2020 Season delayed further

This morning we received news that the British Speedway Season has been delayed further, with no speedway likely to take place until at least the 15th June. The British Speedway Promoters Ltd (formerly British Speedway Promoters Association) made an announcement this morning via the British Speedway Official Website and their social media platforms, informing everybody of the decision.

In their official statement, they told us “With the latest information from the government stating high risk groups of people should stay at home for 12 weeks, it is unlikely that there will be any British Speedway events taking place before June 15, at least. The board have to consider the public, their members, riders and officials, some of which will be included in the high risk group.”

They added, “It is the wish of the Board that every effort is made to start the season at the first available opportunity and we have members of the association continuing to provide alternative fixture dates as the situation evolves.”

Promoter Jitendra Duffill offers his thoughts on the current situation in view of this mornings update;

“The current situation caused by the Coronavirus crisis is obviously disappointing and upsetting for everybody. The news we received this morning did not come as a surprise as it just isn’t logical, fair or sensible to consider starting our season any time soon. People at high-risk will remain in isolation for some time and the NHS is under immense pressure, which will only worsen. Injuries that could occur because of speedway would only add to those pressures and put the public and our riders at increased risk.

Right now, we all have a duty to act responsibly and adhere strictly to government advice, which includes staying at home and social distancing. I’m still hearing stories of people ignoring this as it baffles me how people can act so selfishly. This is a very serious situation and each and every one of us has a duty to protect the vulnerable people in our society. That’s what this is about now.

I watched a rant from Piers Morgan a couple of days ago urging people to stay at home and how easy it is to do that compared to what our ancestors were asked to do during the war. He made an extremely valid point and if we all do what we are asked to do, fewer people will be devastated by this disease, it will pass quicker and we can all get back to living a normal life again.

In the mean time, I’d like to reiterate that we remain dedicated to getting this season underway as soon as we can and I know our aim is shared by every promoter across the UK. We will obviously see a change to the league structure and fixture schedule, as it will be impossible to run as many fixtures as we had planned now, but I know that this is being reviewed constantly so that we are ready to go as soon as we get the green light.

We completely understand everyone’s frustrations and our thoughts and best wishes are with those who are badly affected by the current situation. We also sympathise with riders who are also finding this situation extremely difficult.

I’d like to apologise again to our supporters and sponsors; we thank you all for your support. I’ve had several messages from fans and sponsors, offering their support, sympathy and understanding and I can’t begin to express how much that means to us. Jade, Jamie and I, the promotion, would love to repay your faith in us at the first opportunity and we feel extremely lucky to be part of such a wonderful club.

Please stay safe and offer help to those who need it. We will keep you all updated and remain confident that we will still come to the tapes in 2020.”