Speedway – A call for Change?

With the new season of Speedway right around the corner, fans of the sport are beginning to get excited, but is their team in danger of closing down?

Birmingham Brummies were forced to close its doors due to the impending redevelopment of the Perry Barr stadium site and the expiration of their lease.

Motorsport journalist and commentator, Jack Hammersley, said: ‘It was absolutely gutting for myself and everyone involved.

‘It shut down due to the stadium being demolished with the greyhound racing moving to another venue, if that didn’t happen then I think the Brummies would be continuing.

‘The Brummies can return but it’s just about finding somewhere to host it.’

In 2024, Peterborough Panthers ceased its racing at the East of England Showground, their home track, as the site was slated for redevelopment into housing and a hotel.

Wolverhampton Wolves also lost their venue at the Monmore Green stadium at the close of the 2023 season, after their tenancy agreement was not extended by the stadium owners.

Hammersley said: ‘It is mainly due to the clubs losing the stadiums and being unable to find somewhere new.

‘Whether it’s the local council or the owners of the land have changed their mind I’m not sure, it probably depends on each individual team depending on where they’re based.

‘But I don’t think it’s come from a lack of funds mostly. Wolves for example were doing fine in the Premiership then out of nowhere they lost their stadium and now they’re trying to find a new place still 2 years on.’

Hammersley believes times have changed which aren’t helping the sports funding.

‘Back in the 60s/70s/80s people would usually go to work and would go and watch the speedway after their shift, but that’s gone and I think there’s a lack of young supporters.’

Fans are now wondering if its best for the sport to move to one league instead of having separate divisions due to the loss of teams.

Poole Pirates Owner, Matt Ford has said via Bournemouth Echo that if there was ideas for one league, the time is now.