Speedway legend backs search for new stadium

A speedway legend has backed his former team to find a permanent home in the Black Country – as he was greeted by hundreds of fans on a return visit.

Current world champion Greg Hancock raced for Dudley Heathens, then known as Cradley Heath Heathens, from 1989 to 1996. And he spoke of his hope that the team where he started a career would find a new stadium.

This is after its Dudley Wood stadium was developed for housing more than 15 years ago. Mr Hancock, a Californian who moved to the Black Country in his teens, was invited to an car dealership event. A revamp of the Motoring Market dealership in Cradley Heath was revealed on the day.

More than 800 fans flocked to see him in just two hours on Saturday – and he admitted the response had left him "emotional".

Campaigners have been working for years to find the club a new home but have struggled to get council backing.

Mr Hancock, aged 41, who became world champion for the second time last year, 14 years after he last won the title now competes in Poland.

He said: "My whole career started here and it's really special to come back.

"This club has produced so many great riders and it's incredible to see people working to still hold the club together and find it a track.

Stand

"I rally hope that the local councils will take stand because when you see the desire that this club has then surely something has got to be done.

"I hope it's just a matter of time and pledge my support to the campaign."

Dudley Council leader Les Jones has insisted there were many "planning and environmental obstacles" to setting up a new speedway stadium and said Sandwell Council was also looking into potential sites.

But campaign leader Bob Edwards has previously spoken of the difficulties of dealing with two councils.

It had been suggested other sports teams, such as football, use the infield pitch at a new stadium to help bring in more money.