Speedway stars celebrate 80th year

Speedway in Wolverhampton celebrates its 80th birthday this evening with a special meeting at Monmore Green.

The venue is the oldest speedway stadium still operating in the United Kingdom, having staged its first meeting on 30 May 1928.

The anniversary is celebrated tonight with a gala evening at the stadium featuring speedway stars past, present and future, with the main showpiece for a packed crowd being a four-team tournament.

Riders lined up include all three Karlsson brothers, who have played such an instrumental part of Wolves' recent history.

Former Wolves riders Adam Kornicki, James Grieves and George Stancl, Redcar Bears star Tyron Proctor and all of the current Wolves squad will compete.

Also on the bill are 17-year old Tai Woffinden, currently Britain's hottest prospect in speedway, with fellow young Wolves asset Joe Haines.

The evening will also see special exhibition races from club greats. Those riding include Sam Ermolenko and Ronnie Correy, plus Graham Jones and Wayne Carter, while a whole host of Wolves riders past and present will be in attendance to meet and greet fans.

Riders dating back to the days of the Wolverhampton Wasps in the 1950s are set to attend, along with many heroes from the club's long and proud history.

Past Monmore Green announcers Peter York and Robin Martakies will join the presentation team, helping to make the evening's action a real blast from the past.

A display of memorabilia and machines will also be on show, including an original machine dating from the birth of speedway in the UK in 1928.

The meeting gets underway at 7.30pm with admission prices at £12 for adults, £8 for concessions and £2 for children.

Season tickets are not valid for the meeting. There will be a special souvenir programme on sale at £3. The stadium bar will be open until 11.30pm.