Speedway team to close doors at season's end

A speedway team has said it will close its doors at the end of the 2025 season, as redevelopment of its home stadium looms.

Birmingham Brummies' lease at the Perry Barr stadium is up in September, and the greyhounds who also race at the site are to move out at the end of the summer.

The move is due to the site being developed into a housing village, with plans in 2023 showing a proposed mix of 338 apartments and 89 town houses.

"It's something I never wanted to say, but this will be the last year of speedway in Birmingham," said club co-owner Nigel Tolley.

In March 2024, Mr Tolley had expressed interest in moving the club, which was established in 1928, to the nearby Alexander Stadium.

But in a statement on Friday, he said every possibility of it remaining at the Perry Barr site had been discussed, and that all other options had been "exhausted".

"I think everyone will be aware of the approaching redevelopment works planned for the site at Perry Barr and work will begin shortly after the lodging of the planning application, which is imminent," he said.

"I know the news won't come as a major surprise to the majority - but it doesn't mean it won't hurt any less."

He described the news as "devastating" for the few hundred supporters "who stick by us through thick and thin".

He urged loyal fans to "savour each and every race night us Brummies have got left at Perry Barr" and "make some lasting memories".

The Brummies host league leaders Ipswich in speedway's Premiership on Monday.

Their Facebook post announcing the news has garnered more than 350 comments, with fans, as well as supporters from other clubs, describing themselves as "devastated" and "heartbroken".

Many called for outside help to support the sport. One person said: "This is such sad news for British speedway in general and also for the Midlands. This government needs to help our wonderful sport out and stop this happening."

In recent years, speedway teams in the West Midlands have struggled to stay afloat, often losing their permanent homes.

Wolverhampton Speedway lost its venue at the Monmore Green stadium at the end of the 2023 season, after a tenancy agreement was not extended.

The Cradley Heathens speedway team folded in 1995 after moving out of their Dudley Wood track. It was revived in 2010 and also raced at Monmore Green.

Meanwhile, the Coventry Bees stopped racing at the Brandon Stadium, which is currently derelict, in 2016.

However, in April, Rugby Borough Council submitted a proposal to support the restoration of the Brandon site for speedway or stock car racing, as well as other motorsports and community uses.

A public consultation on the proposal is open until 19 May.

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