Coventry Bees Speedway - Brandon Stadium

So we'll have the Wasps replacing the Bees then!

For those on "Facebook", there is apparently a "Save Coventry Speedway" campaign group - the link is here (I hope the link works as I am not on "Facebook")

Report in Coventry Telegraph

Surely all that are interested in any sport that takes place at Brandon Stadium will be at the Meeting on Saturday or at least will sign the petition that is on-going on Face book (Save Coventry Speedway) it is strength in numbers so we can put up a good argument why they shouldn't grant permission for making it a housing estate. The locals don't want it and I am sure the local facilities can't support it , so let's put a good strong case to them that a housing estate is not wanted.

I hope not but maybe wasps and bees can live together - who knows.

The link does work so anyone that has any interest in stopping this planning permission being bulldozed through should get on it and air their views.

Remembering a true speedway legend, Simon Wigg, on what would have been his 54th birthday. Only a Bee for one season - 1993 - but fondly remembered

Although I was never a speedway fan I amongst many others would regret the passing of Coventry Speedway. Sign the petition by all means but I fancy that it will be ignored as most petitions are. Where money rules public opinion is as nothing. Last time I was at the speedway was to see Cavalcade of Speed in the 60s when a friend, Alf Howes, was a competitor in the stock car race. Or was it when I went to see the Harlem Globetrotters v The Texas Cowboys? Can't remember which was the last. Norman

Here is the Planning Portfolio

Having been a Speedway fan since the 60s, it saddens me to see what is happening, because it will happen, Brandon stadium will go and it will be built on (Blackbird Road Leicester springs to mind). BUT has a feasability study been completed as to sharing the ground with Wasps and CCFC? It works at The Millenium Stadium although they do not use it every week. Just a thought, probably useless

Speedway would not really be feasible at the Ricoh. To stage the British Grand Prix at Cardiff they have to construct the track on a sort of platform over the pitch, at great expense, and it is only possible because it attracts a huge crowd and lots of TV revenue once a year. A permanent track in this sort of stadium would be impossible, there is just no room. Historically there have been many examples of venues where speedway is shared with football on a permanent basis but they involve plenty of room around the pitch. Ones I can remember visiting are The Shay (Halifax) and Somerton Park (Newport). The only one currently doing so is Shielfield Park, the home of Berwick Rangers. Wembley did stage the World Final for many years and also league speedway, but the sides of the pitch had to be removed to construct the straights. It would be a tragedy if Brandon ceased to exist as a speedway venue, given its history and heritage. I would hope that a new site could be found but I have serious doubts. The possibility of track-sharing at somewhere like Leicester, or even oblivion, is looming on the horizon.

Link to Coventry Telegraph report on Saurday's meeting

There are, I believe, restrictions on the use of Beaumont Park, so ground share with the old enemy from along the M69 is unlikely

Hi, Midland Red, lost touch of Brandon over the years, but now I read your comments, I have an insurance note for Coventry Speedway trial I did, dated 1950, would it be of any interest to anyone if I tried to show it on here?

I am not a great speedway supporter but I would hate to lose the sport from this city, however if the proposed development at Brandon does go ahead an alternative venue is needed. My ideal location would be at the Royal Showground or NAC at Stoneleigh. •   Good road network •   Plenty of parking •   Utilities in place •   Hotel on site •   No nearby housing This site is ideal and could host other actives eg. greyhounds, show jumping etc. The now defunct Grand Ring would make into the track and the site is in much need of development. This would be very similar to the East of England showground which I believe Peterborough use very successfully. Perhaps my ideas could be passed on to anyone who has more interest in the sport than I do and who knows what could come of it.