Birmingham Brummies’ owners David and Peter Mason have bid an emotional farewell to the Perry Barr-based club.
With no firm offers on the table, as the Gazette went to press, uncertainty surrounds the future of the club and if no buyer is found fears have been expressed that it could be the end of the road for the speedway sport in Birmingham after a long and proud history.
They made a stunning comeback in 2007 after a long fight for the sport to return to the city following the loss of the former stadium at the current One Stop site and the collapse of racing at Bordesley Green in the mid 80s.
David Mason, a former rider, said: “It’s been so tough for us this year and we are deeply saddened that the situation has come to this where it looks like the chequered flag will fall for the last time on racing in Birmingham.
“We have given our all and at times my father has been badly affected with his health because of the stress we have been under this season with everything that has been thrown at us.
“Naturally this will be delayed if the team can pull off the comeback of all comebacks and I really hope they can, but there’s also a sense of reality in our preparation.
“With no firm offer on the table to take on the club, this is a very sad situation.”
Birmingham Brummies’ favourite, James Shanes, said he is hoping to stay at the club next season should new owners be found.
He said: “I want to thank Peter and David for all the hard work they’ve put into running Birmingham Speedway,”
“It’s been a tough year for every club, but particularly Birmingham and I know how it’s had an impact on the owners.
“They’ve always been good to me, anything I’ve ever needed they’ve been there and I want to thank them for what they’ve done here.
“Now I hope there is interest and new owners can come and take over the club. It’s a fantastic race track when conditions are right, we’ve proved that time and again this season and it would be dreadful for the sport if it were to be lost.
“The fans are loyal and stick behind us through thick and thin and it’s a great night out. Now we need to see someone take it on and keep the enthusiasm we all have for the club.”
Written by Craig Winyard.