Autodromo della Mellaha, former race track in Libya, while part of Kingdom of Italy
The Autodromo della Mellaha was a racing track built in Libya near Tripoli in the early 1930s. The roughly 13-kilometer circuit was flat with gentle turns, featuring large wooden grandstands, a tall control tower, and car preparation areas where mechanics serviced the vehicles.
The track was built by Italians in 1923 as a simple racing circuit and expanded and modernized in the 1930s. Operations ended in 1940 with the onset of World War II, after which the site gradually fell into disuse and was later damaged during its conversion into Mitiga International Airport.
The site takes its name from the nearby Mellaha Salt Lake and served as a symbol of technical progress and national strength during Italian rule. The racing events drew spectators from various countries and made motorsport a significant public occasion in the region.
The site is difficult to access today as it is located within the Mitiga International Airport grounds and subject to military and civilian controls. Visitors should check current security conditions and access regulations beforehand, as the area may be affected by ongoing conflicts.
The track was known for an unusual lottery system where spectators bought tickets matching car numbers to win large prizes. This system caused problems with race fixing and was an early attempt to commercially market motorsport events.
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