Northampton Foxes issue apology as 'unfit' track causes last-minute postponement

The Foxes were due to take on King's Lynn Stars in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership at the Northampton Shaleway, but the match was called off minutes after the scheduled start time of 7.30pm.

The track was deemed 'unfit' for racing.

A stock car meeting had been held in Brafield last weekend, and although everything possible was done to get the surface in order for speedway racing, it was decided the track was not ‘suitable’ for competition.

A club statement read: "Northampton Speedway wish to sincerely apologise to all supporters for the postponement of Thursday’s final league fixture of the season against King’s Lynn.

"There was a unanimous decision between the two team captains, team managers and SCB Referee Christina Turnbull that the meeting could not go ahead due to track conditions at the Shaleway.

"The match was due to take place in the week between two major stock car events at the venue, and track staff had worked hard over recent days to provide suitable conditions.

"The club staged their mandatory development event during the early afternoon, a behind closed doors session won by Ben Whalley, and it appeared conditions would be suitable for the evening.

"However, after inspection from the riders further work was called to blade the track, and the eventual decision was taken shortly after the scheduled start time."

The postponement was the last thing the Foxes wanted at the end of what has been an encouraging first season in the sport after the club was formed in the spring.

And co-promoter Hunsdon was quick to apologise to all concerned, and pledged to 'make it up' to all the supporters who travelled to Brafield.

“This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my short tenure as a speedway promoter, but the track has been deemed unfit," said Hundson.

“There was a stock car meeting last weekend, but we honestly thought it was going to be okay. We did some testing on it earlier, but during the evening it deteriorated.

“After trying to do some remedial work to put it right, we are dreadfully sorry to have to postpone the meeting, which is horrendous for everyone.

“We will make this up to the supporters, and I can only apologise from the bottom of my heart from everyone at Northampton Speedway that we’ve had to make this decision.

“Myself and Tony (Gaul) are absolutely devastated by this, and we are so sorry to our loyal public and anyone else who travelled a distance to be here.

“We appreciate the cost of fuel is expensive, people have turned up to watch a speedway meeting and we weren’t able to give them one.

“Everyone has worked so hard during the day, and everyone has worked so hard to make this venture a success.

"We’ve had such good times throughout the season and for this to happen now, I’m so sorry for all our fans and everyone at the club.”

Supporters who attended have been told to retain their tickets for the re-staging of the meeting, on a date yet to be confirmed, even though the regular season has now been concluded.

Neither King's Lynn or the Foxes have qualified for the end of season play-offs though, and the club said that information would 'be communicated in due course'.