CLUB STATEMENT
NORTHAMPTON Speedway wish to sincerely apologise to all supporters for the postponement of Thursday’s final league fixture of the season against King’s Lynn.
There was a unanimous decision between the two team captains, team managers and SCB Referee Christina Turnbull that the meeting could not go ahead due to track conditions at the Shaleway.
The match was due to take place in the week between two major stock car events at the venue, and track staff had worked hard over recent days to provide suitable conditions.
The club staged their mandatory Development event during the early afternoon, a behind closed doors session won by Ben Whalley, and it appeared conditions would be suitable for the evening.
However, after inspection from the riders further work was called to blade the track, and the eventual decision was taken shortly after the scheduled start time.
Co-promoter Paul Hunsdon said: “This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my short tenure as a speedway promoter, but the track has been deemed unfit.
“There was a stock car meeting last weekend, but we honestly thought it was going to be okay. We did some testing on it earlier, but during the evening it deteriorated.
“After trying to do some remedial work to put it right, we are dreadfully sorry to have to postpone the meeting, which is horrendous for everyone.
“We will make this up to the supporters, and I can only apologise from the bottom of my heart from everyone at Northampton Speedway that we’ve had to make this decision.
“Myself and Tony (Gaul) are absolutely devastated by this, and we are so sorry to our loyal public and anyone else who travelled a distance to be here.
“We appreciate the cost of fuel is expensive, people have turned up to watch a speedway meeting and we weren’t able to give them one.
“Everyone has worked so hard today, and everyone has worked so hard to make this venture a success. We’ve had such good times throughout the season and for this to happen now, I’m so sorry for all our fans and everyone at the club.”
Supporters are urged to retain their tickets for the meeting as they will be valid for the re-staging, the date of which will be communicated in due course.
The next speedway at the Shaleway is the Tai Woffinden Testimonial on Saturday October 3 (6pm).