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 vowed to discover 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 occupancy agreement for Monmore Green would not be extended beyond this season.


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


But Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten said the "fantastic" support had led to talks with authorities about a new website.


"The reality that this petition has actually been signed and got such a substantial amount of assistance in just a few days is rather impressive and I think that's certainly been the impact and unlocked to these conferences for the club," he stated.


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


Mr Van Straaten, who took control of running the club from his father in 1986, said speedway was "a fundamental part of Wolverhampton folklore".


"My energy in the last couple of days has actually turned to supplying a brand-new site where we can develop a Wolverhampton Speedway club and we can be the primary occupants," he stated.


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


He said he had managed to bring an arena to Redcar and had actually gotten understanding from that project.


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


The reaction from individuals made him believe this was possible.


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


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


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