Speedway season suspended due to coronavirus

Parrys International Wolves were due to stage their press and practice session along with the fans forum next week.

But with the sport now closed down until at least April 15 due to the Coronavirus crisis, club bosses have been left with no alternative but to cancel.

Club owner Chris Van Straaten said: “Naturally we are very disappointed with this outcome but I think it’s as expected and inevitable.

“Personally I believe April is optimistic to think we’ll be racing again by then, but that’s only my personal view.

“I just hope when the green light comes for us to start the season we are all still in a position to do so.

“Having said that, the problems facing Speedway pale into insignificance in comparison to the problems facing the rest of the world with this virus which we all know so little about.

“I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and particularly our club sponsors for being so loyal.”

Earlier in the day, British Speedway confirmed the season had been suspended with immediate effect.

A joint statement from the British Speedway Promoters’ Association and the Speedway Control Bureau said:

“The decision has been taken in line with other sports following the latest update from the government on the Coronavirus crisis.

“This suspension will be reviewed on April 15 and the situation will be monitored by the British Speedway Promoters’ Association and Speedway Control Bureau on a daily basis between now and then.”

A number of fixtures were due to go ahead this month across numerous competitions - they will now be postponed.

Wolverhampton Wolves were first due to take on Redcar later this month, before their league season opener in April.