Future of King’s Lynn Speedway in serious doubt

The future of King’s Lynn Speedway is in serious doubt after the postponement of tonight’s Sports Insure Premiership match against Peterborough.

The club have admitted they are in “an extremely difficult and vulnerable position” as they look to battle for their future survival.

Club bosses have been in extensive discussions with British Speedway Promoters’ Ltd, and all parties are in agreement that a brief pause to their season is necessary in order to regroup and resolve several issues.

A statement from the club said: “Recent changes on the promotional side, which have already been heavily documented in the media, have left the club in an extremely difficult and vulnerable position, and to continue at this stage would severely jeopardise the future.

“The intention of all parties is that the Stars complete the current season and are then able to return in 2024.

“Essentially, in order to do this, the club needs to re-finance, and a week with no fixtures should enable them to put the necessary steps in place for the remainder of 2023.

“Consequently, the King’s Lynn v Peterborough fixture has been re-scheduled for Thursday July 27.

“The Stars will be back in action on Monday, July 17 when they visit Leicester, and the next home meeting is the reverse fixture against the Lions on Thursday July 20.

“The club apologises to supporters for the inconvenience and disruption, but hope there is an understanding they have been left in a near-impossible position, and that they are working to find solutions.

“The decision has not been taken lightly but ultimately it was one which had to be taken with the long-term survival of the club in mind.”

British Speedway Promoters’ Ltd are working with King’s Lynn Speedway and have therefore accepted their request to postpone Monday’s meeting given the extreme circumstances the club are facing.

Sports Insure Premiership CEO Phil Morris said: “King’s Lynn have been completely open and transparent with myself and the Board of Directors about their issues, and it is a complex position.

“Therefore, after detailed discussions on Friday their request was accepted in the best interests of the sport, and the postponement of Monday’s fixture gives them the short grace period necessary for matters to be resolved.

“We must place on record our appreciation to Keith Chapman, not just for the honesty he has shown in this situation, but for stepping back in at King’s Lynn to enable them to continue racing this season.

“Keith wants the club to continue and to thrive in the future, and the sport will stand behind him as he aims to achieve that.

“It’s a short pause to their season involving the postponement of one meeting, which has already been re-arranged, and we support Keith and look forward to the club resuming their season later this month.

“We all want King’s Lynn to survive in the Sports Insure Premiership and to be able to go again in 2024.”