying and tuning companies.

Larry Carter, a motorsport journalist who helps with the publicity of Croft Circuit, said: “Any event at Croft has got to be welcomed.

“Because of the recent happenings, the fact that there are going to be fewer events there rather than more means any events associated with motorsport or the motoring industry have got to be welcomed.

“Croft is unique. It’s the only one of its type in the region.

“With these events, thousands of people will be coming and they’ll be spending money and, hopefully, it will make Croft Motor Racing Circuit more financially viable.

“What’s also particularly pleasing is that, in 40 years of reporting at Croft circuit, I’ve never seen trucks there, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Day tickets for adults at both events start at £12.

For more information on Truckfest visit truckfest.co.uk or call 0871- 230-7149.

For more information on the Modified and Performance Car Show visit modifiedshow.co.uk or call 0871-230-7153.