No speedway at Monmore until 2021
Wolverhampton Speedway bosses have reluctantly admitted defeat in their efforts to stage any meetings this year.
In a statement, owner Chris Van Straaten claimed 2020 had been ‘stolen’ by the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision to scrap professional leagues this year was taken back in July but Van Straaten had not ruled out holding events at Monmore Green in October, when spectators might be allowed in.
However, those plans have now also been shelved with Parrys International Wolves not racing again until 2021.
Van Straaten explained: “The Covid nightmare which unfortunately has proved a tragic reality for many thousands of people throughout the world, has put paid to that for 2020 at least.
“Covid is still prevalent and regulation guidelines are changing almost daily.
“Monmore is due to reopen to the public next month – although understandably with local authority restrictions on numbers and closely monitored conditions of entry.
“Nevertheless, Wolverhampton Speedway has taken the decision not to stage any events in 2020.
“This was not a decision taken lightly, but after a great deal of soul-searching and sleepless nights we believe it to be the best decision to ensure that we can welcome you all to Monmore in March 2021.
“Planning an event in October with autumn weather is often a lottery and with the added Covid restrictions, it becomes too much of a financial risk. Unfortunately, Covid has stolen 2020 from us!”
Van Straaten and his team will now begin planning for next spring, with the owner once more paying tribute to the season ticket holders and sponsors who have helped ease the financial burden from a lost year.
“We acknowledge again the valued support of our season ticket holders and sponsors and let us look forward to the 2021 season together,” he added.
While there will be no racing at Monmore, Wolverhampton skipper Rory Schlein is scheduled to take part in the British Final later this month.
The meeting at Ipswich on September 26 has been approved as a government pilot event to reintroduce spectators to sporting venues.
Tickets are on sale now at speedwaygb.co.uk/britishfinal and a sell-out of the limited numbers is widely expected, as the event won’t be televised.
