THE OWNERS of Coventry Stadium have declined to respond to questions after allegations were made that they helped to fund Bees’ possible move to Leicester.
We asked Brandon Estates three questions after Bees owner Mick Horton revealed plans to run National League speedway at Leicester’s Beaumont Park under Bees’ name next season.
The move – if approved by the BSPA – would see Coventry race in the lowest tier of British Speedway, 25miles away from their traditional Coventry Stadium home.
Fans reacted negatively to Mr Horton’s plan. Our poll earlier this week revealed 80 per cent of supporters would not travel to support Bees if they raced in the National League at Leicester.
Mr Horton has denied accusations that he accepted funding from Brandon Estates in an interview with the Speedway Star this week.
But when we asked Brandon Estates to comment on the matter, they declined to comment – and continued to do so throughout this week.
The questions we asked are below:
1. Has Brandon Estates funded money to Coventry Bees, or Mick Horton, to allow them to trackshare and race at Leicester next season? And if so how much? We’ve been told by a source making this claim it’s in the region of £50,000.
2. Are Brandon Estates prepared to support the long-term future of Bees? Including the search for a new permanent home in the city of Coventry or borough of Rugby while Brandon Stadium remains closed?
3.What are Brandon Estates’ plans for the stadium in 2018?
Speaking to the Speedway Star, Mr Horton said: “I have had no correspondence with Brandon Estates, and their sponsorship related to our involvement in the Elite League (Premiership) which did not materialise.
“Hence the only affordable option for me as owner of the club Is National League racing. Running costs in the National League are vastly reduced and affordable.”
Mr Horton also confirmed all Coventry Bees riders – including star racer Chris Harris – are for sale in an attempt to raise funds to help run the club.
Former Bees rider Chris Harris.
