Post by admin on Aug 13, 2015 8:14:26 GMT
Does speedway have a future in the UK? (full article bbc/motorsport 12/8/15)
The East of England is host to a number of speedway teams. Peterborough Panthers have pedigree at the top level, having won the Elite League in 2006, but even they were not immune to financial difficulty.
In November 2013, the club was put up for sale, whereupon former owner Mick Horton took on a two-year lease.
Horton left the club after one season, but the Panthers were saved by north-east businessman Ged Rathbone and co-promoter Trevor Swales. The duo managed to raise the £40,000 target required on the last day of an extension offered by the British Speedway Promoters Association.
And, with the 2015 Premier League speedway season in full swing, the Panthers are enjoying success both on the track and in the stands.
"We've connected massively with the supporters this year, and that goes with this season's attendances, which are up," said Rathbone. "I think fan-wise we're one of the better clubs.
"Speedway has to reunite with supporters - money is short out there and we have to give them a product that is value for money."
However, Rathbone also highlighted the need for improved promotion, saying: "I don't see advertising for speedway. There should be a nationwide advertising campaign. Speedway has to pull together and work as a unit so we can attract people to the sport."
Rathbone's comments highlight the many challenges that face Peterborough, Ipswich and a number of other domestic speedway clubs. But, while the priority is to attract new fans to the sport, those already smitten must not be forgotten about.
The East of England is host to a number of speedway teams. Peterborough Panthers have pedigree at the top level, having won the Elite League in 2006, but even they were not immune to financial difficulty.
In November 2013, the club was put up for sale, whereupon former owner Mick Horton took on a two-year lease.
Horton left the club after one season, but the Panthers were saved by north-east businessman Ged Rathbone and co-promoter Trevor Swales. The duo managed to raise the £40,000 target required on the last day of an extension offered by the British Speedway Promoters Association.
And, with the 2015 Premier League speedway season in full swing, the Panthers are enjoying success both on the track and in the stands.
"We've connected massively with the supporters this year, and that goes with this season's attendances, which are up," said Rathbone. "I think fan-wise we're one of the better clubs.
"Speedway has to reunite with supporters - money is short out there and we have to give them a product that is value for money."
However, Rathbone also highlighted the need for improved promotion, saying: "I don't see advertising for speedway. There should be a nationwide advertising campaign. Speedway has to pull together and work as a unit so we can attract people to the sport."
Rathbone's comments highlight the many challenges that face Peterborough, Ipswich and a number of other domestic speedway clubs. But, while the priority is to attract new fans to the sport, those already smitten must not be forgotten about.
