Wolverhampton Speedway Bosses Pledge To Discover New Venue

25 April 2023
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Nick Clitheroe & Clare LissamanBBC News


Speedway club bosses have actually promised to find a new location after news they can not remain at their home of 96 years.


Wolverhampton Speedway said on 17 April they were devastated their tenancy arrangement for Monmore Green would not be extended beyond this season.


About 17,000 people have now signed a petition requiring it to be saved.


But Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten stated the "fantastic" assistance had actually led to talks with authorities about a brand-new site.


"The fact that this petition has been signed and got such a huge amount of support in simply a couple of days is rather exceptional and I believe that's definitely been the influence and unlocked to these conferences for the club," he said.


Site owner Entain has stated it will concentrate on greyhound racing however understands fans and the club will be "disappointed".


Mr Van Straaten, who took control of the club from his dad in 1986, stated speedway was "an essential part of Wolverhampton folklore".


"My energy in the last few days has actually turned to providing a new site where we can establish a Wolverhampton Speedway club and we can be the primary occupants," he stated.


"I wish to create our own place, I 'd like to be the primary holder of the tenancy and likewise produce something that is open 6 days a week to help train motorcyclists; to train children to take them off the streets."


He said he had managed to bring a stadium to Redcar and had actually gained knowledge from that project.


"I 'd enjoy to be in a position where I can bring a speedway arena to the city of Wolverhampton," he stated.


The reaction from individuals made him believe this was possible.


"The amount of individuals that signed the petition has took my breath away. The support for this sport is rather remarkable," he stated.


Mr Van Straaten stated it would be an "enormous" blow if it didn't happen, but included he was going to be positive and they had the rest of this year to attempt to find a site.


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