The Breedon Aggregates Lions take a break from Premier League action this weekend to race against the Dudley Heathens on Sunday at the Beaumont Park Stadium for the Ivor Brown Trophy.
Ivor began his career at the old Blackbird Road Stadium in the era of the Hunters before moving across the Midlands to ride for Cradley Heath where he became the number one rider in the team and the idol of the home fans.
Cradley Heath speedway team lost the use of their Dudley Wood Stadium in 1995 when the land was sold for housing. In what is a similar story to Leicester, there remained a swell of people committed to finding a new home for the once famous club that had developed riders who went on to win gold medals in world individual and team events along with success for the Cradley Heathens in domestic competitions.
The Dudley Heathens were formed last year and the sole purpose behind the venture is to find a new home and return Cradley to the sport. In the meantime they are happy to carry the name of Dudley as a constant reminder to Dudley Borough Council that speedway remains a well-supported spectator sport in the region.
The famous nickname of the Heathens has been revived and the fixture against Leicester is expected to be a nostalgic occasion for both sets of fans which is likely to bring back memories of the days when the Lions and the Heathens last met.
Promoter David Hemsley said: “We know only too well from our experience of bringing speedway back to Leicester that you have to keep the profile of the project constantly in people’s minds and to promote awareness through different channels. The Heathens were one of the biggest clubs in speedway when I first started watching the sport and if this fixture helps support their quest to have a stadium they can call their own then we will be delighted”.
Dudley, who operates in the lower tier to Leicester, is strengthened by the inclusion of three riders with Elite League experience to ensure that the racing is of the highest standard. Making his first official appearance at the Beaumont Park Stadium is the captain of the Coventry Bees, Ryan Fisher. The American completed several practice laps of the track behind closed doors two weeks ago and he will present the Lions three heat leaders with a stern test of skills.
Fisher will be supported by another Coventry asset Josh Auty, who also rides for Sheffield. British born Auty scored nine points for the Tigers at Leicester in July and this will be his fourth visit to Beaumont Park, a track where he has excelled this season.
Completing the third heat leader position in the Dudley team is Tero Aarnio who has recently been taken on by Wolverhampton in a ‘doubling up’ capacity after showing great promise for his Premier League club the Scunthorpe Scorpions. Aarnio scored eight points on his last appearance at Leicester which included two wins.
