Speedway final no longer being held in Ipswich
The club say they can't guarantee the Foxhall track will be ready after heavy rain.
Last updated 25th Sep 2020
The British Speedway Final, that was due to take place in Ipswich tomorrow evening (Saturday 26 September 2020) is now taking place on Monday night in Manchester.
Speedway bosses have made the decision after Ipswich Witches promoter Chris Louis said he couldn't guarantee the track would be ready following heavy rain for the last few days.
It brings an end to constant changes being made to the night itself, that was originally due to see 2,200 spectators at the Foxhall Stadium.
That got taken down to 1,000 after the government tightened restrictions and it was then decided to host the event behind closed doors after central government paused plans to let fans back altogether.
Fans can still watch the event thanks to a live stream.
British Speedway Promoters Ltd vice chairman Damien Bates said: “It’s extremely disappointing for Chris and Ipswich as a club to miss out on the meeting, it’s been a stressful and time-consuming exercise for him to put this on.
“As a board we are all agreed on putting this event on. Everything that has been against us will be overcome. We are taking a financial risk with no fans and we wanted to give the meeting the very best chance to go ahead. We thank Belle Vue for their co-operation and support.”
Chris Louis added: “Everything has been against us and the weather was the final nail. It’s a showpiece event with an online audience and we want it to be spot on.
“By moving to Belle Vue on Monday with a good weather forecast this gives us that opportunity. It’s a great disappointment for Ipswich Speedway but we are right behind the event and want it to be a big success in these testing times.”
All supporters who were going to attend on Saturday 26th September will be contacted about a refund in the coming days.
Tickets for the live stream can be purchased on the Ipswich Witches' website.