Plymouth speedway granted a place in the Championship
PLYMOUTH Gladiators promoter Mark Phillips has vowed to bring ‘international superstars’ to the St Boniface Arena after the club’s application to join speedway’s second-tier Championship was accepted by the British Speedway Promoters’ Association, writes Stuart James.
The Gladiators have had ambitions to move up from the National League for some time and applied for promotion two years ago, but it was rejected by the BSPA with recommendations made from the authorities fro improvement.
Since then, the club have invested heavily in their infrastructure with things like the construction of a new grandstand on the start/finish straight.
The coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe has seen two speedway clubs – Somerset Rebels and Swindon Robins – opt not to ride in 2021, which further helped the Gladiators in their quest to join the second tier.
Now their application has been granted, Phillips is expected to announce several impressive new signings showing that the club are not there to simply make up the numbers.
“We have currently been running in the third division but now, we can come up to the second division and bring in international talent,” a delighted Phillips said.
“Behind the scenes, we have been talking to some international superstars of the sport and bring them to the Ocean city and, hopefully, when the signatures are in, we can start announcing them as early as this week.
“We have brought exciting racing to Plymouth speedway, but now, it is time to go up to the next level with international superstars. This is top quality racing.
“We have an awesome race track here at Plymouth. It is small, it is technical and you are close to the action. It has proved brilliant racing in the past, but now, we are bringing professional racers to it.”
The 2020 season was a complete write-off for speedway, due to the pandemic, although speedway fans did see some racing at the Coliseum with two events held at their ground at Coypool Road, near march Mills roundabout.
Plymouth speedway have ridden in the second tier before, but have always struggled to meet the financial costs involved, which is why Phillips is calling on speedway fans across the region to show their support and backing.
“Last year, we managed to put on two great meetings, within the Covid restrictions and social distancing,” he added. “Everything worked perfectly so now, we have upped the game and are coming to the tapes in May.
“Covid-dependent, Plymouth speedway will be bringing the best motor racing experience you can see in the South West.”