CHAIRMAN of the British Speedway Promoters Association Keith Chapman has said he is optimistic a deal can be reached to secure the future of the Coventry Bees speedway team.
His comments come amid doubt of the future of the Bees following a long running dispute between current Coventry Stadium owners Brandon Estates Ltd, CoventryStox and Mick Horton.
Although in July last year it was announced the Bees short-term future was secure, fans were concerned to learn assets of the stadium had been removed by CoventryStox – including shale, wiring and seats in the main grandstand, leaving the track in an unusable state.
A deadline has now been set for Bees owner Mick Horton to confirm the stadium will be in a usable condition by time tapes are due to rise on the new SGB Premiership season, which starts on April 1.
Should it be the case Bees will not have a facility to race in, the BSPA – who are holding a meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) to discuss matters – would be forced to look at alternatives with how to support the club.
Despite remaining upbeat about the situation, Mr Chapman did say he’s very concerned.
He added: “I hope a deal can be reached by Friday.
“We seem to be moving forward but we’ve moved our deadlines on two occasions and just moved it again to this Friday – we need an answer by then else we will have to look at alternatives.
“We have to draw a line at some point for the riders, the sport and supporters.
“We are optimistic and hope we’ve done the right thing by letting it go on this long so an agreement can be reached.”
This isn’t the first time Bees fans have been unsure regarding the participation of their team during off-season.
Following the club’s Elite League title win in 2010, the Bees were locked in talks with the BSPA over their participation in the 2011 Elite League.
Many fans of the Bees have voiced their frustration across social media during this off-season, but Chapman said stating the Bees will not run this season is his last option – and he doesn’t want the situation to reach that stage.
He added: “A delayed start to the season is an option, or they could run their first meetings somewhere else – we’d be willing to agree to that.
“It’s a sad state of affairs when you think of the history behind a club which is so famous.”
