Wolverhampton Save Our Speedway petition clocks up almost 10,000 signatures in just over 24 hours

Wolfpack member Chris Adams posted the petition on Change.org when the news about Monmore Green Stadium not renewing the club's lease broke on Monday.

The petition quickly went viral, with thousands of fans sharing it on their social media pages, many venting their fury at the greyhound stadium's decision.

Chris, who has been a mechanic at the speedway for 30 years, said: "It's absolutely shocking news that we are looking like our last ever season at Monmore Green.

"It makes my blood boil how multimillion pound companies can just wipe us off the slate as though it never existed, just so they can have an empty stadium for internet betting on dog racing and the council just sits by and allow them to do it. The people of Wolverhampton need to fight this cause.

"Wolverhampton Speedway has been thriving in the city for nearly 100 years and the landlord of the stadium will not extend the lease. The people deserve better for the sort they love."

Earlier, the 44-year-old added: "We have got nearly 8,000 signatures and it is only day two of the campaign, we will be doing everything to keep speedway in Wolverhampton."

Chris, who also runs the Speedway youth team, is still in shock at the suddenness of the news.

He said: "If they said "we are thinking of changing here is three years notice" then I could understand but to just tell us this season is the last is mindboggling.

"The club normally resign the lease at the start of the year and it seemed funny the paperwork was not returned and then they said they wanted a chat about it. But to give us no notice is about as shocking as it gets."

"This speedway is part of people's lives, I've been a mechanic down there for 30 years and know so many people will be heartbroken."

He added: "This campaign will get bigger and bigger, we need to make those who made this decision realise they are in the wrong and are wrecking a community."

Andy Lockett, who signed the petition, said: "Speedway is a precious, family friendly, affordable motor sport. Wolverhampton is known as the oldest active track in the UK, it provides entertainment for thousands of fans over the course of a season. To kill it off as a local community-based leisure facility is needlessly short sighted."

Speedway fan of 60 years Mike Thompson believes the history of racing in the city should be reason enough to save the sport in Wolverhampton.

He said: "I am shocked and saddened to hear this news as Wolverhampton speedway has been my life since 1961. It simply cannot be allowed to die by some faceless people who probably have never been to a speedway meeting in their lives."

He added: "Nor do they know the history of the sport bearing in mind that Wolves opened at the stadium in 1928 are are currently the oldest track in the world still holding regular racing."

Fellow veteran fan David Haddon said: "I'm devastated, I've been supporting Wolves for 63 years. Unfortunately, it's the way speedway is going with uncertainties about other tracks, I worry about the sport."

Speedway fans across the country have backed the campaign.

Roy Clarke, from the Redcar Bears, said: "So sad and annoyed about the news, I have so many happy memories of Monmore Green, let's hope these people come to their senses and allowed the good people of Wolverhampton to continue to cheer on their team."

Newcastle fan Mandy Holmes said: "We must save this before speedway disappears in this country. We've already lost our home track in Newcastle."

Fans from local rivals The Brummies also supported the campaign after suffering several years homeless themselves.

Adrian Brown said: "As a follower of The Brummies I know how it can be to lose your track. For a team that has survived so long, Wolves are a vital part of Wolverhampton."

With the Cradley Heathens and Coventry speedway teams not having their own grounds, fans fear Wolverhampton could spend years homeless.

Barry Prescott said: "I'm passionate about speedway, Wolves is an iconic team and stadium and we can't let another stadium go in the area after Cradley and Coventry."

Lisa Hooper added: "Wolves has been part of speedway for as long as I can remember, it's criminal to think they are loosing out to greyhound racing seriously come on, Speedway is just the most amazing family sport it really is part of people's lives and I can honestly say I've known dedicated speedway fans but you don't get none more dedicated to their team and their speedway as the wolves fans.This definitely should not be happening. We need British Speedway!"

To sign the petition visit change.org/p/save-wolverhampton-speedway