Track Talk: Big changes afoot for the 2020 season
Congratulations have to go to Swindon on winning the Premiership at a canter with a couple of shrewd signings along the way proving the difference. One of those signings was Ellis Perks – a rider who we handed a National League debut to at Cradley back in 2015! From a Wolves point of view, it must’ve been disappointing to end the season with defeat in the semi-final but there’s no doubt Chris Van Straaten & Co will come back stronger and I’m hearing whispers that the club have some exciting plans for the 2020 season.
Plans for next season have begun across the UK with glamour club Poole announcing their intentions to drop down a division to the Championship.
Many have said this is a major blow for the sport and whilst I agree to a certain extent, I know the difficulties Matt Ford has faced behind-the-scenes with the club’s main team sponsor going into liquidation leaving Poole owed thousands.
Poole’s drop to the second tier can only be a positive for the league and would see the club return to Wednesday race nights which supporters have voted in favour of. Although I must admit it will be rather weird seeing the Manchester United of speedway coming up against, will all due respect, smaller clubs like Redcar and Scunthorpe. Since this news emerged there have been whispers that more than one club are interested in taking Poole’s spot in the Premiership – some may be pleasantly surprised if these interests come to fruition.
The Monmore Green season ends when Cradley host the Golden Hammer individual event, also promoting the fine work of Dudley Stroke Association.
It’s 12 riders over 15 races plus a Grand Final shootout and normal admission prices apply £13 adults, £11 concessions and kids go free because of the school holidays. The season finale provides a last chance to see speedway at Monmore Green before the long, harsh winter kicks in – and with the uncertainty regarding the Heathens future ahead of the annual AGM it’s the perfect chance to celebrate the end of a season which saw Cradley defy the odds by reaching the play-off semi-finals!
Nothing to do tomorrow? Kids facing a bored Sunday? Let me help. Get yourselves to Monmore Green for a bumper afternoon of speedway action!
Wolves face Peterborough in a cup tie (4pm) over 15 races and that’s followed by the final round of the Britrish Youth Championship.And with £10 admission (£1 kids) for 15 heats of Premiership Cup action plus the youth racing it’s a bargain which means you can stay for as long as you want!
It’s a wonderful opportunity and I hope a good turnout rewards club bosses for organising it. If you’ve never sampled live speedway before then why not come along and join us for the evening.
There’s also the club’s end-of-season award presentation with all the team in the stadium function room after the Peterborough match with admission by donation of £3 to Cancer Research – a great cause.
