THUMBS UP FROM CROFTY!

TOP Formula 1 commentator David Croft has given his seal of approval to the new speedway set-up at Northampton International Shaleway.

Croft, who has been the voice of F1 as lead commentator on Sky Sports since 2012, was in attendance for the Foxes’ home meeting with league leaders Belle Vue on Thursday.

The motorsports and darts broadcaster took advantage of a break in the busy European F1 summer calendar following last weekend’s British GP at Silverstone to enjoy a night in hospitality with a party that included former Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber, who is also a well-known speedway fan.

Speaking to meeting presenter Craig Saul during the interval, Croft said: “We’ve known (Belle Vue boss) Mark Lemon and his other half Emma for many years, and he keeps saying ‘come to the speedway!’

“Now we have somewhere that’s a little nearer than Belle Vue, here I am, and this is the heart of the motorsport valley.

“On one side of Silverstone you have the factories and the multi-million pound sport, and on this side you have Santa Pod just down the road, and here the Northampton International Shaleway which used to be the Brafield banger racing circuit when I used to come here as a kid.

“I just think speedway is a sport where you either want to know a lot, or you don’t need to know a lot.

“If you know a lot, you can take it on one level – but if you don’t, then it’s just four of the bravest people on the planet going absolutely hell for leather at 70mph around a track for four laps, with no brakes!

“It’s a simple sport to understand, and to love and really get used to.”