Express & Star

Opener is at risk after Belle Vue debacle

Bosses at Wolverhampton Wolves speedway are waiting to hear whether Friday afternoon's Elite League opener at Belle Vue will get the go-ahead or not.

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Saturday's curtain-raising meeting at Belle Vue's new National Stadium had to be abandoned because of the concerns of top stars – including double world champion Tai Woffinden – about the state of the newly-laid surface.

And the knock-on effect could be that Wolves' Good Friday trip to Belle Vue is postponed – although no decision has yet been taken.

British Speedway Promoters' Association chairman Keith Chapman said: "This is a massive setback to the sport in this country and it can have a negative impact on every other club throughout the UK.

"It wasn't even a BSPA event, it was down to the Belle Vue promotion to ensure the meeting went ahead under the supervision of the Speedway Control Bureau referee – and they failed.

"It is the promoter's responsibility and not the BSPA as an association to ensure a 'domestic' fixture – which is what this was – goes ahead.

"It's an embarrassment and the rest of the sport in this country could be hit

by it. A thorough investigation has already started."

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