Wolverhampton Speedway Bosses Pledge To Find New Venue

25 April 2023
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Nick Clitheroe & Clare LissamanBBC News


Speedway club employers have vowed to find a brand-new place after news they can not remain at their home of 96 years.


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


About 17,000 individuals have now signed a petition calling for it to be saved.


But Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten stated the "amazing" assistance had actually resulted in talks with authorities about a new website.


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


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


Mr Van Straaten, who took over running the club from his dad in 1986, said speedway was "a vital part of Wolverhampton folklore".


"My energy in the last few 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 said.


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


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


"I 'd like 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 assistance for this sport is rather fantastic," he said.


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


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