LEICESTER Speedway have been left counting the cost of a cancelled Championship season.
British Speedway bosses were left with no alternative but to pull the plug on plans to stage shortened fixture lists in the professional leagues after Boris Johnson’s announcement about fans returning to stadia in October – too late for speedway.
And co-promoter Stewart Dickson has revealed the vast expense suffered by the Watling JCB Lions club owners.
“I am sure the news must come as a disappointment to everyone,” he said.
“Indeed it has been equally felt by the owners. In the absence of income raised from staging meetings they have had to meet the costs associated with running a speedway club together with having to pay a yearly rent for the stadium which amounts to a considerable sum of money.
“It has been a difficult few months and whilst every effort has been made to see the return of speedway, time is fast running out to deliver meaningful Premiership and Championship competitions.
“An added complication for us is that our stadium is within the boundary of the lockdown area of Leicester and without a firm date of when the restrictions are likely to be lifted, plans cannot be made with any confidence.
“However, should the situation change for the better in the foreseeable future I am hopeful that maybe we can stage some challenge team events subject to the approval of our governing body and Leicester City Council.
“As a result of today’s news, we will begin to contact all Season Ticket holders this week to offer them the option of transferring their ticket to next season or to request a full refund.
“We appreciate every supporter’s circumstances will be different but hopefully fans will elect to rollover their season ticket into next season and continue to support the Lions in 2021.
“Finally, I would like to thank our fans and staff for their patience during these difficult times and I am pleased to confirm that the owners are committed to both the Lions and Cubs racing next season.”
