Message from the chairman
BRITISH Speedway can feel great pride today in the success of staging a 2020 British Final.
The amount of hard work which went into ensuring the meeting went ahead cannot be underestimated and went far above and beyond the norm. These are not normal times, of course.
I wish to place on record my sincere appreciation to each and every rider who accepted the opportunity to take their place in this prestigious event. You are all winners, regardless of the final result, there are no losers in this.
Naturally I must particularly congratulate Rory Schlein, a loyal servant to British racing down a career spanning 20 years, on his title win.
My appreciation to both Chris Louis at Ipswich and Adrian Smith at Belle Vue for accommodating the late switch to Manchester when the Suffolk weather scuppered our plans for Foxhall on Saturday. Thank you to all the staff involved with both clubs, this will never be forgotten, trust me.
This was an historic occasion as, sadly, spectators were not permitted. I have firm views on this matter because it frustrates me to see hundreds of fans attending non-league football with no problems – it doesn’t offer any logic, but I must stress that is a personal view and not necessarily that of British Speedway Promoters Ltd.I must add that we are once again in constructive dialogue with government representatives and feel confident the 2021 season can relaunch our sport and be delivered on time. These discussions will continue.
I was delighted with the success of the live streaming with thanks to Pete Ballinger, Adrian Rapps, Dan Proud and their team at Sport Central for all their hard work.
I’m delighted to confirm the streaming numbers more than covered the cost of the event which is a wonderful achievement. Thank you to everyone who ordered and watched.
We have achieved something great during a pandemic. We have staged the British Final. Everyone should look upon that as a huge positive.
There are challenges ahead before we go racing next spring. We are here to meet those challenges head on with a burning desire and passion for the success of our wonderful sport.
Wishing you well.
Yours in speedway – Rob Godfrey, Chairman, British Speedway Promoters Ltd.
